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Hello, Cruel Heart
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?
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?
328 pages, Hardcover
First published April 6, 2021
64 people are currently reading
2495 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews
May 26, 2021
Once upon a time Cruella deVil was not a villanelle! She was just 16 years old orphan girl who tries to survive by stealing things at Swinging London in sixties! And her name is Estella who has been taught the crafts of being a skillful thief by her two accomplices Horace and Jasper who also share their squatters abode with her.
She’s truly passionate about fashion and she has real talent and quite exquisite taste about it. When her path crosses with two rich twins Magda and Richard, she’s directly introduced to posh,privileged life style of London socialite. She gets attracted of charming musician Peter who also gets fascinated by her talents about fashion and made his band wear the clothes she’s designed!
Everything seems going great with her life and she has hopes about her blooming fashion career, she’s happy to hang out with hipsters, discarding Horace and Jasper from her life but are new friends are right for her?
As a fan of Truly Devious series I was truly hopeful about this story and it was great to get an arc copy at the same day the trailer of the movie goes viral ! ( but as far as I see Emma Stone is nothing near to Ms. Johnson’s Estella portrait we can easily sympathize with! )
I enjoyed swinging London premise and I loved to see bright sides of Estella ( we already saw dark side Glen Close showed us on the big screen and we truly enjoyed it) the art, the fashion, entertainment, vivid description of London society were enjoyable and well described!
Only thing I didn’t like was haphazard ending with too many unanswered questions which made me think a sequel would come sooner. I hope it comes because I’d enjoy this easy to read and riveting, fast pacing, well developed journey! As a big fan of author’s writing style, I hope we may get more books of the series sooner. I think this is fresh, interesting, unique approach to one of the unconventional Disney villanelles!
I’m rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 a delightful back story of one of my favorite villanelles before she meets with 101 Dalmatians stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide/ Disney Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
She’s truly passionate about fashion and she has real talent and quite exquisite taste about it. When her path crosses with two rich twins Magda and Richard, she’s directly introduced to posh,privileged life style of London socialite. She gets attracted of charming musician Peter who also gets fascinated by her talents about fashion and made his band wear the clothes she’s designed!
Everything seems going great with her life and she has hopes about her blooming fashion career, she’s happy to hang out with hipsters, discarding Horace and Jasper from her life but are new friends are right for her?
As a fan of Truly Devious series I was truly hopeful about this story and it was great to get an arc copy at the same day the trailer of the movie goes viral ! ( but as far as I see Emma Stone is nothing near to Ms. Johnson’s Estella portrait we can easily sympathize with! )
I enjoyed swinging London premise and I loved to see bright sides of Estella ( we already saw dark side Glen Close showed us on the big screen and we truly enjoyed it) the art, the fashion, entertainment, vivid description of London society were enjoyable and well described!
Only thing I didn’t like was haphazard ending with too many unanswered questions which made me think a sequel would come sooner. I hope it comes because I’d enjoy this easy to read and riveting, fast pacing, well developed journey! As a big fan of author’s writing style, I hope we may get more books of the series sooner. I think this is fresh, interesting, unique approach to one of the unconventional Disney villanelles!
I’m rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 a delightful back story of one of my favorite villanelles before she meets with 101 Dalmatians stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide/ Disney Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
March 14, 2025
**3.5-stars**
Hello, Cruel Heart is a creative, proposed origin story for one of my favorite villains of all time, Cruella de Vil.
The timing for this release is perfect for Cruella fans, as a live-action Cruella film also released at the end of May, starring Emma Stone.
We all know, I just love when a villain gets her time to shine.
In this story, set in 1967-London, we follow a 16-year old, Estella, Cruella's true name, as she branches out for the first time and tries to find her place in the world.
Orphaned at a young age, Cruella moved herself, and her sweet dog, Buddy, to London, knowing not a soul in the world.
It's on that first day in the city that she meets Jasper and Horace. The three kids immediately bond while fleeing from the local police.
They're inseparable from that point forward, doing whatever they must to survive. They become family and rely on one another for everything.
In her quieter moments, Estella dreams of becoming a famous fashion designer. She spends a lot of her time sewing and creating. She's really good at it. She has an eye.
It is partly due to this special talent that she drifts onto the radar of wealthy twins, Magda and Richard, who sweep her into their world as a sort of pet project.
They're posh, sophisticated and live a carefree lifestyle that Estella can't even imagine.
She's blinded by the money and social circle, thinking she can use their friendship as a jumping off point for getting her name, and fashion designs, out in the world.
Before she knows it, it's all happening. Everything she ever dreamed of. She's dating a rock star, for goodness sake!
She's also keeping her alter-ego, Cruella, quietly subdued in the background of her mind.
Everything is going great, until it isn't.
I had fun with this story. It reads incredibly fast. I read it in about 4-hours. I enjoyed learning about Cruella's early life and gaining some insight into her motivations as a character. I see you, Cruella. I get it.
Although the story was quick, it did transport me. I was fully engulfed in the world while I was reading it.
With this being said, I did expect a bit more substance. I would have been here for even more detail and background. Especially coming from Maureen Johnson.
If you are a Cruella fan, a villain origin story fan, or even just a Disney fan, I would recommend checking this one out.
