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It's a good story – I was very keen to keep turning the pages to find out how things would work out and how the mysteries of Roxy and Maddie's lives would unravel. There's a great sense of place too – I swear I could smell the herb fields in Corfu and feel the night-time cold in Kashmir. Nope – I'm not going to explain how that comes into the story. I wasn't too keen on Roxy, but she's a sassy, feisty young woman and she might well be your glass of Retsina.
And that brings me to my doubts about this book. I know Roxy only tried the Retsina but she would have drunk it if she's liked it. Alcohol and pregnancy shouldn't mix, even in fiction and particularly not in teen fiction. The attitude to sex is casual too and I'd have liked a little more emphasis on the consequences. Finally (yes – I know I'm going on a bit) the end does not justify the means – and the heart-warming ending there's a marriage there which is based on something which is wrongsome untruths - and that's not ideal.
There's a cautious recommendation for the older teenager who already has the moral perspective under her belt and can see what not as it should be. For the younger or more impressionable I think I'd wait a while – it's not a story which will seem dated for the sake of waiting for the moment.
Firstly, a general comment: as a reviewer I try to give a flavour of the book so that people can make a judgement about whether or not it would appeal to them. With books for children and young adults I try to give a hint of the issues covered. I try ''not'' to say so much about the plot that buying the book is superfluous. That doesn't do you or us any good.
Next - I really ''don't'' think in terms of moral degeneration. And - if you look at my review - you'll see that I never commented on Roxy keeping the baby. In fact I deliberately avoided mentioning whether or not she kept the baby as I thought that this might take something away from the book, take away a little of the suspense, if you like. I agree that she has strong motherly instincts and I think she'd make a great motherparent. My comment about the ending being based on something which is wrong refers to the circumstances in which a wedding was able to be brought about. Once again and I'm trying not ve altered my review to give too much of the plot awaymake this rather clearer.
I don't think that the subject of teen pregnancy is a bad subject for YA books - in fact I believe that the more informed people are, the better decisions they will make. I do believe strongly that alcohol and pregnancy should never mix. That's not a moral judgement though. My comment about casual sex ''is'' a moral judgement - I accept that - and it's based on the fact that I prefer teenagers to believe that sex is part of a loving and lasting relationship. I believe there's less pressure on young people in those circumstances.
Sue
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