Nicola Mimosa

Having enjoyed several of Jean Ure's books, I felt somewhat disappointed by this sequel to Hi There, Supermouse!. Ure states the issues clearly: ballet demands total dedication and affords only a short career; university rewards academic excellence and promises a life outside study. The characters are sharply divided: Nicola's impressionable mother, stage-struck sister and friends are determined that Nicola should become a dancer. Her teachers, boyfriend and father exert their own considerable influence to convince her that the road to university is the right one. The characters are so clearly stated as to become almost stereotyped; carefully ranged on opposing sides to give Nicola a rather obvious 'casting vote'. Second-year girls who have enjoyed Supermouse will like this book -- but don't offer it as an introduction to Jean Ure.