It is definitely a great way to get you in the mood for the upcoming movie. I know I will definitely be watching it.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Disney Books, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I appreciate it very much!
Hello, Cruel Heart is a creative, proposed origin story for one of my favorite villains of all time, Cruella de Vil.
The timing for this release is perfect for Cruella fans, as a live-action Cruella film also released at the end of May, starring Emma Stone.
We all know, I just love when a villain gets her time to shine.
In this story, set in 1967-London, we follow a 16-year old, Estella, Cruella's true name, as she branches out for the first time and tries to find her place in the world.
Orphaned at a young age, Cruella moved herself, and her sweet dog, Buddy, to London, knowing not a soul in the world.
It's on that first day in the city that she meets Jasper and Horace. The three kids immediately bond while fleeing from the local police.
They're inseparable from that point forward, doing whatever they must to survive. They become family and rely on one another for everything.
In her quieter moments, Estella dreams of becoming a famous fashion designer. She spends a lot of her time sewing and creating. She's really good at it. She has an eye.
It is partly due to this special talent that she drifts onto the radar of wealthy twins, Magda and Richard, who sweep her into their world as a sort of pet project.
They're posh, sophisticated and live a carefree lifestyle that Estella can't even imagine.
She's blinded by the money and social circle, thinking she can use their friendship as a jumping off point for getting her name, and fashion designs, out in the world.
Before she knows it, it's all happening. Everything she ever dreamed of. She's dating a rock star, for goodness sake!
She's also keeping her alter-ego, Cruella, quietly subdued in the background of her mind.
Everything is going great, until it isn't.
I had fun with this story. It reads incredibly fast. I read it in about 4-hours. I enjoyed learning about Cruella's early life and gaining some insight into her motivations as a character. I see you, Cruella. I get it.
Although the story was quick, it did transport me. I was fully engulfed in the world while I was reading it.
With this being said, I did expect a bit more substance. I would have been here for even more detail and background. Especially coming from Maureen Johnson.
If you are a Cruella fan, a villain origin story fan, or even just a Disney fan, I would recommend checking this one out.
It is definitely a great way to get you in the mood for the upcoming movie. I know I will definitely be watching it.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Disney Books, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I appreciate it very much!
March 25, 2021
An origin story for Cruella de Vil.
You get to see the soft side of Cruella (aka Estella) as a child/teenager, and the exact moment when betrayal changes her heart.
I loved it!
I am now even more excited for Disney's new Cruella movie!
Much love to NetGalley & Disney Publishing Worldwide for my DRC.
You get to see the soft side of Cruella (aka Estella) as a child/teenager, and the exact moment when betrayal changes her heart.
I loved it!
I am now even more excited for Disney's new Cruella movie!
Much love to NetGalley & Disney Publishing Worldwide for my DRC.
June 11, 2021
"Estella didn't cry. She hardened."
I think those lines from late in the story sum up the heart of this new teen novel by Maureen Johnson.
According to her website, Hello, Cruel Heart is "an original novel inspired by the upcoming Walt Disney Studios live action film Cruella." Since I'd recently seen the trailer for the movie (starring Emma Stone and opening May 28th) and enjoyed Johnson's "Truly Devious" mystery series, I thought I'd give this tale of a teenage Cruella de Vil a try. And who doesn't love a good origin story?
It's 1967, and 16-year-old Estella is living in swinging London. Her mother's been killed under mysterious circumstances, but Estella's not on her own. She's living in a bombed-out building with her two best friends, Horace and Jasper, and surviving by pickpocketing tourists. It's a rough life but Estella has dreams of changing her fortune and using her talent to become a fashion designer. She gets her shot when she meets a pair of uber-rich siblings who introduce her to the world of wealth and high society.
But she soon discovers her dream of being a part of that world carries a high price tag.
Hello, Cruel Heart is a story of friendship, ambition, romance, and betrayal. And it's a story of a kid with a cold, cut-throat "inner voice" helping her harden and survive a cruel world. I thought it was a fun, inventive origin story for a classic Disney villainess.
4 stars
-Katherine, Youth Services
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
I think those lines from late in the story sum up the heart of this new teen novel by Maureen Johnson.
According to her website, Hello, Cruel Heart is "an original novel inspired by the upcoming Walt Disney Studios live action film Cruella." Since I'd recently seen the trailer for the movie (starring Emma Stone and opening May 28th) and enjoyed Johnson's "Truly Devious" mystery series, I thought I'd give this tale of a teenage Cruella de Vil a try. And who doesn't love a good origin story?
It's 1967, and 16-year-old Estella is living in swinging London. Her mother's been killed under mysterious circumstances, but Estella's not on her own. She's living in a bombed-out building with her two best friends, Horace and Jasper, and surviving by pickpocketing tourists. It's a rough life but Estella has dreams of changing her fortune and using her talent to become a fashion designer. She gets her shot when she meets a pair of uber-rich siblings who introduce her to the world of wealth and high society.
But she soon discovers her dream of being a part of that world carries a high price tag.
Hello, Cruel Heart is a story of friendship, ambition, romance, and betrayal. And it's a story of a kid with a cold, cut-throat "inner voice" helping her harden and survive a cruel world. I thought it was a fun, inventive origin story for a classic Disney villainess.
4 stars
-Katherine, Youth Services
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
June 25, 2022
Review coming soon.
