Review: Dawn’s Early Light

If a book can hold your attention without making it seem like you are fighting falling asleep when lying in bed with the influenza virus coursing through your system, what would that tell you about the book?   If you said to me “I’d say must be an interesting book” I would agree with you.  🙂  Dawn’s Early Light the “first war of liberty” in the United States.    Humour and humanity fill the pages.   

This is book a reprint, it was initially published in 1943 and billed as a romantic fiction.  Today I would be more inclined to call it a piece of historical fiction with a romantic overtone.  Dawn’s Early Light is the first of seven in the Williamsburg Chronicles, following the families of the Days and the Spragues.  

I liked it!  🙂  The attention to detail in the writing, the dress, the customs, and all things historical, Ms. Thane did a great job of bringing Williamsburg of the 1770’s to life.    We meet many of the notables of this time period: Washington, Jefferson, Lafayette, Patrick Henry and many more.  Their personality, dress and mannerisms becoming a great addition to the characters played out.  I would happily read the rest of the series, and if you are interested in this time period, grab it up.

I have to admit, I did need to adjust to the time period, the mood and flavour of the day.  It wasn’t too difficult as I’ve read other historical pieces from this time period.  I loved her attention to detail without going overboard for instance when she writes: “The fabrics were the color of old gold”. The gossip that bantered back and forth, it was like sitting at a family gathering that you were welcomed in on.  

This book made me feel as though I were at home watching friends talk, and welcoming new ones as I moved around town kibitzing with them.  🙂  I don’t know if a book should make you feel like that, but this one did.  AND as I write this I’m sick and headachy and wishing I had another book friend like this one, to while away the hours.  

Dawn's Early Light (rediscovered classics) Elswyth Thane Forward: Leila Meacham Chicago Review Press, trade paperback, 318 pages Fiction, historical Reviewed for: Chicago Review Press. Where can I find it: Amazon Link.