Before the Dawn

by Dean Hughes

When the bishop calls Leah Sorensen to be Relief Society president, her first impulse is to assume he's joking. "They'd all vote against me if you put my name up," she tells him, "and I'd vote with them." She's prickly and proud, a farm widow who doesn't get along with the town women at all. Why would the Lord want her? Because it's 1932, the depth of the Great Depression, and, as the bishop tells Leah: "You lost your husband and you didn't give up. You know how to survive hard times, and some women in our ward don't. I'm not looking for a nice church lady right now. I'm looking for someone with some grit, and that's what you've got." But will grit be enough when the opposition begins?

Genres: Lds Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Lds, Book Club, Religion, Historical

297 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Dean Hughes is the author of more than eighty books for young readers, including the popular sports series Angel Park All-Stars, the Scrappers series, the Nutty series, the widely acclaimed companion novels Family Pose and Team Picture, and Search and Destroy. Soldier Boys was selected for the 2001 New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age list. Dean Hughes and his wife, Kathleen, have three children and six grandchildren. They live in Midway, Utah.

Reviews

[Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit it, I started out really not liking this book. I'm prejudiced against Mormon fiction most of the time, and I probably don't often give it all the benefit of the doubt it deserves.

But when I finally buckled down and read a few chapters, I was totally drawn in. This is Depression-era LDS-specific historical fiction, and it was marvelous. The characters are very richly drawn and well-developed, and the story reached out and grabbed me.

It was disconcerting for me to draw parallels between the hardships of the Depression and the men losing jobs and families losing livelihoods right now; what's worse, we don't all have horses and wagons to fall back on when we can't afford gasoline, and we don't have ground and seeds to grow food to feed ourselves. I sort of felt...guilt? Yes, I suppose, guilt, for hating gardening and for not doing more to stretch a dollar.

This was book that I ended up enjoying very much.

[Beth Given · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah Sorenson, a gritty, reclusive widow, is called to be Relief Society president in a (fictional) rural Utah town during the onset of the Great Depression. She’s filled with uncertainty about whether she will be able to accomplish the daunting task — besides there being so many in need (and a farm and two children who need her) she is plenty rough-around-the-edges and sure that the women of the Relief Society won’t accept her — and she’s not sure she could ever love them, anyway, when she’d been offended by the uppity women in town so many times. But though she is doubting, she is also determined — and in time, as she serves and loves, she comes to see the women of her ward as her sisters — and those who seemed so arrogant before turn out to be not so different after all. Her calling blesses her life — and her children’s lives — in countless ways.

Though a heartwarming story, it wasn’t at all syrupy sweet (Leah never would have stood for that!) — and that’s what made it so effective. Some paragraphs had me laughing out loud; others caused me to reflect inwardly. After closing the book, I’d begin thinking about my own social awkwardness — and how so many friendships and blessings I’ve missed out on because I avoid real contact with others (partially because I don’t get out much, but moreso that I tend to clam up in social situations, afraid I’ll say the wrong thing). I realized while reading this book that I need to stop doubting whether I’m interesting enough or cute enough or kind enough … and just reach out — as myself.

I always love Dean Hughes' books. The characters he writes — they’re always real, always likable, quite flawed but absolutely wonderful. I love the way the characters grow. I love that he writes historical fiction (always well-researched). I love that laugh-out-loud humor is a part of his stories. And though I don’t think this was my favorite Dean Hughes story (it wasn’t even 300 pages, and with so many characters and storylines, I wanted more!), its message is one that I hope stays with me for quite some time.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was predictible but fairly honest in the way he portrayed the characters, especially for the time period of the depression. Hard times were written about but not to the point of being really depressing. There was honesty about the problems the people had and oh! I am so glad I didn't live during those times even though I was born just as US was starting to pull out of the depression and enter a world war. Probably not quite a 4 but certainly better than a 3.