October 6, 2021
Cruella de Vil's back story? Sign me up. The book follows sixteen-year-old Estella in the summer of 1967 in London and how even as a street rat, she had a talent equaling top dressmakers. While she only stole to survive, she couldn't help but steal dress material to try some new designs on. She meets two wealthy siblings who take her under her wing, gets a chance at love and becomes sought after to make clothes for the affluent strata of London through the course of the book. While the story is pretty typical, it's well-written and is thus a fast read. I loved that they showed Estella and Cruella as alter-egos, and I think the line "Estella didn't cry. She hardened." says it all.
April 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this read!! I wasn’t sure I was going to because Cruella is one of my least favorite villains. As in, I just don’t even think of her. I love Mother Gothel, the evil sea witch, and Malificent the most I think, but Cruella is way down the list. So it’s crazy that I liked this so much!! I couldn’t help but adore Estella, for all her stealing, crazy, and brilliant self. She was strange, but oh so lovable and adaptable too. A great mimic really.
The plot was wonderful as well, with Estella growing into Cruella slowly and then kind of suddenly. You almost don’t see it coming, but of course, we all know what comes next. Estella is such a sympathetic character that you follow her in her journey so easily and it was so much fun. The fashion is especially fun to read about because you can picture the outfits so well!! And Estella’s… friends… if you want to call them that are also exceedingly entertaining. I could hardly put this down due to all the fabulous characters!!
I recommend this to those who are interested in how Cruella became the villain she is. This was a wild and interesting ride!!
The plot was wonderful as well, with Estella growing into Cruella slowly and then kind of suddenly. You almost don’t see it coming, but of course, we all know what comes next. Estella is such a sympathetic character that you follow her in her journey so easily and it was so much fun. The fashion is especially fun to read about because you can picture the outfits so well!! And Estella’s… friends… if you want to call them that are also exceedingly entertaining. I could hardly put this down due to all the fabulous characters!!
I recommend this to those who are interested in how Cruella became the villain she is. This was a wild and interesting ride!!
November 6, 2022
Cruella ist jung und sehr talentiert im Nähen und Designen von Mode und sehr arm. Nach dem Tod ihrer Mutter traf sie in London auf ihre diebischen Freunde Horace und Jasper. Die beiden haben Cruella bei sich in einem abbruchreifen Haus aufgenommen und zur Diebin ausgebildet. Durch Zufall lernt Cruella in einem Geschäft Magda und deren Bruder Richard kennen. Die beiden High Society Kids zeigen Cruella ein London, dessen Türen für sie bislang festverschlossen waren.
Wer den Film 'Cruella' mag, wird an diesem Buch seine Freude haben, denn er erzählt die Vorgeschichte von Cruella, in der sie das Leben der reichen Kinder kennen lernt, in dem Geld keine Rolle spielt und auch die Moral ganz anderen Regeln unterworfen ist. Mir haben die Einblicke in dieses unbesorgte und schnell gelangweilte Leben gut gefallen. Cruella lässt sich vom Glanz des Geldes und dessen Möglichkeiten blenden, doch wie lange kann sie dieses Spiel mitmachen? Es ist ein Buch über den Wert von Freundschaften, die Swinging Sixties, Mode und erster Liebe. Mir hat besonders der innere Kampf zwischen Estella und Cruella gefallen, der auch die sensible Seite von Cruella beleuchtet.
Ein besonderes Lob gebührt auch der Gestaltung des Covers. Es ist knallig und auf keinen Fall im Regal zu übersehen, es passt richtig gut zu der Geschichte und was ich besonders schätze, ist dass es sich wundervoll anfasst.
Mir hat das Buch sehr gut gefallen und ich kann es allen Cruella-Fans nur empfehlen.
Das buch wurde mir als Rezensionsexemplar zur Verfügung gestellt.
Wer den Film 'Cruella' mag, wird an diesem Buch seine Freude haben, denn er erzählt die Vorgeschichte von Cruella, in der sie das Leben der reichen Kinder kennen lernt, in dem Geld keine Rolle spielt und auch die Moral ganz anderen Regeln unterworfen ist. Mir haben die Einblicke in dieses unbesorgte und schnell gelangweilte Leben gut gefallen. Cruella lässt sich vom Glanz des Geldes und dessen Möglichkeiten blenden, doch wie lange kann sie dieses Spiel mitmachen? Es ist ein Buch über den Wert von Freundschaften, die Swinging Sixties, Mode und erster Liebe. Mir hat besonders der innere Kampf zwischen Estella und Cruella gefallen, der auch die sensible Seite von Cruella beleuchtet.
Ein besonderes Lob gebührt auch der Gestaltung des Covers. Es ist knallig und auf keinen Fall im Regal zu übersehen, es passt richtig gut zu der Geschichte und was ich besonders schätze, ist dass es sich wundervoll anfasst.
Mir hat das Buch sehr gut gefallen und ich kann es allen Cruella-Fans nur empfehlen.
Das buch wurde mir als Rezensionsexemplar zur Verfügung gestellt.
April 6, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, yes, I am super excited for the new movie 'Cruella' to come out. So it's really sad for me to say this.. but I was so disappointed and underwhelmed with Hello, Cruel Heart. I think the reason why was because I read two Cruella retelling books around one another. Which I probably should have dove into a completely different book in-between them. Maybe two different books.
