What do you think?
Rate this book
Before The Fall
Guilt laps at me like a rising tide, but I won't let it seep in. Wicked or not, I can't be sorry. How can I be sorry when I feel like this, as if my life has started up brand new, sharp and colourful, a swirl of terror and bliss . . .
1916. Across the channel, the Great War rages; in London's East End, with her husband away fighting, Hannah Loxwood struggles to hold everything together. But when Hannah takes a job in a cafe, she discovers a glimpse of freedom away from her needy young children, her spiteful sister and desperately ill father.
While the conflict drags on, Hannah battles with the overwhelming burden of 'duty'. She has sacrificed so much for a husband who left her behind, a husband who may never come home. Then, when she meets Daniel - thoughtful, intelligent, quietly captivating - Hannah finds herself faced with the most dangerous of temptations.
As the war grips tighter and bombs fall down upon the streets, the stakes for the couple are raised ever higher. Soon Hannah and Daniel will realize just how precarious their happiness is, as their destiny rushes towards them . . .
Beautifully wrought, utterly compelling and with a twist that will leave you breathless, Before The Fall, inspired by a true story, hurls you into a London torn apart by the First World War and paints a vivid and haunting portrait of one woman's struggle.
1916. Across the channel, the Great War rages; in London's East End, with her husband away fighting, Hannah Loxwood struggles to hold everything together. But when Hannah takes a job in a cafe, she discovers a glimpse of freedom away from her needy young children, her spiteful sister and desperately ill father.
While the conflict drags on, Hannah battles with the overwhelming burden of 'duty'. She has sacrificed so much for a husband who left her behind, a husband who may never come home. Then, when she meets Daniel - thoughtful, intelligent, quietly captivating - Hannah finds herself faced with the most dangerous of temptations.
As the war grips tighter and bombs fall down upon the streets, the stakes for the couple are raised ever higher. Soon Hannah and Daniel will realize just how precarious their happiness is, as their destiny rushes towards them . . .
Beautifully wrought, utterly compelling and with a twist that will leave you breathless, Before The Fall, inspired by a true story, hurls you into a London torn apart by the First World War and paints a vivid and haunting portrait of one woman's struggle.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 22, 2014
10 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 19, 2014
Based on a true story, this is a beautifully written and powerful story of a love affair against the backdrop of the Great War.
Hannah Loxwood’s husband has gone to war and she is left with their two children. She has had to give up her home and move in with her not so nice sister and lecherous husband. In order to bring some money in and to find some freedom from the stifling, miserable atmosphere, Hannah takes a job in a café. It is there that she first meets Daniel Blake, a widower, who as a ship worker, is exempt from being sent to fight. Daniel is a loner, he is intelligent, cultured and like Hannah, has dreams of a better life. They must keep their love secret or face a backlash of opinion for Hannah having an affair whilst her husband fights for his country.
Set around the East End of London, the story perfectly conveys the poverty, the rationing and food shortages and the danger of living in London with the threat of bombing raids from the German Zeppelins at any moment. Hannah feels different from her working class friends and family and when she meets Daniel there is a chance of something better. Her dilemma of having to choose between her unhappy marriage and her love for Daniel is so beautifully articulated. Once she crosses the line there is no going back.
There is a wonderful setting of time and place. Trying to survive in war ravaged London, with those working in the munitions factory facing their own health risks from contamination. Public opinion is such that any healthy young man not in uniform is viewed with suspicion and white feathers as a sign of cowardice are freely distributed.
I found myself totally drawn into this story of forbidden love and duty. The twist at the end was a total shock and I had to go back and re-read. This is the author’s debut novel and hopefully the first of many more to come.
Hannah Loxwood’s husband has gone to war and she is left with their two children. She has had to give up her home and move in with her not so nice sister and lecherous husband. In order to bring some money in and to find some freedom from the stifling, miserable atmosphere, Hannah takes a job in a café. It is there that she first meets Daniel Blake, a widower, who as a ship worker, is exempt from being sent to fight. Daniel is a loner, he is intelligent, cultured and like Hannah, has dreams of a better life. They must keep their love secret or face a backlash of opinion for Hannah having an affair whilst her husband fights for his country.
Set around the East End of London, the story perfectly conveys the poverty, the rationing and food shortages and the danger of living in London with the threat of bombing raids from the German Zeppelins at any moment. Hannah feels different from her working class friends and family and when she meets Daniel there is a chance of something better. Her dilemma of having to choose between her unhappy marriage and her love for Daniel is so beautifully articulated. Once she crosses the line there is no going back.
There is a wonderful setting of time and place. Trying to survive in war ravaged London, with those working in the munitions factory facing their own health risks from contamination. Public opinion is such that any healthy young man not in uniform is viewed with suspicion and white feathers as a sign of cowardice are freely distributed.
I found myself totally drawn into this story of forbidden love and duty. The twist at the end was a total shock and I had to go back and re-read. This is the author’s debut novel and hopefully the first of many more to come.
February 25, 2014
Publication Date: 22nd May 2014 Pan Macmillan
Thank you to the author and publisher for the Advance Reading Copy.
1916. Across the channel, the Great War rages; in London’s East End, with her husband away fighting, Hannah Loxwood struggles to hold everything together. But when Hannah takes a job in a cafe, she discovers a glimpse of freedom away from her needy young children, her spiteful sister and desperately ill father.
While the conflict drags on, Hannah battles with the overwhelming burden of ‘duty’. She has sacrificed so much for a husband who left her behind, a husband who may never come home. Then, when she meets Daniel – thoughtful, intelligent, quietly captivating – Hannah finds herself faced with the most dangerous of temptations.
This is a wonderful novel, beautifully evocative of the time and place and absolutely heartbreaking in very many ways, I was enthralled throughout.
When Hannah’s husband goes off to war, she is left with her two young children to live with her Sister and Brother in Law. Needing to find additional income, she takes a job in a nearby cafe – where she meets Daniel and from there her life changes forever.