[Alli Elggren · Rating 4 out of 5]

My good friend Ali lent me this book almost a year ago and I'm embarrassed to say that I just read it this week! I'd recommend it to LDS readers that have received a church calling they were unsure of or doubted their ability. It's a sweet story and an easy read. The story is set during the Great Depression in the 1930's, but it's amazing how I can see some of the same problems we have in today's economy. Without giving too much away, I enjoyed seeing Leah, the main character, evolve and learn to see the women in her ward for who they really are. I did get a little teary-eyed near the end. It was interesting to read about life during the Depression and how Relief Society functioned then. The Lord's people are humbled over and over and whether it's 80 years ago or today, it still hurts. I've been thinking about it all day and how I can benefit from this book.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really liked some of Hughes' books and been disappointed by others. I liked this one because the main character was a not to typical LDS woman who had real things to work through. I like that it was true to the flaws that unfortunately too many of us have. Women judge other women on so many levels and it is refreshing to not have it glossed over in the name of "relief society." Instead this novel explored the trials one woman faced in working through judgements and at the same time showing compassion and love to other women. It is also interesting to read about the struggles faced during the great depression. In comparision, most of us have it remarkably easy today. Thoughtful and well written.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone's focus is a lot on the pioneers and the trek across the plains and how hard it was. But after reading this book, the saints that went through the depression years had it equally bad, just in a different way. I can't imagine year after year your crops failing as a farmer. Leah felt she was not the person to be called as Relief Society President but the Bishop told her it was a call from God so she accepted the calling. She had it rough going with her frank ways at the beginning. But she sure knew how to be there for the people who lost babies or were having hard times with losing their farms. She offended some Relief Society sisters in the beginning, but Nadine was instrumental in getting some of them to come back to the meetings. Work day meetings were a success - sisters gathered to quilt and talk with one another. Leah found out that things always didn't appear what they seemed looking from the outside in, but when she got to know the people and their struggles her opinions changed. She realized she had been too harsh on the sisters - those who especially lived in town. She felt like her bad attitude had rubbed off on Rae, her daughter. Leah gave up her own money to pay people's debts so they wouldn't lose their farms. Then the bank closed and she lost all the money she was going to have to send the kids to college. The town rallied round Leah and Rae and provided a scholarship to Rae for her first year in college. Leah found that sometimes you have to let your pride go and accept service from others just as much as it is important to provide service to those in need. Leah was a strong woman - taking care of her farm, her car, walking to town when she had to, clearing her lane when it snowed, and raising her two children without a father. What a tall order for anyone, but Leah was faithful and kept going because that is what she knew how to do. Sometimes it's just putting one foot in front of the other and then again to see what path it is you have to travel. Relief Society is an inspired program to help sisters bond and take care of one another in good times and bad. The author did an excellent job in portraying all the different aspects of this book.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah Sorenson is not your typical Relief Society President and she knew it. But, she accepted the call and forged ahead. At first, I didn't really like the Leah, she was just gruff and prideful. But I could see her change and those around her changed too. I felt the book was an honest portrayal of the differences we can have in groups we might be involved in and how we are many times too judgemental of each other. I don't think I had ever read a book before that was set in the Depression era. It was interesting to read how they had to make do with what they had. A favorite quote from the book was, "I used to have the idea that life had turned out hard for me, and that the rest of you had gotten off pretty easy. I've found out that it only looked that way because I was hiding away and peeking out through a knothole in my hiding place. The fact is, we all have struggles. And the best thing we can do is think the best of each other, not the worst..." Many of the challenges the people faced in this book, are things that are still happening in our day. This was the first book I read by Dean Hughes and I would like to read more.

[Kathi Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is essentially an historical novel about living through the depression in a small town in northeastern Utah. If you understand a little about how a congregation (ward) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints operates it will easier to understand some things, but the basic message applies to everybody. A widow who runs a farm with the help of her two children is asked to be the Relief Society (women's organization) for the ward they live in. She has pretty much cut herself off from getting to know the town people and has some prejudices and opinions about them. This calling makes her move out of her mental circle and barriers to learn to love and appreciate people and their differences, as well as how much people do for each other given the chance.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the right book at the right time for me. I've always enjoyed Dean Hughes' historical fiction books. Before the Dawn is set during the Great Depression in rural Utah with a widowed and ornery main character, Leah. I thought the characters all seemed believable and very human. It was timely for me to read about how Leah's unlikely call to serve as Relief Society President helped her stop judging others and learn to truly love and look beyond her own troubles. I loved the fact that she was the right leader for that time and those people, and her life experience informed her efforts to lift. Well done! 4 1/2 stars.