I just couldn't stop comparing them to one another and it just made my experience with reading this a little less fun.
That being said, I liked Estella as a character but other than that.. she was kind of boring in this one. Again, I couldn't stop comparing no matter how hard I tried. It was interesting to see her being an orphan and finding her way through life but it just did nothing for me.
I am glad that I got the chance to dive into this but I'm just really disappointed in myself for not enjoying it. Maybe I will dive into this again but at the moment.. I think I need to take a breather from retellings for Disney characters.
This is definitely a 'it's not you but me' situation. Sorry.
Okay, yes, I am super excited for the new movie 'Cruella' to come out. So it's really sad for me to say this.. but I was so disappointed and underwhelmed with Hello, Cruel Heart. I think the reason why was because I read two Cruella retelling books around one another. Which I probably should have dove into a completely different book in-between them. Maybe two different books.
I just couldn't stop comparing them to one another and it just made my experience with reading this a little less fun.
That being said, I liked Estella as a character but other than that.. she was kind of boring in this one. Again, I couldn't stop comparing no matter how hard I tried. It was interesting to see her being an orphan and finding her way through life but it just did nothing for me.
I am glad that I got the chance to dive into this but I'm just really disappointed in myself for not enjoying it. Maybe I will dive into this again but at the moment.. I think I need to take a breather from retellings for Disney characters.
This is definitely a 'it's not you but me' situation. Sorry.
April 19, 2021
Hello, Cruel Heart was a really quick read about Estella also known as Cruella. It is set before the time we know her as a vilain who wants to kill Dalmatians for their fur (thinking about it, she probably is the vilain I hate the most because of that). But anyway, I'm glad that there was no animal abused in this story. Other than that, we saw Estella struggle a little bit as she finds out that the people she wants to be friends with might not be the best people. She'll learn some things and might end up wanting to let Cruella take over her personality but we don't really see it happening even by the end. We know it's coming but we don't see it.
Overall, this was a pretty quick read and I enjoyed it. It was my first Cruella retelling so I can't compare it to another book but while I would have liked a more complex plot perhaps, I was in the mood for a short book and I got it :).
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
Overall, this was a pretty quick read and I enjoyed it. It was my first Cruella retelling so I can't compare it to another book but while I would have liked a more complex plot perhaps, I was in the mood for a short book and I got it :).
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
March 6, 2021
I absolutely adored this! Cruella is one of my all-time favorites and I'm so glad she got her own origin story. I am surprised that this is the first novel that I have read by Maureen Johnson especially since she's been on my TBR list for the longest time and I was not disappointed. The joys of London are well described and the tone making the reader imagine themself in this lovely city. I especially loved the time period which demonstrates the start of colorful fashion and upbeat music after the war. In the end, you clearly understood Cruella's journey to villainy! This story was exactly what I needed it to be. Maureen Johnson clearly knows how to create Disney magic!
This story is making me so excited for the movie release!
This story is making me so excited for the movie release!
February 22, 2021
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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Full review will be posted on my blog on April 5th.
To call this a retelling of Cruella is a bit of a stretch if I’m being honest. This is fully a historical fiction novel, with the concept of Cruella as an afterthought. This is very clearly a setup to be directly connected with the new Cruella movie, which is fine. The pacing of the book was strange, and while I’ve often liked Johnson’s writing for being cut and dry, this missed the mark. None of the characters in this book are particularly likable. I really wanted to like this book. The cover alone was beautiful. However, I kept waiting for the story to reveal itself as the beginning of Cruella’s story. I never got that satisfaction. If this had been marketed as just historical fiction, about a girl who tries to make it in the ranks of the elite while balancing a life of crime- it would have a higher rating from me. Unfortunately, this story allowed itself to pretend to be one thing when it really was something entirely different. This is a huge pet peeve of mine and took away from my enjoyment.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Full review will be posted on my blog on April 5th.
To call this a retelling of Cruella is a bit of a stretch if I’m being honest. This is fully a historical fiction novel, with the concept of Cruella as an afterthought. This is very clearly a setup to be directly connected with the new Cruella movie, which is fine. The pacing of the book was strange, and while I’ve often liked Johnson’s writing for being cut and dry, this missed the mark. None of the characters in this book are particularly likable. I really wanted to like this book. The cover alone was beautiful. However, I kept waiting for the story to reveal itself as the beginning of Cruella’s story. I never got that satisfaction. If this had been marketed as just historical fiction, about a girl who tries to make it in the ranks of the elite while balancing a life of crime- it would have a higher rating from me. Unfortunately, this story allowed itself to pretend to be one thing when it really was something entirely different. This is a huge pet peeve of mine and took away from my enjoyment.
Want to read
July 15, 2021To anyone who hasn’t watched the movie (Cruella), what have you been doing with your time? IT’S AMAZING
April 15, 2021
At first, I was really into this. A Cruella YA novel with her backstory? That sounds awesome, right?
Turns out, the trailer for the movie (Walt Disney Studios Live-Action Film, Cruella) that inspired the book is more thrilling in a few minutes than the whole book. I'm sure I'll love the movie, it's like I can already tell I'll love it. The book however was too slow for me. I was hoping for more action or intrigue/drama I guess? I don't know there was just something missing that made it meh instead of amazing like the synopsis made it sound. I got bored and started reading other books when I was in the middle of this one and then finally got back to it. The way it ends means that if there's a next one, that one will be super interesting. Wish we got some of that in this one!