As a picture of war torn Britain this is extraordinarily fascinating…the background and the claustrophobic atmosphere of life in general is brilliantly captured. Most of all the sense of what life was like for women then – especially those whose husbands were in the trenches – is compelling and emotional. Young men not at war are viewed suspiciously no matter what their circumstances and soldiers wives are expected to behave in a certain way – all adding to the pressure cooker that Hannah is about to fall into.
I was back and forth on my sympathies in this story – the characterisation is so realistic I almost felt as if I was sitting in judgement upon Hannah as much as her peers were. With temptation in her path and no sign of her husband returning you can hardly blame her for feeling that there was a better life worth living – and risking everything for. As the storytelling ebbs and flows you will one minute be right with her and the next begging her to stop, before she goes past the point of no return. The supporting cast of characters are all well drawn and equally alluring, and give an eclectic mix of differing viewpoints that add to the overall ambience and beauty of the tale.
I can’t say too much more without spoiling it – what Hannah decides and where it takes her I leave you to discover for yourself. Safe to say I had a few tears at the end and on an emotional level this one will stay with me for a long time.
An extremely addictive, passionate and poignant read, based on a true story, this is yet another excellent debut to look out for in 2014.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the Advance Reading Copy.
1916. Across the channel, the Great War rages; in London’s East End, with her husband away fighting, Hannah Loxwood struggles to hold everything together. But when Hannah takes a job in a cafe, she discovers a glimpse of freedom away from her needy young children, her spiteful sister and desperately ill father.
While the conflict drags on, Hannah battles with the overwhelming burden of ‘duty’. She has sacrificed so much for a husband who left her behind, a husband who may never come home. Then, when she meets Daniel – thoughtful, intelligent, quietly captivating – Hannah finds herself faced with the most dangerous of temptations.
This is a wonderful novel, beautifully evocative of the time and place and absolutely heartbreaking in very many ways, I was enthralled throughout.
When Hannah’s husband goes off to war, she is left with her two young children to live with her Sister and Brother in Law. Needing to find additional income, she takes a job in a nearby cafe – where she meets Daniel and from there her life changes forever.
As a picture of war torn Britain this is extraordinarily fascinating…the background and the claustrophobic atmosphere of life in general is brilliantly captured. Most of all the sense of what life was like for women then – especially those whose husbands were in the trenches – is compelling and emotional. Young men not at war are viewed suspiciously no matter what their circumstances and soldiers wives are expected to behave in a certain way – all adding to the pressure cooker that Hannah is about to fall into.
I was back and forth on my sympathies in this story – the characterisation is so realistic I almost felt as if I was sitting in judgement upon Hannah as much as her peers were. With temptation in her path and no sign of her husband returning you can hardly blame her for feeling that there was a better life worth living – and risking everything for. As the storytelling ebbs and flows you will one minute be right with her and the next begging her to stop, before she goes past the point of no return. The supporting cast of characters are all well drawn and equally alluring, and give an eclectic mix of differing viewpoints that add to the overall ambience and beauty of the tale.
I can’t say too much more without spoiling it – what Hannah decides and where it takes her I leave you to discover for yourself. Safe to say I had a few tears at the end and on an emotional level this one will stay with me for a long time.
An extremely addictive, passionate and poignant read, based on a true story, this is yet another excellent debut to look out for in 2014.
May 7, 2014
Hannah Loxwood always dreamt that she would get out of the East End. She practised her handwriting, she was determined to get a good job and make something of her life. Like many girls before her, she instead found herself replaying her mother's life. Pregnant; a quick wedding and within a couple of years a mother of two young children. Her dreams shattered.
Daniel is not like the other young men in the neighbourhood. Having had a glimpse into the life of the gentry and introduced to the literary greats such as Thomas Hardy, he is a dreamer and a thinker. His young wife died, his children are away living with their Aunt, he spends his days working on the shipyards and his evenings reading and imagining what could have been.
When Hannah's husband George joins up, she is forced to move back home, to live alongside her bitter sister, her lascivious brother-in-law and her parents. Her father is sick, sometimes he doesn't recognise Hannah, he thinks she is her late Aunt Beatrice who took her own life by jumping from a bridge.
Hannah and Daniel's paths cross when they meet in the cafe where Hannah takes a job. That meeting is the beginning of a love story that will soften the hardest of hearts, a love story that becomes more of a battle for these two people who know that they have found their true soul mate.
Based on a true story, Before The Fall is a beautifully created story of the lives of those left behind whilst the battles rage in Europe. Juliet West paints a brutally honest, startling landscape of war-torn London and its inhabitants. Her female characters are vividly drawn and lead the story so well; the central male characters are a mixed bunch of sick, elderly and intense men who ably play a supporting role.
Hannah and Daniel's relationship evolves slowly and their fear of reprisal is paramount throughout. To betray a serving soldier during this most vicious of wars is looked upon as a betrayal of the whole country, the men serving abroad are heroes and those left behind are expected to respect that at all costs. But life doesn't work like that, people still fall in love no matter how hard they try not to and Hannah and Daniel's love is pure and true and they cannot ignore it.
Juliet West's writing is as powerful as it is poetic, she creates an almost claustrophobic atmosphere with words. The complexities of forbidden love, the effects of war on the community, the sense of duty and utter hopelessness is portrayed skilfully and most beautifully.
Before The Fall is a love story to break hearts; passionate and evocative. I adored it.
Daniel is not like the other young men in the neighbourhood. Having had a glimpse into the life of the gentry and introduced to the literary greats such as Thomas Hardy, he is a dreamer and a thinker. His young wife died, his children are away living with their Aunt, he spends his days working on the shipyards and his evenings reading and imagining what could have been.
When Hannah's husband George joins up, she is forced to move back home, to live alongside her bitter sister, her lascivious brother-in-law and her parents. Her father is sick, sometimes he doesn't recognise Hannah, he thinks she is her late Aunt Beatrice who took her own life by jumping from a bridge.
