The First Day of Spring Book Review

21 December 2021

Oh, my greatness, this book is so sad, I simply could not drag myself away. This moving tale features an eight-year-old girl who is desperate for love and attention. Living in a small, poor, community the child acts out to gain attention. She is misunderstood by the people around her. No one sees what is happening, what this child endures or how she is suffering. My heart was left broken by this book.

Nancy Tucker writes a dark, disturbing tale focussing on a child who would settle for negative attention rather than no attention at all. She created a character who is perceived as “a bad seed” and leaves you heartbroken for this sad little girl. The author manages to turn the bad apple into the apple of your eye by the time you reach the last page. Telling the story from Chrissie (an eight-year-old) and Julia’s (a twenty-five-year-old) perspective you are allowed to bond with both these characters.  This is a difficult, harsh read that moves you with every heart-breaking detail that is revealed. This is Nancy Tucker’s first work of fiction, and I am hooked. I cannot wait to see what she brings our way next. Her writing is subtly powerful and draws you deep into her story leaving you racing through the pages without even noticing it.

Chrissie is hungry all the time. Her mum does not seem to notice, and the kitchen cupboards are always empty. Chrissie knows no one likes her. But she is strong, and she has found a way to feel important. She has a secret that makes her feel in control. No one will forget her. She finally feels like she has some power. When her secret is revealed, Chrissie is taken away – which is probably the best thing that ever happened to her. Until she is eighteen, then she is set free into the world again. Now she has her freedom, but she is alone and frightened. Until Molly is born. Molly likes her and needs her; this leaves her feeling important. How can she keep Molly from becoming like her? How can she possibly be good enough for this precious little girl? Can she ever forgive herself for the hurt she has inflicted on others, the damage she has done? Is it possible to look after herself and Molly and finally put her past behind her?

The First Day of Spring crawled in under my skin and left me eager to race from page to page. This character broke my heart. She is a horrible little girl, yet I fell in love with her and found myself wanting to reach out and hug her. The author did a marvellous job showing why judging a child on their behaviour is not always a good idea. She highlighted the importance of looking at underlying issues when dealing with young children.

Chrissie is a strong, determined little girl who won’t allow anyone to feel sorry for her. She has strong beliefs, and she stands by them, not allowing anyone to change her mind. She is the class bully, and everyone knows if something goes wrong, Chrissie is guaranteed to be close by. No one knows that Chrissie is hungry and emotionally neglected. No one knows that Chrissie never gets touched and never receives any affection from her mother who doesn’t really want her. Chrissie keeps these things secret; she will never allow anyone to speak badly of her mother. This damaged little girl has won a permanent place in my heart, and I will look at annoying kids in my neighbourhood slightly differently after meeting this character.

I loved every second I spent reading this book and highly recommend that add this heart-breaking tale to your TBR.

Mystery and thriller fans can expect a treat with this unusual villain who is guaranteed to steal your heart. As the author sets you free in this troubled young girl’s mind, you will be left with a smile, a tear and perhaps a little anger as well. This is a fantastic read that will not leave you disappointed – the paperback is due for release in February – make sure you get a copy.