[Shae Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised when I started reading this book. Mostly because it was not what I expected. It was better. And when they talk about not being able to put a book down, well, I read it in about 4 or 5 days, even taking it into the bathroom so I could read a little between the busy. My only regret - I wish he would have given more extensive details on what people needed to do to prepare better and be better equipped - emotionally, physically, financially. What were the warning signs? What more did they need to know so that they could have been better prepared? Regardless, this is a worthwhile read. I recommend it to all.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect and I am glad I read this book. To be honest, I didn't think I would like it all that much. But the flawed character of Leah Sorenson, and then finding all townspeople were not the snobs she thought, really brought the book to life. I found it very interesting to read about what kinds of things were experienced in rural areas during the Great Depression. Wonderful story of strength and perseverance in the face of great odds. Good reminder of skills we may need if things get this bad again in our lifetime.

[Melissa Rawlings · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time liking the characters in this book. It was kind of cheesy and moved a little slow. Some of the plot seemed a little much for the one year timeline of the story. I did grow to like the little group of women in the book and I loved the historical background of the depression. After I read why the author wrote this book, it made the story more special. All in all, this book was just okay.

[Sam W Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely awesome!

I have always been a fan of Dean Hughes and his inspired writings. I can relate to his characters and the depth he gives to them. And I love history. This book is a touching and sensitive combination of fact and fictitious people with depth and emotion that I can relate to. I would recommend this to all women, members or not and to men who want to know them better. I can’t wait to share it with the women in my life.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a real life version of this world we are living in.

Fell in love with all the characters who were in this story. But especially seeing the personalities of my ward sisters coming to mind and seeking to see the best in everyone and the strength they offer me at this time of my life in the later years of my life and seeing a little more of the whole picture of many of those forever friends . Loved the real life version of this story! Thanks for sharing!

[Dallin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This is the first book I've read by Dean Hughes. Wow! He has such a way of bringing you into a story! I felt like I was time traveling and was really there! It's one of those books where you open it up to read a chapter before bed and then realize you read 100 pages! I laughed. I cried. It was so interesting historically speaking and also very inspiring spiritually speaking. I can't wait to read more of his books!

[Jylene Morgan]

This book was an exceptional read. I felt so close to the characters and what they were going through. Dean Hughes's research was very thorough, the happenings and trials fit what I know about the depression years. The way he writes builds empathy for the characters and seems to pull you right in to the emotions the characters were feeling. I will recommend this as a book for our book club.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been hanging out on my shelf for a few years and finally picked it up. I love the overall theme of the purpose of Relief Society. I love books about transformation and especially how important it is for all of us to get to know each other in a better way so we can grow in understanding. Otherwise, it’s just too easy to give inaccurate judgements.

[Candace Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. Many sisters including herself thought the Bishop was crazy for calling her to be the Relief Society President. Time is during the depression and many farms are not doing well. Yes this book is fiction but it can’t be far from the truth for many sister.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book to reach my 50 books read in certain categories for this year. I really enjoyed this book. It took a little while for me to 'get into it' but when I did I really enjoyed it. Loved learning a bit of history of the depression along the way. I would recommend.

[Betty Ann Baer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't hardly keep reading this book at first, but by the end I couldn't put it down. The book teaches about helping other people and letting other people help you. I learned a lot about the depression and the lives of farmers living at that time.

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

All about a newly called Relief Society president in a small town during the Depression years. Someone gave it to me secretly, shortly after I was called to be RS pres.
I don't have it THAT bad. ;) I guess that was secret gifter's point.

[Kelseymedwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this delightful book down! Leah, the main character is hilarious and it’s incredible witnessing her transformation throughout the book. What a powerful reminder of what Relief Society is truly meant to be!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fictional story of a Relief Society president in Depression Era Utah.

[Thomas C.Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean Hughes is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. His characters are written so that the mind can actually see them, understand them, and care for them. They feel so real!

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting.

[Kelli Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Elizabeth Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read!! I love the way Dean Hughes writes. This story completely sucked me in from the beginning and made me feel what the characters were feeling. This is a faith promoting story and honestly helped me magnify my own calling in a more selfless way. Definitely recommend!

[Alice Gold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I forgot how much I love Dean Hughes as an author. I haven't read anything of his in quite sometime, but I am so glad that I found this book at the local library. It was so touching and inspiring.

This historical fiction book, even though focused on the LDS women's organization called Relief Society, can be enjoyed by people of all faiths. The greater story told is the power of womanhood, and the importance of community: loving and caring for one another. Community works best when it consists of people who all want to give but are willing to humble themselves to take once in a while too.

I cried a lot while reading this book. I took an emotional journey with the fictional small Utah town during the Great Depression. I personally related to the main character: a hard-nosed independent stick her foot in her mouth Relief Society President. In the book she was described by a friend as a coconut: all hard on the outside but all milk/meat on the inside. I also related a lot to many of the other women in the book: the ones living in poverty, the ones living with means, and especially the ones living in desperation.

Mostly this book made me proud to be a part of the greatest women's organization in the world: The Relief Society. It reminded me of so much good that is accomplished world-wide and it brought to the surface of my heart all the good that has been done in my personal life because of my associations with good women.

I highly recommend this book to be read by all women everywhere. I love how Hughes always ties in his historical facts so well. I mostly love how he masterfully tells stories of humanity. The characters in this book will stay with me for a long time. I hope they will whisper to me in the moments when I need to be reminded to let down my pride, to reach out and help others, and especially when I need to try and understand better my enemies.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aimed at a general audience, this book covers what genetics can tell us about human history from the time we branched off from the other apes until almost modern times. It covers bodily developments, social developments, the dispersal from Africa, the development of language, and much more.

For me, this book was one part fascinating, one part confusing, and one part boring--the latter two possibly because I listened to it in my car, thus missing any illustrations or graphs that might have clarified matters, and because of the general distraction of driving. I certainly learned a lot, though some of it I already knew from Smithsonian articles or NOVA episodes or the like. Much of it I just had to take on faith and my general high-school level of scientific knowledge, since I have no idea how a scientist can determine what a gene actually does, or how it differs from any other gene. I did feel like calling BS a couple of times, like on Hughes' declaration that religion began as a way of warding against liars and freeloaders. Having read The Golden Bough, I don't think it's that simple, and it completely discounts human curiosity about their world and how it works. Overall, though, it was interesting how much can be determined from genetics, though also depressing how far from noble and how endlessly savage our ancestors were. I'm glad we've managed to tame ourselves at least a little!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great to read this while serving as a Relief Society president. I could deeply relate to Leah's feelings and growth, developing more charity and improved communication skills. I learned along with her about the balance between self-reliance and welfare. So glad the city library has this in circulation. Hughes said he wrote this after his wife had served in the RS general presidency, about all the truths he learned from the RS leaders who he got close to.

Quotes:

"What Leah was starting to understand was that hard times could bring out the best in people, but also the worst. Some people saw others struggling and felt compassion; other sisters seemed to hide away in their homes, as though afraid someone might ask them to help...All summer Leah had been meeting sisters and hearing their stories. What she couldn't do anymore, at least in most cases, was blame people for their problems." (p. 102)

"'Life is all stories. We see what happens and then tell ourselves what it means. It's the story that's real - not what actually happens.'" (p. 138)

"And part of the reason was that she knew what would happen if she gave up on her calling. She would also be giving up on herself." (p. 158)

"'A Relief Society quilt should always have bad stitches mixed with the good ones. That way, we know it's made by real hands.'" (p. 257)