Disclaimer: I received this ebook free of charge from NetGalley. It was my choice to read and review.
Turns out, the trailer for the movie (Walt Disney Studios Live-Action Film, Cruella) that inspired the book is more thrilling in a few minutes than the whole book. I'm sure I'll love the movie, it's like I can already tell I'll love it. The book however was too slow for me. I was hoping for more action or intrigue/drama I guess? I don't know there was just something missing that made it meh instead of amazing like the synopsis made it sound. I got bored and started reading other books when I was in the middle of this one and then finally got back to it. The way it ends means that if there's a next one, that one will be super interesting. Wish we got some of that in this one!
Disclaimer: I received this ebook free of charge from NetGalley. It was my choice to read and review.
April 9, 2021
2.5 stars
With the trailer for the Cruella movie recently released, I was so excited to check out this retelling. Unfortunately, I felt that it didn't match the Disney story and had a predictable and slow plot. There's only a brief mention of dalmatians, Cruella is an alternate personality that only surfaces a few times, and it doesn't bridge the gap between young Cruella and the evil person we know.
Estella is a poor sixteen year old that gets by stealing from tourists and the wealthy. She dreams of being a designer and when a rich girl takes notice of her creations, she abandons her friends to jump into the glamorous world of money. I was disappointed that she so easily dismissed her only friends and thought it was easy to tell how the story would go. I would have liked more Cruella moments and I thought what happened to Estella's mom was never fully explored.
It's possible there's a plan for a sequel that will show us how Estella became full Cruella and gained her hatred of all things, but I think we should have gotten that in this book. I will say this was a quick read and I liked that Jasper and Horace were supportive of Estella and stuck by her even when she didn't deserve it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. Thank you to Disney Publishing for the copy.
With the trailer for the Cruella movie recently released, I was so excited to check out this retelling. Unfortunately, I felt that it didn't match the Disney story and had a predictable and slow plot. There's only a brief mention of dalmatians, Cruella is an alternate personality that only surfaces a few times, and it doesn't bridge the gap between young Cruella and the evil person we know.
Estella is a poor sixteen year old that gets by stealing from tourists and the wealthy. She dreams of being a designer and when a rich girl takes notice of her creations, she abandons her friends to jump into the glamorous world of money. I was disappointed that she so easily dismissed her only friends and thought it was easy to tell how the story would go. I would have liked more Cruella moments and I thought what happened to Estella's mom was never fully explored.
It's possible there's a plan for a sequel that will show us how Estella became full Cruella and gained her hatred of all things, but I think we should have gotten that in this book. I will say this was a quick read and I liked that Jasper and Horace were supportive of Estella and stuck by her even when she didn't deserve it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. Thank you to Disney Publishing for the copy.
August 19, 2021
This wasn't bad; reading about Cruella's teen adventures in London just got a bit boring a bit quickly for me but I did like the end plan.
March 29, 2021
3.5 Stars.
Have you ever wondered how Cruella de Vil came to be the way she is? Was she always evil or once upon a time, was she just a normal average young girl with dreams of love, success, and happiness? Inspired by the upcoming Disney live action film, Cruella, Hello, Cruel Heart by Maureen Johnson sets out to explore that exact topic and provide a plausible origin story for this Disney villain extraordinaire.
The story is set in London in the late 60’s and follows 16-year-old Cruella, actually known as Estella here, on her quest to become a famous fashion designer. Orphaned at a young age, Estella has been basically homeless for years, living in an old bombed-out building with two boys, Jasper and Horace, who are in similar dire straits. They teach her how to pick pockets and shoplift, and thus the three of them muddle along, stealing enough to survive and forming a little makeshift family of their own. Estella dreams of bigger things for herself though. She aspires to become a famous fashion designer and often steals fabric and other items so that she can practice her craft. Sadly, much of her time is spent sewing disguises and costumes for their many heists rather than the high fashion clothing she dreams of creating.
Johnson does a wonderful job of making young Cruella/Estella very likeable and sympathetic. Who wouldn’t root for an orphan, who also happens to be a gifted fashion designer, to realize her dream? When Estella has a chance encounter with Richard and Magda, two of London’s most fashionable young people, and they invite her to join them, Estella wonders if this is the out from her old life she has been looking for, especially when they take such special interest in her designs. She hopes this friendship is the start of something big and is invited to one party after another and is inspired to create dress after dress for these events that are the envy of everyone she meets. She’s so happy doing what she loves and making friends and even meeting boys that I found myself cheering her on that she really would have a happy ending even though I knew it was impossible.
The only area where I struggled a bit to connect with the story was that Cruella was used almost as an alter ego whenever Estella did something bad, like a ‘It wasn’t me, it was Cruella” kind of thing. As Estella got a little older, Cruella then became a mean voice in her head telling her would never have friends or love. This Cruella alter ego didn’t turn up very often in the story, but each time she did, it just read awkwardly for me. There was an instance, for example, where she gets into a fight with Horace and Jasper and when she goes to apologize to them later, they’re all “We know it wasn’t you, it was Cruella.” The ending of the book was also somewhat awkward for me for similar reasons. I just couldn’t exactly tell what Cruella was supposed to be. At first I thought maybe mental illness but, by the end, I had more questions than answers. Hopefully the movie will bring some clarity.