Hannah and Daniel's paths cross when they meet in the cafe where Hannah takes a job. That meeting is the beginning of a love story that will soften the hardest of hearts, a love story that becomes more of a battle for these two people who know that they have found their true soul mate.
Based on a true story, Before The Fall is a beautifully created story of the lives of those left behind whilst the battles rage in Europe. Juliet West paints a brutally honest, startling landscape of war-torn London and its inhabitants. Her female characters are vividly drawn and lead the story so well; the central male characters are a mixed bunch of sick, elderly and intense men who ably play a supporting role.
Hannah and Daniel's relationship evolves slowly and their fear of reprisal is paramount throughout. To betray a serving soldier during this most vicious of wars is looked upon as a betrayal of the whole country, the men serving abroad are heroes and those left behind are expected to respect that at all costs. But life doesn't work like that, people still fall in love no matter how hard they try not to and Hannah and Daniel's love is pure and true and they cannot ignore it.
Juliet West's writing is as powerful as it is poetic, she creates an almost claustrophobic atmosphere with words. The complexities of forbidden love, the effects of war on the community, the sense of duty and utter hopelessness is portrayed skilfully and most beautifully.
Before The Fall is a love story to break hearts; passionate and evocative. I adored it.
November 5, 2014
Before the Fall is a story with WW1 as its backdrop but at its core is a tale of love, hope, loss and struggle from the viewpoint of Hannah Loxwood left behind to deal with life in East End London.
Set in and around the streets of places such as Canning Town and Poplar, we experience the streets, the sights, sounds and smells of the war time capital
We map all of the locations in the novel on Booktrail locations of Before the Fall
Before the Fall is a raw and extremely personal account of the war of not just Hannah but I imagine for lots of women at the time and this is what makes it so unique a piece of writing – this is a true story that might never have been told if Juliet had simply disregarded research that she was doing for a newspaper article.
The story of London during the war from the eyes of one woman in one situation is unique as set against the background of Zeppelins, bombings and fires, it is essentially the real story of those who lived through what the men left behind.
The question I was left with was how would I have acted if I had been in Hannah’s shoes? Can we really condemn what she does? How did war change people’s ideas of what was right or wrong? A woman who dared betray a soldier was more than likely thought to be betraying the country at large. But when it comes down to raw human emotions and one woman in one situation – can we really see what Hannah did not?
Juliet West’s writing is detailed, evocative and intense to suit the nature of the story she is telling – the story is complex and claustrophobic, stifling and confusing, as was war. At least by putting yourself in Hannah’s shoes as Juliet allows us too, we get to see the war – torn london through her eyes and see what she would have seen.
Its a booktrail into the past – and into the depths of the human spirit. Highly recommended.
Set in and around the streets of places such as Canning Town and Poplar, we experience the streets, the sights, sounds and smells of the war time capital
We map all of the locations in the novel on Booktrail locations of Before the Fall
Before the Fall is a raw and extremely personal account of the war of not just Hannah but I imagine for lots of women at the time and this is what makes it so unique a piece of writing – this is a true story that might never have been told if Juliet had simply disregarded research that she was doing for a newspaper article.
The story of London during the war from the eyes of one woman in one situation is unique as set against the background of Zeppelins, bombings and fires, it is essentially the real story of those who lived through what the men left behind.
The question I was left with was how would I have acted if I had been in Hannah’s shoes? Can we really condemn what she does? How did war change people’s ideas of what was right or wrong? A woman who dared betray a soldier was more than likely thought to be betraying the country at large. But when it comes down to raw human emotions and one woman in one situation – can we really see what Hannah did not?
Juliet West’s writing is detailed, evocative and intense to suit the nature of the story she is telling – the story is complex and claustrophobic, stifling and confusing, as was war. At least by putting yourself in Hannah’s shoes as Juliet allows us too, we get to see the war – torn london through her eyes and see what she would have seen.
Its a booktrail into the past – and into the depths of the human spirit. Highly recommended.
March 9, 2015
Based on a true story, Juliet West’s powerful novel begins gently with a lucid depiction of the lives of those left behind in London’s East End during World War 1. Hannah Loxwood is a sensitive young wife and mother who gradually succumbs to an attraction to Daniel Blake, a young widower also at odds with the limited options of life as a self-educated working man. Touching on themes in Hardy’s Jude the Obscure and hints of Dickens’ Great Expectations, the reader is drawn into a working class culture at first cheery and jingoistic, that soon reveals a darker side, as judgemental and cruel.
As Daniel and Hannah succumb to the potency of their desire the novel takes on a terrible quickening of pace. The lack of choices available to the poor at that time appalled me, as matters spiral out of the couple’s control. Fired by the dreadful hopes of illicit love in a hostile world, the couple attempt a new life. Always an engaging read, I found myself raging against Daniel’s lack of insight, the plight of the poor and the biology that ultimately betrays Hannah. Undoubtedly, this is the best book I have read about the women left behind during the Great War. Though I did have a notion of how it would end, I was completely wrong-footed. This true story is stranger than most fiction and the novel stands as a wonderful testament to a poignant and haunting episode in London life.
As Daniel and Hannah succumb to the potency of their desire the novel takes on a terrible quickening of pace. The lack of choices available to the poor at that time appalled me, as matters spiral out of the couple’s control. Fired by the dreadful hopes of illicit love in a hostile world, the couple attempt a new life. Always an engaging read, I found myself raging against Daniel’s lack of insight, the plight of the poor and the biology that ultimately betrays Hannah. Undoubtedly, this is the best book I have read about the women left behind during the Great War. Though I did have a notion of how it would end, I was completely wrong-footed. This true story is stranger than most fiction and the novel stands as a wonderful testament to a poignant and haunting episode in London life.
October 30, 2022
A bit bleak but very well written and with a powerful love story.
April 5, 2014
When I read and reviewed Wake by Anna Hope, I really thought there couldn't be another novel quite that good about people's lives set against the backdrop of the First World War. But I was wrong - I've just finished reading an ARC of the wonderful Before The Fall by Juliet West, can't wait to shout about it from the rooftops. If you're looking for another book that captures the imagination and enthralls you throughout, set during that era, don't miss this one whatever you do.
