Hello, Cruel Heart

Written by Maureen Johnson

Narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden

An electric new story of teenage Cruella de Vil in an original novel inspired by the upcoming Walt Disney Studios Live Action Film, Cruella.Swinging London, Summer 1967. Sixteen-year-old Estella, gifted with talent, ingenuity, and ambition, dreams of becoming a renowned fashion designer. But life seems intent on making sure her dreams never come true. Having arrived in London as a young girl, Estella now runs wild through the city streets with Jasper and Horace, amateur thieves who double as Estella's makeshift family and partners-in-(petty)-crime. How can Estella dedicate herself to joining the ranks of the London design elite when she's sewing endless costumes and disguises for the trio's heists?When a chance encounter with Magda and Richard Moresby-Plum, two young scions of high society, vaults Estella into the world of the rich and famous, she begins to wonder whether she might be destined for more after all. Suddenly, Estella's days are filled with glamorous parties, exclusive eateries, flirtations with an up-and-coming rock star, and, of course, the most cutting-edge fashions money can buy. But what is the true cost of keeping up with the fast crowd-and is it a price Estella is willing to pay?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Apr 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9781368077088

Maureen Johnson

Maureen Johnson is the bestselling author of several novels, including 13 Little Blue Envelopes, the Truly Devious series, the Suite Scarlett series, and the Shades of London series. She has also written collaborative works such as Let It Snow with John Green and Lauren Myracle and the Bane Chronicles with Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan. Maureen lives in New York and online on Twitter @maureenjohnson or at maureenjohnsonbooks.com. 

Reviews for Hello, Cruel Heart

[sennebec · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This has the quirk I have come to associate with Maureen's books and that's a very good thing. Estrella lost her mother under very strange circumstances, leaving her to fend for herself on the streets of London. She has an amazing talent, that of a creative seamstress, and a lesser talent as a thief. These two land her with two homeless boys who take her under their wing, forming a truly odd family. When she encounters two rich teens, she throws her lot in with them, but when crunch time comes, she has to decide where her true loyalty lies, watching her move through London and learn what's makes for a quick and satisfying read.

[fionaanne · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Cute story, great pacing, decent sense of place if slightly lacking in Britishisms.

[reader1009-863136 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

middlegrade/teen fiction - street orphan, shoplifter/pickpocket, skilled fashion designer Estella becomes Cruella.

2-1/2 stars. A quick, readable PG story, though I still don't really get the opening dalmatian scene (she likes other dogs, just not those from the breed that suddenly, inexplicably killed her mother) and red hair dye will absolutely NOT cover up black/white hair without bleaching the black first. But Cruella's origin is admittedly an odd thing to try to explain, especially if you have to work within Disney's restrictive guidelines, so this was perfectly fine and an easy, fun read. I was hoping for a little more fashion/sewing, but there were some neat creative details (a dress slapped-together from newspaper, another dress with clear pockets showcasing bean can labels) so I guess I'm satisfied.

[fromthecomfychair · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Light-hearted escapist reading, set in 1960s London. The origin story of Cruella DeVille, whose beginning is filled with trauma. How a formerly homeless orphan comes to live smartly by her wits, and with her design skills attracts the posh and soon to be famous. Then something happens...Nice use of historical references to music and places of the 1960s. Fun read for younger teens.