Even with my Cruella issues though, I still enjoyed Hello, Cruel Heart overall. It’s a creative villain origin story that definitely made me feel sympathy for one of Disney’s most despicable villains, which is quite a feat in and of itself.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Have you ever wondered how Cruella de Vil came to be the way she is? Was she always evil or once upon a time, was she just a normal average young girl with dreams of love, success, and happiness? Inspired by the upcoming Disney live action film, Cruella, Hello, Cruel Heart by Maureen Johnson sets out to explore that exact topic and provide a plausible origin story for this Disney villain extraordinaire.
The story is set in London in the late 60’s and follows 16-year-old Cruella, actually known as Estella here, on her quest to become a famous fashion designer. Orphaned at a young age, Estella has been basically homeless for years, living in an old bombed-out building with two boys, Jasper and Horace, who are in similar dire straits. They teach her how to pick pockets and shoplift, and thus the three of them muddle along, stealing enough to survive and forming a little makeshift family of their own. Estella dreams of bigger things for herself though. She aspires to become a famous fashion designer and often steals fabric and other items so that she can practice her craft. Sadly, much of her time is spent sewing disguises and costumes for their many heists rather than the high fashion clothing she dreams of creating.
Johnson does a wonderful job of making young Cruella/Estella very likeable and sympathetic. Who wouldn’t root for an orphan, who also happens to be a gifted fashion designer, to realize her dream? When Estella has a chance encounter with Richard and Magda, two of London’s most fashionable young people, and they invite her to join them, Estella wonders if this is the out from her old life she has been looking for, especially when they take such special interest in her designs. She hopes this friendship is the start of something big and is invited to one party after another and is inspired to create dress after dress for these events that are the envy of everyone she meets. She’s so happy doing what she loves and making friends and even meeting boys that I found myself cheering her on that she really would have a happy ending even though I knew it was impossible.
The only area where I struggled a bit to connect with the story was that Cruella was used almost as an alter ego whenever Estella did something bad, like a ‘It wasn’t me, it was Cruella” kind of thing. As Estella got a little older, Cruella then became a mean voice in her head telling her would never have friends or love. This Cruella alter ego didn’t turn up very often in the story, but each time she did, it just read awkwardly for me. There was an instance, for example, where she gets into a fight with Horace and Jasper and when she goes to apologize to them later, they’re all “We know it wasn’t you, it was Cruella.” The ending of the book was also somewhat awkward for me for similar reasons. I just couldn’t exactly tell what Cruella was supposed to be. At first I thought maybe mental illness but, by the end, I had more questions than answers. Hopefully the movie will bring some clarity.
Even with my Cruella issues though, I still enjoyed Hello, Cruel Heart overall. It’s a creative villain origin story that definitely made me feel sympathy for one of Disney’s most despicable villains, which is quite a feat in and of itself.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2021
This was fast paced and it holds your attention once you start reading. Maureen Johnson knows how to set an atmosphere without being too flamboyant and does not natter on endlessly with dialogue. There is a nice balance between the two in this quasi-short take on how Estella became Cruella but not really. There is parental loss, mental health, romance, betrayal and heartbreak in this concise and easy going read. I will say that I wish the incident involving her mother was expanded upon more but can understand why it wasn't and that I loved the ending. This book isn't spectacular (3 stars) but it is perfect if you're in a reading slump (as I was) and I would definitely recommend, especially if you want some light-hearted tea on Disney villains.
January 28, 2021
Cute story about Cruella's teenage years. This one does NOT go along with the "Evil Thing" book that came out last year (they are two very different books where Cruella has very different backgrounds). Still, it's a fun story that shows us her relationship with Jasper and Horace in 1967 London.
May 13, 2021
I’m not usually a movie/tv tie-in reader, but I’ll read anything by Maureen Johnson. And this didn’t prove me wrong. Even not being my top choice for main character, I really came to like Estella and her fashion.
March 27, 2021
I did enjoy being able to see Cruella as a teenager and see why became who she did. You get Jasper and Horace and how they became friends and overcome some challenges in their friendship. I liked being able to see how Cruella was once a soft (and at times moral) person but because how she was treated, it hardened her. Love that she had fashion and designing even in her teens and that it’s what keeps her grounded when everything around her goes into chaos.
I wish we got to see more of her life instead of just one summer (2 months) and few flashbacks. This is a cute story and I know many will love it!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I wish we got to see more of her life instead of just one summer (2 months) and few flashbacks. This is a cute story and I know many will love it!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
March 6, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Hello, Cruel Heart in exchange for an honest review.
I was let down by Disney Publishing's Cruella backstory /i/ Evil Thing /i/ last year so when I found out they were publishing another one this year, I was tentatively excited.
While I did enjoy /i/ Hello, Cruel Heart /i/ a lot more, I think that mostly just comes down to Johnson's writing style and not the actual content of the story. There really isn't a lot of backstory to draw on when making a Cruella backstory which in theory should give writers a lot of artistic freedom, but so far they seem to go the route of trying to tone down and normalize Disney's arguably most over the top villain and it leads to a kind of boring narrative that's difficult to get invested in outside of sheer curiosity ovdf how Cruella will be handled.