The cover note tells you all you need to know about the story. Hannah is a wonderfully drawn central character - dealing with a father who no longer recognises her, two young children who are a real handful, living with her unpleasant sister and her lecherous brother-in-law, her husband away at war. When Daniel crosses her path, she has choices to make that change the course of not only her life but the lives of everyone around her.
The way in which the author brings wartime London to life is quite enthralling - the shortage of food, the implications of working at the munitions factory, the threat of conscription hanging over those not in a reserved occupation, the expectations of how a married woman should behave. The setting really comes alive on the page, and all the characters set against it are vividly drawn. I loved Hannah's friend Dor, and her preparations for a night out where she hopes to meet the man of her dreams but is giving up hope with most of them at the Front. And her friend Nettie at the cafe, with the film star smile marred by the loss of a tooth.
The central love story will stay with me for a long time - such love, such passion, and powerfully moving. This is a wonderful story of love against all the odds, full of tenderness, bravery and the world in which they live: inspired by a true story, it will stay with me for a long time. It's is a real page turner, as you desperately want to see what will become of Hannah and Daniel. And it's quite beautifully written, with believable dialogue and vivid description. I loved it - however weary you might be becoming of the wartime theme, please don't miss this one.
The cover note tells you all you need to know about the story. Hannah is a wonderfully drawn central character - dealing with a father who no longer recognises her, two young children who are a real handful, living with her unpleasant sister and her lecherous brother-in-law, her husband away at war. When Daniel crosses her path, she has choices to make that change the course of not only her life but the lives of everyone around her.
The way in which the author brings wartime London to life is quite enthralling - the shortage of food, the implications of working at the munitions factory, the threat of conscription hanging over those not in a reserved occupation, the expectations of how a married woman should behave. The setting really comes alive on the page, and all the characters set against it are vividly drawn. I loved Hannah's friend Dor, and her preparations for a night out where she hopes to meet the man of her dreams but is giving up hope with most of them at the Front. And her friend Nettie at the cafe, with the film star smile marred by the loss of a tooth.
The central love story will stay with me for a long time - such love, such passion, and powerfully moving. This is a wonderful story of love against all the odds, full of tenderness, bravery and the world in which they live: inspired by a true story, it will stay with me for a long time. It's is a real page turner, as you desperately want to see what will become of Hannah and Daniel. And it's quite beautifully written, with believable dialogue and vivid description. I loved it - however weary you might be becoming of the wartime theme, please don't miss this one.
May 7, 2014
In many ways a book set against the backdrop of war, in this case the Great War, World War I, is expected to have a certain level of tension and drama and this book does not disappoint on that front. Straight away, the book explores the effects of the war of a variety of different people, exploring relationships and parenthood, illness and health, pride and guilt. These are all things that sometimes the reader comes to expect from a war novel but this book, inspired by a true story, seems to feel all the more real, like there is more at risk and like the fighting in France is just part of it, there is fighting to be done at home too.
The writing style took me a while to get into admittedly; some of the sentences seemed stunted and colloquialisms were sometimes used but there were some passages that were just beautiful and really made me stop to take it in:
This writing style really helps with the character building. I found myself getting very attached to certain characters and getting emotional at certain points in the book. The writing really helped to build this world for me as the reader and although it is firmly based in reality, the first person narration had a lot of emotion and thoughts that I assume are fictional.
I loved the way that the area this book is set in, East London, feels like a character in itself because of the descriptions that really bring it to life. Throughout the novel, the time and location that the book is set in seeps into every aspect of the story and is so well developed that you really get caught up in the social conventions of the time and the circumstances that these characters are having to deal with.
This book is undoubtedly tragic and heartfelt, the fact that it is inspired by real events only makes it more poignant. A true picture of life in London during the war and the lengths that a woman had to go to for happiness. I would thoroughly recommend this book and would love to read more by Juliet West.
The writing style took me a while to get into admittedly; some of the sentences seemed stunted and colloquialisms were sometimes used but there were some passages that were just beautiful and really made me stop to take it in:
This writing style really helps with the character building. I found myself getting very attached to certain characters and getting emotional at certain points in the book. The writing really helped to build this world for me as the reader and although it is firmly based in reality, the first person narration had a lot of emotion and thoughts that I assume are fictional.
I loved the way that the area this book is set in, East London, feels like a character in itself because of the descriptions that really bring it to life. Throughout the novel, the time and location that the book is set in seeps into every aspect of the story and is so well developed that you really get caught up in the social conventions of the time and the circumstances that these characters are having to deal with.
This book is undoubtedly tragic and heartfelt, the fact that it is inspired by real events only makes it more poignant. A true picture of life in London during the war and the lengths that a woman had to go to for happiness. I would thoroughly recommend this book and would love to read more by Juliet West.
May 23, 2014
Juliet West’s debut novel Before the Fall is described as a ‘compelling, moving tale of a love affair, set in the East End during World War One and based on an unforgettable real life story’. And yet it is so much more.
I was gripped by Hannah’s voice and story, and read the whole book over a couple of days.
The novel weaves between Hannah’s narrative and Daniel’s story. It was the genuine voices of the main characters that hooked me. They are complex and intelligent, yet both outsiders not really ‘fitting’ in with their working class friends and family. Hannah is struggling to find any meaning in her life. Her husband volunteered early for the army leaving her and their two children to live with Hannah’s sister. Daniel has a protected job in London’s dockyard so hasn’t been called up. Being a fit young man he’s the target of malicious gossip and the white feather brigade. The two outsiders are inevitably drawn to each other, with tragic consequences. I don’t want to give anything away, but I finished this book with tears running down my face. The story seems even more poignant when you learn it’s based on a real story.
Juliet’s writing has the same melancholic and haunting atmosphere of Helen Dunmore. Honest storytelling, lyrical yet fluid and so readable. If you enjoy Dunmore’s novels then I think you’ll love Before the Fall.
