Reviews

The Hours Before Dawn by Celia Fremlin

julyj's review against another edition

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3.0

A slow start that eventually crept up with the story picking up its pace nearly halfway into the book. Told in omniscient POV, following the main protagonist, Louise, we journey through her life as a mother and what goes on in her overthinking mind (which to me became a bit draggy).

The results to the mysteries were predictable, though the misogynistic traits of men in that era were evident enough to develop an urge to jump in the book and tackle them :)

built_by_books's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

sandin954's review

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5.0

This won the Edgar Award for best novel back in 1960 and features a mother trying to cope with a newborn who will not stop crying, two older girls, a typical English husband of the 1950s who shows his concern about the household by showing up unannounced for lunch and expecting a hot meal with meat, and new boarder in the attic.

cazinthehat's review against another edition

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5.0

I love Celia Fremlin.

pifferdiff's review

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5.0

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel of “domestic suspense” published in 1958 (and the deserved winner of the 1960 Edgar Award). Decidedly creepy, Fremlin manages to create incredibly tense moments within what might be considered the mundane struggle of a sleep-deprived housewive’s endless stream of everyday chores. But what I loved most is that it’s impressive both how much about motherhood feels familiar, and yet how much expectations about the role of women has changed. Definitely a lot to dig into for book group.

Also, bonus points for the new edition that has the title/author subtly printed in glow-in-the-dark ink (something you’d only notice if you’re up during the hours before dawn).

suvata's review against another edition

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4.0

From: BlindDateWithABook.com
Tagged: Sleep deprived - Suspense - Thriller - Classic crime - Domestic noir

patricia_fierezza's review

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

helenh1975's review against another edition

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dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

s_melly's review against another edition

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5.0

I really enjoyed this blast from the past, winner of the Edgar Award 1960! 

zukythebookbum's review against another edition

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4.0

A really solid suspense novel with genuinely creepy moments but also a lot of wit. I feel like Fremlin captured the exhausting life of a 50’s housewife well and all the characters here were so well fleshed out!

Considering this was written in the 50’s, it’s feels like it was quite ahead of it’s time in terms of themes. That being said, it is also very much a book of its time with certain language we wouldn’t use now.