I was let down by Disney Publishing's Cruella backstory /i/ Evil Thing /i/ last year so when I found out they were publishing another one this year, I was tentatively excited.
While I did enjoy /i/ Hello, Cruel Heart /i/ a lot more, I think that mostly just comes down to Johnson's writing style and not the actual content of the story. There really isn't a lot of backstory to draw on when making a Cruella backstory which in theory should give writers a lot of artistic freedom, but so far they seem to go the route of trying to tone down and normalize Disney's arguably most over the top villain and it leads to a kind of boring narrative that's difficult to get invested in outside of sheer curiosity ovdf how Cruella will be handled.
June 20, 2021
A fun easy and quick book to read. It’s not really a Cruella novel as this is more of a story of a young girl finding herself with brief mentions of Cruella as another personality
February 19, 2021
The origin story of Cruella deVil except, her name is Estella and she is a thief/designer just trying to make it. The story is set up as a sort of connection to the upcoming live action film ( which surprisingly I just saw the trailer for the other day and it definitely makes sense). Estella is an orphan who makes a living by stealing, one day on one of her fabric stealing runs she runs into two rich teens, Magda and Richard, who take her into their rich lifestyle. Soon she finds herself invited to parties, meeting a cute musician named Peter, and being recognized for her designing talents. Yet, as with all good things, something is bound to go wrong, and soon she finds that maybe her new friends arent as great and maybe the boy she’s fallen in love with isn’t as honest as she thought. It was definitely an interesting take on the origin story of Cruella, and they have “Cruella” be sort of a another personality/voice in the back of Estella’s head that she has to constantly keep in check from coming out. It was a fun read and I can see how it was inspired by the live action that is going to be coming out.
*Thanks Netgalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*
*Thanks Netgalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*
February 22, 2023
The narrator was the best part of this book. (I read audio and physical from the library.)
I was really excited for this because it’s a rom-com about writing and incorporates art school life. As a writer, a rom-com addict, and a graduate of an art school, I was seriously excited for Happily Ever Afters.
It’s not like it was a waste of time, though—I didn’t DNF it. My favorite aspect of this book was Sam. He’s the main character’s friend-to-maybe-lover and I was rooting for him the whole time. He’s this sweet kid who bakes. He has a great sense of humor, he’s a loyal friend, and unapologetically himself.
Then we have Tessa. She’s a romance writer who lost her spark to Imposter Syndrome when she was admitted to this prestigious art school. She spends the entire book trying to get her spark back by creating her own happily ever after with a boy who is... well, a douche bag.
A douche bag who is also taken by another douche bag. She went after someone else’s boyfriend. This is the type of thing that I hate in romance novels. Cheating or encouraging someone to cheat. I don’t care how horrible the other person is—don’t fucking cheat.
She makes some really poor decisions, which left me gaping and shaking my head. Romance books are supposed to make you feel swoony and happy. I was angry and irritated throughout most of it because of the choices she was making.
The worst part was the ending. I figured that the ending was going to work out the way it did, but it lacked the romance spark I was craving. It ends with a mic-drop instead of a romantic scene. It didn’t make me feel giddy at all. It left my mouth dry and I was very unimpressed.
Again, there were some solid parts that I loved. Tessa’s best friend, for example. Tessa moves to this new town, leaving her old life behind... including her best friend. They maintain a solid long distance friendship, with the bumps that any novel demands. I loved the relationship she has with Caroline because it shows teens that it’s possible to keep up a friendship after moving.
Okay. I’m done ranting. I was not impressed by this one, but it is full of food and has a few characters that are just... *chef’s kiss*.
I was really excited for this because it’s a rom-com about writing and incorporates art school life. As a writer, a rom-com addict, and a graduate of an art school, I was seriously excited for Happily Ever Afters.
It’s not like it was a waste of time, though—I didn’t DNF it. My favorite aspect of this book was Sam. He’s the main character’s friend-to-maybe-lover and I was rooting for him the whole time. He’s this sweet kid who bakes. He has a great sense of humor, he’s a loyal friend, and unapologetically himself.
Then we have Tessa. She’s a romance writer who lost her spark to Imposter Syndrome when she was admitted to this prestigious art school. She spends the entire book trying to get her spark back by creating her own happily ever after with a boy who is... well, a douche bag.
A douche bag who is also taken by another douche bag. She went after someone else’s boyfriend. This is the type of thing that I hate in romance novels. Cheating or encouraging someone to cheat. I don’t care how horrible the other person is—don’t fucking cheat.
She makes some really poor decisions, which left me gaping and shaking my head. Romance books are supposed to make you feel swoony and happy. I was angry and irritated throughout most of it because of the choices she was making.
The worst part was the ending. I figured that the ending was going to work out the way it did, but it lacked the romance spark I was craving. It ends with a mic-drop instead of a romantic scene. It didn’t make me feel giddy at all. It left my mouth dry and I was very unimpressed.
Again, there were some solid parts that I loved. Tessa’s best friend, for example. Tessa moves to this new town, leaving her old life behind... including her best friend. They maintain a solid long distance friendship, with the bumps that any novel demands. I loved the relationship she has with Caroline because it shows teens that it’s possible to keep up a friendship after moving.