Here is an excerpt: “ I think the war is everywhere in the rain, in the river, in the grey air that we breathe. It is a current that runs through all of us. You can’t escape the current; either you swim with it, or you go under.”
I was gripped by Hannah’s voice and story, and read the whole book over a couple of days.
The novel weaves between Hannah’s narrative and Daniel’s story. It was the genuine voices of the main characters that hooked me. They are complex and intelligent, yet both outsiders not really ‘fitting’ in with their working class friends and family. Hannah is struggling to find any meaning in her life. Her husband volunteered early for the army leaving her and their two children to live with Hannah’s sister. Daniel has a protected job in London’s dockyard so hasn’t been called up. Being a fit young man he’s the target of malicious gossip and the white feather brigade. The two outsiders are inevitably drawn to each other, with tragic consequences. I don’t want to give anything away, but I finished this book with tears running down my face. The story seems even more poignant when you learn it’s based on a real story.
Juliet’s writing has the same melancholic and haunting atmosphere of Helen Dunmore. Honest storytelling, lyrical yet fluid and so readable. If you enjoy Dunmore’s novels then I think you’ll love Before the Fall.
Here is an excerpt: “ I think the war is everywhere in the rain, in the river, in the grey air that we breathe. It is a current that runs through all of us. You can’t escape the current; either you swim with it, or you go under.”
June 22, 2018
Hannah’s husband has gone to war leaving her with their two children. She’s not happy when she has to move in with her mother, sister, and brother-in-law. Hoping to earn some extra money, Hannah takes a job at a café where she meets Daniel Blake. Working as a ship worker exempts him from war, which isn’t to everyone’s liking.
I had read a lot of good reviews about this and I had high hopes for this one. It wasn’t bad but not as good as I wanted it to be. I didn’t quite connect with any of the characters and even the ending didn’t really move me. Especially Daniel felt very distant which wasn’t helped that Hannah’s narrative was in the first person while Daniel’s was in 3rd person.
It moved too slow at times to keep my interest. But on the positive side, it did give a realistic feeling about the time.
I had read a lot of good reviews about this and I had high hopes for this one. It wasn’t bad but not as good as I wanted it to be. I didn’t quite connect with any of the characters and even the ending didn’t really move me. Especially Daniel felt very distant which wasn’t helped that Hannah’s narrative was in the first person while Daniel’s was in 3rd person.
It moved too slow at times to keep my interest. But on the positive side, it did give a realistic feeling about the time.
October 25, 2014
Originally posted on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Firstly, major thanks to the publishers for sending me a hardback copy of Before The Fall to review! There's nothing like the glossy feel of a book being held in your hands as you lose yourself to the hundreds of pages. So, thank you!
Reading back through the blurb, now that I've finished the novel, makes me feel all tingly inside. Before The Fall has affected me in a way that only an epic story can achieve. By that I mean that I'm still sitting here, wondering about the characters and their lives. It was absolutely incredible, from the vivid unmistakable setting of dreary grey East End London, to the character of Hannah and the weight that she began to take upon her shoulders. Everything about this book moved me. Juliet West's writing is so powerful, so fierce, I just can't stop thinking about the intensity of emotion that overtook me as I filled myself up on the words that West offered. Her characters have invaded my head-space. It's all I have thought about since turning the last page, and I'm still thinking about it now. Every now and again, I like to dip into a historical novel. I love to imagine the settings from time ago and try to place myself with the characters in the stories. It had been a while since I'd chosen to read a historical work before beginning Before The Fall, and I was a little bit wary, due to the amount of chick-lit and romance that I had been reading previously! Turns out, Before The Fall was just what I needed to drag me from out of a nasty reading slump. Not only did Juliet West NAIL the settings of London during the war, but she managed to capture the atmosphere of the place, the frightened people, the bombs, the whispers in the streets. It was just OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! I could imagine myself walking down the street, alongside Hannah and her two children, the dust and smog clouding my view. Every scent, sound, every tiny little detail was picked up on, and it was like reading with a high definition mind. Never have I been transported back in time in the way that Juliet West achieved. Never have I walked the streets of East End London, with the worry of a bomb dropping right on top of me. When readers talk about escapism, Before The Fall provides that. I forgot about reality and took Hannah's problems as my own. I became part of her story. A person watching over her in the background, worrying and waiting. Juliet West has talent, I'm telling you. I would gladly re-read Before The Fall again and again and again, just to experience the thrill of it. Not only was it an incredible novel, but it was informative too. I truly realised what the women of London would have gone through whilst their husbands were off fighting in the war. Their problems, their thoughts, the letters sent to and fro. It was absolutely amazing. I just couldn't get enough of it.
Juliet West chose to split Before The Fall into four main parts. She begins Hannah's story in 1916, and takes it all the way up to 1918. Between those two years, from beginning to end, Juliet West allows an air of mystery to overtake the reader. Within the pages, every now and again, there are documents included, statements from a police station. At first, these statements are quite vague, but as the novel progresses, the statements begin to make more sense to you, and you begin to put names to the characters that you meet as you read on. This was such a intriguing way to start off the novel. Instantly, my brain started ticking and I was desperate to know what the hell had gone on beforehand. And then, in that powerful way that only certain writers are able to achieve with such perfection, the story begins to unfold and you are enveloped within Hannah Loxwood's world. Another thing that I always enjoy when reading is letters. Sounds silly, doesn't it? I don't know what it is, but it always seems to make me feel more involved with the characters. You feel a little nosy, delving into the characters lives like this, in such a private way, but you just can't stop yourself from feeling that little thrill! Hannah's husband, George, is off fighting in the war, and the letters are sent back and forth between them. Juliet didn't forget to include the aspect of having letters in those days censored, and so for the most part, George and Hannah just didn't seem that intimate. The customary things are written, such as George being fine, and Hannah telling him that the children are doing well, but there's no passion, no love, and I just felt that the relationship between Hannah and George was a little too flat for my liking. I do wonder that if the censoring hadn't of been in place, whether the letters would have told a completely different story. But anyway, the whole aspect of the letter sending added to the authenticity of the time and I just adored it. With the police statements appearing now and again, and the letters, it made for one extra special read that had me feeling completely and utterly involved.
