The First Day of Spring is an incredibly engrossing psychological novel. From the very first line… “I killed a little boy today.” It is told in a dual narrative, from the point of view of young Chrissie and adult Julia. How can a child so young be compelled to commit so heinous a crime?
This book is one of those that will haunt you. It’s a book that treats Chrissie with compassion and sensitivity, but it also doesn’t shy away from the unpleasant parts of her. The conflict between these two sides makes for an odd experience for the reader, but one that is gripping. It is so intense a read at times that it’s almost hard to breathe. It really is an incredibly complex novel as it tells the story of the unthinkable… a child that just may be irredeemable. It is also very thought-provoking, especially in the idea of nature versus nurture.
It takes a very gritty look at child neglect, emotional and physical abuse, and the trauma resulting from these. And with all of this is the story of redemption, of finding a way to a new life. It is very dark, but still somehow beautiful. And it reminds me very much of the true story of Mary Bell.