Always Sebastian
This sequel to If It Weren't for Sebastian shows Jean Ure as readable as ever. She has strong opinions about animal rights and these are clearly evident here. Her skill is that she communicates and persuades without adopting an evangelical tone. Maggie and her family, Martha and Sophie, have always supported Sebastian's views and campaigns but when he allies himself to the militant Animal Freedom Fighters, Maggie becomes increasingly uneasy. Her daughters - Martha feeling the pangs of first love and Sophie fiercely combatant - long for Sebastian to become a permanent part of their family but Maggie remains unconvinced. I particularly liked the diary device which charts the relationship between Maggie and Sebastian and explores the morality of animal exploitation and those who protest against it.