The majority of Before The Fall was written from Hannah Loxwood's point of view, but there were smaller parts where Daniel put his part of the story across too. Hannah was a brilliant character and I instantly took a liking to her. From the get go I could just tell that she was a little worn down and rather annoyed with her husband George for charging off to war and leaving her with the children, to pick up the pieces after moving in with her sister Jen and Jen's creepy husband Alec. Squished up into a tiny home and feeling as if she had nowhere to turn, I was elated for Hannah when she went looking for a job and found one in a little cafe. Suddenly, she was unleashed from her tiny home and allowed to make a living for herself. It wasn't much but it was something, that's for sure. I felt like the world opened up for Hannah once she took that job, and I couldn't help but feel like that was the moment when things took a turn. Let's face it readers, if she had just stayed at home with the children like a good wife and mother, the story probably wouldn't have needed to carry on any further. Hannah was tired, in need of something to lift her up and make her feel alive again.
Before Daniel and Hannah's worlds collide, we get to read into Daniel's past, what he's been through before strolling to the cafe where Hannah works. It was interesting, to see a character before they're introduced to the main character of the story itself, and such a wonderful technique that made me fall in love with reading all over again. We see Daniel from being a young lad, right up to being a fully grown man, and I imagined this tall, rugged, dark, handsome man with a mysterious but attractive edge that made you want to get into his head and see what was going on in there. At first, he didn't say much, but Juliet West gave the impression that the thoughts whirring around his head held a ton of meaning for Hannah and the novel itself. He was, without a doubt, a temptation that was too damn good to pass up. Even I could see that from my spot outside of the pages. Whilst Hannah's husband was away from home, Daniel was exciting. He was a spark, something new, and something completely different from what she was used to. Daniel was perfect. I was intrigued by him just as much as Hannah was. Don't get me wrong though, Hannah was constantly warring with herself about right and wrongs, about her place as a woman in society, about what was expected of her. It was an emotional battle and I felt worn out by it on Hannah's behalf. Her sister Jen, her mother, Jen's husband Alex; they were always lurking in the back of Hannah's mind. It drove me wild. But, again, adding to the authenticity of the time when the novel was set, it was believable and just so effective.
As well as Hannah and Daniel, there's Hannah's sister Jen. Jen was a bit of weird one, and I wasn't quite sure on how to feel about her. Sometimes she seemed fine and almost likeable, and then other times I just couldn't stand the woman! Jen looked after the children and cooked a lot of the time, so for the most part of the novel she was kept out of the way, but her husband Alec really got on my nerves. As awful as it sounds, I was completely expecting him to force himself upon Hannah. Juliet gave him such a slimy, creepy persona, always watching and touching. I really wanted Hannah to turn around and slap the man upside the head, cos if she didn't then I would have! It was stupidly obvious that Alec had a "thing" for Hannah, but in my eyes, he just came across as a slimeball. And that was all. There's also Hannah's mother who ends up moving into Jen's house too, due to their father being taken into hospital. If the plot didn't seem dreary enough already, the sadness surrounding Hannah and her father definitely added to it! There was Hannah's best friend Dor, who was a crazy free spirit. She was funny and bright and smoked like a chimney, and I could see the differences between the two women straight off. I really took a liking to Dor, she was sassy and cute, and a brilliant best friend for Hannah to have.
Before The Fall honestly had everything that an epic novel should have. There was drama, passion, bold and brilliant characters, and of course, love. Never before have I read a novel so incredibly moving and real. Juliet West has such a raw talent, and I still, to this very second, cannot get Hannah out of my head. In case you didn't notice in the blurb, there's also a twist added to Before The Fall, too. A twist that will blow your bloody mind! Everything enthralled me, entranced me, and I am going to miss Juliet's characters so damn much now that I have finished. I truly believe that this author is one to look out for. I've found escapism before, but not like this. Powerful, startling and passionate, Before the Fall by Juliet West will remain within my mind for a very, very long time.
Becca's Books is rating Before The Fall by Juliet West with five gorgeous cupcakes. If I had a higher rating then I would be giving Before The Fall the highest rating in the world, but for now, five cupcakes will do just fine. It's still playing on repeat inside my head. I'm still wondering how I'm going to manage to begin reading another novel any time soon, and I still cannot believe the twist that Juliet West managed to create right before my very eyes. Incredible. ABSOLUTELY MIND-BLOWING. Even if you don't like historical novels, I'm going to recommend Before The Fall to you, because it's just one of "those".
Firstly, major thanks to the publishers for sending me a hardback copy of Before The Fall to review! There's nothing like the glossy feel of a book being held in your hands as you lose yourself to the hundreds of pages. So, thank you!
Reading back through the blurb, now that I've finished the novel, makes me feel all tingly inside. Before The Fall has affected me in a way that only an epic story can achieve. By that I mean that I'm still sitting here, wondering about the characters and their lives. It was absolutely incredible, from the vivid unmistakable setting of dreary grey East End London, to the character of Hannah and the weight that she began to take upon her shoulders. Everything about this book moved me. Juliet West's writing is so powerful, so fierce, I just can't stop thinking about the intensity of emotion that overtook me as I filled myself up on the words that West offered. Her characters have invaded my head-space. It's all I have thought about since turning the last page, and I'm still thinking about it now. Every now and again, I like to dip into a historical novel. I love to imagine the settings from time ago and try to place myself with the characters in the stories. It had been a while since I'd chosen to read a historical work before beginning Before The Fall, and I was a little bit wary, due to the amount of chick-lit and romance that I had been reading previously! Turns out, Before The Fall was just what I needed to drag me from out of a nasty reading slump. Not only did Juliet West NAIL the settings of London during the war, but she managed to capture the atmosphere of the place, the frightened people, the bombs, the whispers in the streets. It was just OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! I could imagine myself walking down the street, alongside Hannah and her two children, the dust and smog clouding my view. Every scent, sound, every tiny little detail was picked up on, and it was like reading with a high definition mind. Never have I been transported back in time in the way that Juliet West achieved. Never have I walked the streets of East End London, with the worry of a bomb dropping right on top of me. When readers talk about escapism, Before The Fall provides that. I forgot about reality and took Hannah's problems as my own. I became part of her story. A person watching over her in the background, worrying and waiting. Juliet West has talent, I'm telling you. I would gladly re-read Before The Fall again and again and again, just to experience the thrill of it. Not only was it an incredible novel, but it was informative too. I truly realised what the women of London would have gone through whilst their husbands were off fighting in the war. Their problems, their thoughts, the letters sent to and fro. It was absolutely amazing. I just couldn't get enough of it.
