Love Divided by Vanessa St Clair

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Piccadilly Press, 2008
When I first started this I thought it was going to be a girly, gossipy, teenage 'Bridget Jones' read - rather in the vein of sub-Cathy Hopins/Louise Rennison- a frothy read for young teens. I was initially a bit taken aback by the over use of the word 'crap' and 'crappy' as well as 'piss' and 'pissed off' . However it soon develops into the story of a summer romance - a first great love for both 16 year old protagonist Lucy and 18 year old Mally, whose Bangladeshi family place increasing pressure on their son to succeed in his application for Cambridge. Can their love survive across the religious and social barriers they face? The intense feelings experienced by teenagers - with the pressure of exams in the background, is skilfully portrayed, and, in the tradition of all great love stories, the couple are ultimately separated but with memories of a summer of love and a very special relationship that will stay with both of them for ever.. Part of a series of 'Love Stories' published by Piccaddilly Press.
Laura Taylor

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