1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Durrant is a refreshing new voice in YA fiction..., April 3, 2007
This review is from: Cross Your Heart, Connie Pickles (Hardcover)
Fourteen-year-old Constance de Bellechasse (aka Connie Pickles) has never actually had it easy. But lately, even she can admit that her life seems to be spiraling out of control, and there's absolutely nothing she can do to stop it. Her mother, for instance, refuses to make goo-goo eyes at the right men, preferring to fall for every pauper and hairy beast she encounters, as opposed to the suave, sophisticated individuals she has handpicked with her best friend, Julie. Julie, on the other hand, has begun developing at a rapid pace, and while she has started gallivanting around town with older boys, receiving first kisses, and more, Connie feels as if she's stuck in last place, looking awkward, and feeling as if she has no one to turn to. Then there's William. Connie has been friends with him for years, but suddenly he has begun acting just plain awkward towards her. Not only does he become shy when discussing standard topics, but he looks at her in a different way. A way that makes Connie wonder if he's looking for something more than just friendship. Then there's Delilah...Delilah's parents want to believe that she's a good girl, but Connie knows the truth. She may be sweet, but Delilah is a voracious drinker who seems to kiss every guy she meets, and has a penchant for dancing on top of tables. The only thing, in fact, that seems to be normal in Connie's life appears to be the diary she has begun keeping, to write down all of her thoughts, fears, frustrations, and aggravations. It is only through this secret journal that no one but her knows about that Connie can let the true her shine through. From riotous laughs, to misery, and drama galore. It is only through this diary that Connie is able to find some semblance of normalcy, and make it through the years titled "the best years of our lives."
From the very first paragraph in CROSS YOUR HEART, CONNIE PICKLES, I felt a connection with the voice of Connie. While many YA characters seem to throw themselves in your face with their crazy antics from page one, Connie is a much more subtle, laid-back character, whose interests in reading, and writing, take precedence over partying, and going to shows every night. Sabine Durrant has done a marvelous job in penning a novel that brings a pure, wholesome voice to life, yet still managing to make her appealing. Connie is like a British version of Meg Cabot's Mia Thermopolis (of THE PRINCESS DIARIES), only less boy-crazy, and more concerned about her close friends. While Durrant touches upon various hard-hitting situations, such as seeing a parent begin dating, money struggles, sex, underage drinking, war, and first crushes; she also sprinkles the tale with happy moments, such as spending time with your family, close friendships, and a love for French culture. Durrant is a refreshing new voice in YA fiction, whose comprehensive ideas will take her (and Connie) far.
Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer
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