Juliet West chose to split Before The Fall into four main parts. She begins Hannah's story in 1916, and takes it all the way up to 1918. Between those two years, from beginning to end, Juliet West allows an air of mystery to overtake the reader. Within the pages, every now and again, there are documents included, statements from a police station. At first, these statements are quite vague, but as the novel progresses, the statements begin to make more sense to you, and you begin to put names to the characters that you meet as you read on. This was such a intriguing way to start off the novel. Instantly, my brain started ticking and I was desperate to know what the hell had gone on beforehand. And then, in that powerful way that only certain writers are able to achieve with such perfection, the story begins to unfold and you are enveloped within Hannah Loxwood's world. Another thing that I always enjoy when reading is letters. Sounds silly, doesn't it? I don't know what it is, but it always seems to make me feel more involved with the characters. You feel a little nosy, delving into the characters lives like this, in such a private way, but you just can't stop yourself from feeling that little thrill! Hannah's husband, George, is off fighting in the war, and the letters are sent back and forth between them. Juliet didn't forget to include the aspect of having letters in those days censored, and so for the most part, George and Hannah just didn't seem that intimate. The customary things are written, such as George being fine, and Hannah telling him that the children are doing well, but there's no passion, no love, and I just felt that the relationship between Hannah and George was a little too flat for my liking. I do wonder that if the censoring hadn't of been in place, whether the letters would have told a completely different story. But anyway, the whole aspect of the letter sending added to the authenticity of the time and I just adored it. With the police statements appearing now and again, and the letters, it made for one extra special read that had me feeling completely and utterly involved.
The majority of Before The Fall was written from Hannah Loxwood's point of view, but there were smaller parts where Daniel put his part of the story across too. Hannah was a brilliant character and I instantly took a liking to her. From the get go I could just tell that she was a little worn down and rather annoyed with her husband George for charging off to war and leaving her with the children, to pick up the pieces after moving in with her sister Jen and Jen's creepy husband Alec. Squished up into a tiny home and feeling as if she had nowhere to turn, I was elated for Hannah when she went looking for a job and found one in a little cafe. Suddenly, she was unleashed from her tiny home and allowed to make a living for herself. It wasn't much but it was something, that's for sure. I felt like the world opened up for Hannah once she took that job, and I couldn't help but feel like that was the moment when things took a turn. Let's face it readers, if she had just stayed at home with the children like a good wife and mother, the story probably wouldn't have needed to carry on any further. Hannah was tired, in need of something to lift her up and make her feel alive again.
Before Daniel and Hannah's worlds collide, we get to read into Daniel's past, what he's been through before strolling to the cafe where Hannah works. It was interesting, to see a character before they're introduced to the main character of the story itself, and such a wonderful technique that made me fall in love with reading all over again. We see Daniel from being a young lad, right up to being a fully grown man, and I imagined this tall, rugged, dark, handsome man with a mysterious but attractive edge that made you want to get into his head and see what was going on in there. At first, he didn't say much, but Juliet West gave the impression that the thoughts whirring around his head held a ton of meaning for Hannah and the novel itself. He was, without a doubt, a temptation that was too damn good to pass up. Even I could see that from my spot outside of the pages. Whilst Hannah's husband was away from home, Daniel was exciting. He was a spark, something new, and something completely different from what she was used to. Daniel was perfect. I was intrigued by him just as much as Hannah was. Don't get me wrong though, Hannah was constantly warring with herself about right and wrongs, about her place as a woman in society, about what was expected of her. It was an emotional battle and I felt worn out by it on Hannah's behalf. Her sister Jen, her mother, Jen's husband Alex; they were always lurking in the back of Hannah's mind. It drove me wild. But, again, adding to the authenticity of the time when the novel was set, it was believable and just so effective.
As well as Hannah and Daniel, there's Hannah's sister Jen. Jen was a bit of weird one, and I wasn't quite sure on how to feel about her. Sometimes she seemed fine and almost likeable, and then other times I just couldn't stand the woman! Jen looked after the children and cooked a lot of the time, so for the most part of the novel she was kept out of the way, but her husband Alec really got on my nerves. As awful as it sounds, I was completely expecting him to force himself upon Hannah. Juliet gave him such a slimy, creepy persona, always watching and touching. I really wanted Hannah to turn around and slap the man upside the head, cos if she didn't then I would have! It was stupidly obvious that Alec had a "thing" for Hannah, but in my eyes, he just came across as a slimeball. And that was all. There's also Hannah's mother who ends up moving into Jen's house too, due to their father being taken into hospital. If the plot didn't seem dreary enough already, the sadness surrounding Hannah and her father definitely added to it! There was Hannah's best friend Dor, who was a crazy free spirit. She was funny and bright and smoked like a chimney, and I could see the differences between the two women straight off. I really took a liking to Dor, she was sassy and cute, and a brilliant best friend for Hannah to have.