Okay. I’m done ranting. I was not impressed by this one, but it is full of food and has a few characters that are just... *chef’s kiss*.
March 31, 2021
This was a fast, enjoyable read. If you're even remotely interested in Cruella, I think you'll at least find the story interesting enough for a quick read.
Was this layered with a rich backstory and multi-faceted characters? Nah. In a nutshell, Cruella comes from nothing, creates a found family with Jasper & Horace, sells out to be friends with the rich kids and then that comes back to bite her in the ass. After all, we know she ends up with Jasper & Horace. We've seen 101 Dalmations. No spoilers here.
Things I liked:
- Estella's background as an underground fashion designer. I loved that she was becoming the "it" girl for new and inventive designs. Very easy to believe this same girl would think that skinning puppies would be a great idea.
- The beginning part with her mom. What happened?! I need to know more. Who did she run from? Why? Does the movie answer any of these questions?!
- The found family with Jasper & Horace. It was kind of endearing to think these two bad guys took Cruella under their wing.
Unfortunately, the fast pace left much to be desired because it felt like a surface-level story. I suppose that works for a Disney prequel story for a movie, but I was really hoping for more. We hear in 101 Dalmations how Cruella is an old friend of Anita's and I expected that to make an appearance in this book so I was kind of bummed when it didn't. I also think Cruella was kind of mad/insane and I didn't see a reason or catalyst for that wild behavior in this book. I guess it was supposed to be the Cruella takeover of Estella, but it just wasn't enough for me.
This was fine but a little disappointing. I think most people will enjoy it for what it is though - a quick, fun read about a famous Disney villain.
Was this layered with a rich backstory and multi-faceted characters? Nah. In a nutshell, Cruella comes from nothing, creates a found family with Jasper & Horace, sells out to be friends with the rich kids and then that comes back to bite her in the ass. After all, we know she ends up with Jasper & Horace. We've seen 101 Dalmations. No spoilers here.
Things I liked:
- Estella's background as an underground fashion designer. I loved that she was becoming the "it" girl for new and inventive designs. Very easy to believe this same girl would think that skinning puppies would be a great idea.
- The beginning part with her mom. What happened?! I need to know more. Who did she run from? Why? Does the movie answer any of these questions?!
- The found family with Jasper & Horace. It was kind of endearing to think these two bad guys took Cruella under their wing.
Unfortunately, the fast pace left much to be desired because it felt like a surface-level story. I suppose that works for a Disney prequel story for a movie, but I was really hoping for more. We hear in 101 Dalmations how Cruella is an old friend of Anita's and I expected that to make an appearance in this book so I was kind of bummed when it didn't. I also think Cruella was kind of mad/insane and I didn't see a reason or catalyst for that wild behavior in this book. I guess it was supposed to be the Cruella takeover of Estella, but it just wasn't enough for me.
This was fine but a little disappointing. I think most people will enjoy it for what it is though - a quick, fun read about a famous Disney villain.
May 26, 2021
3.5 stars ⭐️
An enjoyable read! This plot gave a great backstory as to who Cruella is and her relation to the other characters in the story we know about her, 101 Dalmatians! I’m really excited to see the movie on Friday to see how Cruella’s life plays out!
I truly enjoyed getting to know Cruella! Cruella is actually the alter ego of the young Estella, an aspiring fashion designer who has quite a rough childhood! Maureen Johnson includes character traits that really gave me a good look at how Estella must feel and insight as to who she becomes! It is clear how she gets a Cruel 💛
I mostly enjoyed the fashion aspect of this book! I think any one who has an appreciation for fashion will really enjoy that element!
An enjoyable read! This plot gave a great backstory as to who Cruella is and her relation to the other characters in the story we know about her, 101 Dalmatians! I’m really excited to see the movie on Friday to see how Cruella’s life plays out!
I truly enjoyed getting to know Cruella! Cruella is actually the alter ego of the young Estella, an aspiring fashion designer who has quite a rough childhood! Maureen Johnson includes character traits that really gave me a good look at how Estella must feel and insight as to who she becomes! It is clear how she gets a Cruel 💛
I mostly enjoyed the fashion aspect of this book! I think any one who has an appreciation for fashion will really enjoy that element!
May 29, 2021
This was a quick fast paced read about Cruella in her teenage years before she became so cold hearted and what made her become that way. It was nice to see a back story to the ever popular clothes maker before her puppy stealing days.
May 24, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this Disney Villains story revolving around Cruella De Ville. I always found her interesting and wanted a look into her past to see how she ended up the way she did, and this was a perfect back story. Definitely would recommend.
February 1, 2021
I read 101 Dalmatians at least 20 times growing up so learning that this was an origin story of Cruella had me hooked right away. It wasn't as enthralling as the original Dodie Smith book, but it was a good story nonetheless enlivened by Johnson's always entertaining writing. Watching Estrella scratch out a living and finding hope as she managed to rise above mere survival was great. I kept reminding myself that I shouldn't get too attached to her because I know she's going to be a villain before the book is over, but the reminders didn't work. I could easily see the path she was taking and how it was not going to work out in the end and it made me sad to see how she was let down. Although I loved the "Swinging London" setting, I question whether that will draw my students in or put them off the book since the time period is so foreign to them. Other than that, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
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