Before The Fall honestly had everything that an epic novel should have. There was drama, passion, bold and brilliant characters, and of course, love. Never before have I read a novel so incredibly moving and real. Juliet West has such a raw talent, and I still, to this very second, cannot get Hannah out of my head. In case you didn't notice in the blurb, there's also a twist added to Before The Fall, too. A twist that will blow your bloody mind! Everything enthralled me, entranced me, and I am going to miss Juliet's characters so damn much now that I have finished. I truly believe that this author is one to look out for. I've found escapism before, but not like this. Powerful, startling and passionate, Before the Fall by Juliet West will remain within my mind for a very, very long time.
Becca's Books is rating Before The Fall by Juliet West with five gorgeous cupcakes. If I had a higher rating then I would be giving Before The Fall the highest rating in the world, but for now, five cupcakes will do just fine. It's still playing on repeat inside my head. I'm still wondering how I'm going to manage to begin reading another novel any time soon, and I still cannot believe the twist that Juliet West managed to create right before my very eyes. Incredible. ABSOLUTELY MIND-BLOWING. Even if you don't like historical novels, I'm going to recommend Before The Fall to you, because it's just one of "those".
March 11, 2017
I enjoyed - whilst not being entirely blown away by - this novel of WWI in the East End. It taught me that bombing took place on the British mainland during that war - I had previously thought it all took place down a trench in Belgium, so I have learned something and that's always good. Interesting too was the incidental information about fashion and make-up during a time of "make do and mend". In the story, the central characters face a dilemma which develops gradually to a crescendo very close to the end. It was all resolved within a page or two - and given that this was where much of the real drama was to be found, it was perhaps a shame more time and space wasn't given to it. It left me with an interesting puzzle concerning the character Daniel: is the reader supposed to consider him culpable for the events? My instinct would be yes, but the book appeared studiously neutral on this point.
January 13, 2024
Interesting novel set on Home Front during World War 1 . There is a strong Thomas Hardy sense of fatalism with two individuals who disrupt so many conventions find the world closing in on them .
A soldier's wife - is trying to bring up her children in the East End of London. Her husband gets little chance of leave as serving on the Salonika front. She starts a relationship with a docker - who as he is performing war work, is temporarily exempt from conscription. They live together with her children, and many people are turning against them for 'betraying' a tommy who is fighting. And the couple have their own baby. Predictably ends tragically.
Documents such as postcards and court records are merged into the text for greater effect.
Takes place against a backdrop of zeppelin raids, munition factory explosions, rationing, along with some working class women experiencing greater independence.
A soldier's wife - is trying to bring up her children in the East End of London. Her husband gets little chance of leave as serving on the Salonika front. She starts a relationship with a docker - who as he is performing war work, is temporarily exempt from conscription. They live together with her children, and many people are turning against them for 'betraying' a tommy who is fighting. And the couple have their own baby. Predictably ends tragically.
Documents such as postcards and court records are merged into the text for greater effect.
Takes place against a backdrop of zeppelin raids, munition factory explosions, rationing, along with some working class women experiencing greater independence.
June 14, 2018
When I first started to read I was quite intrigue to know on what the story was all about, even thou in a way it didn't leave much to the imagination. The main character Hannah pissed me off sometimes, for her way of thinking and choices, but evaluating the time and space the storiy is set, I, in a way can understand.
Hannah who is not so happy with her life, who loves her children and family, although she's not that close to her sister Jen, her husband that went to the war and she who decides to work, from there the story escalates. I will not say this book is for everyone because it is not! Some people may leave it...
But I may say with a bright smile and a broken heart that the ending is the best, and it is what saved this book for me.
Hannah who is not so happy with her life, who loves her children and family, although she's not that close to her sister Jen, her husband that went to the war and she who decides to work, from there the story escalates. I will not say this book is for everyone because it is not! Some people may leave it...
But I may say with a bright smile and a broken heart that the ending is the best, and it is what saved this book for me.
February 17, 2017
This book broke my heart. Perhaps it is just too close to the world of my father, whose personal tragedies were linked to his service in the AIF and who spent time in London in the era in which this book was set, and from listening to him I was able to picture the setting very easily. But more likely it is that it is a very well written story, involving, thought-provoking, and unpredictable even though it is based on real lives. Definitely worth reading!
August 14, 2017
Enjoyed this more than I expected to. However, I'm aware the end was meant to be a surprising twist, but I felt the build up to it and it's explanation was lacking slightly. Though, a good read overall with interesting characters and a very upsetting (and likely realistic to the time) family dynamic.
March 19, 2020
A tragic, well written story that slowly pulls the reader in. As the emotional momentum builds, we see how trapped all these characters are - by the war (poor George), by class and social status, by gender roles and the morality of the time. I ended up liking the novel more than I thought I would.
October 6, 2020
I had trouble keeping interest, so I read about 30%. I could sometimes picture the scènes happening in front of me. Mostly the story got cut off too soon.
This mother leaves her children behind and does other horrific stuff after that. I don't understand it nor do I care at this point.
This mother leaves her children behind and does other horrific stuff after that. I don't understand it nor do I care at this point.
December 11, 2020
Yes, 5 stars for this beautifully but quietly written ww1 book based on a true story of a love affair between an exempted man and a woman whose husband is at the front. Terribly sad, evocative of the era and well worth a read.
June 25, 2017
A short sweet book, almost had me in tears.
June 30, 2017
Wow! What a great book. Tragic, gripping.... I am so glad she tempered the tragic ending slightly.
July 31, 2017
I did not like this book it was very boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2019
I loved this book.
December 10, 2019
More of a 3.5. An interesting story; you had the feeling it was building to something and wow did it ever. But the plot twist was overshadowed by the need for a lot of editing.
April 24, 2020
Based on a true story, the desperate fate of forbidden lovers during the Great War
March 8, 2021
Enjoyed this book alot it kept me gripped to the end. Very descriptive and made me feel like I was walking the streets smelling the smells hearing the noises
May 22, 2021
I found this story quite sad
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2022
I loved these characters but the ending was not what I expected. Disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2022
Definitely not what I expected!
July 25, 2023
I was back & forth on my rating for this book; between a 2 and a 3, definitely no higher in my opinion. I settled on a weak 3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews