The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside

Written by Jessica Ryn

Narrated by Joan Walker

‘This is the book we all need right now: a story of kindness and hope. I absolutely loved it’

Anstey Harris, bestselling author of Richard and Judy Book Club pick The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton

She’s not lost. She’s just waiting to be found…

‘Completely beguiling – a messy, loveable cast of characters with Dawn at the centre, bringing the light. A truly lovely read’
Beth Morrey, Sunday Times bestselling author of Saving Missy

Dawn Elisabeth Brightside has been running from her past for twenty-two years and two months, precisely.

So when she is offered a bed in St Jude’s Hostel for the Homeless, it means so much more than just a roof over her head.
 
But with St Jude’s threatened with closure, Dawn worries that everything is about to crumble around her all over again.
 
Perhaps, with a little help from her new friends, she can find a way to save this light in the darkness?
 
And maybe, just maybe, Dawn will finally have a place to call home….

The utterly charming feel-good debut novel of summer 2021 to curl up with.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Release date: Nov 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9780008364649

Reviews for The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside

[dubaireader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book. From the synopsis and the front cover I had assumed it would be a Chick-Lit style novel but in reality it was so much more. If I were to describe it in one sentence it would be an upbeat book about homelessness.Grace is only 22, but she's the manager of a hostel for the homeless of Dover. She is a lovely character, full of empathy and understanding for the people who, often through no fault of their own, have fallen on hard times and found themselves without a roof over their heads. Her assistant, Peter was once a residence of St Jude's Hostel and also understands how important the place is. When one spare room comes available, it is Dawn who is the lucky recipient. She's been fearful to stop still anywhere for over 20 years but she loves living at St Jude's and begins to hope that things might change for her.True to form, spending cuts threaten the future of the hostel and the residents must fight or find themselves sleeping rough again.This is a fascinating insight into homelessness and some of the causes that result in people losing their homes. It also covers some aspects of mental illness with warmth and understanding.I wasn't a fan of the narrator, her voice lacked enthusiasm, but the excellent writing of Jessica Ryn was enough to override that and I highly recommend this debut novel.

[nicx27 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a wonderful, wonderful read this is. The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside is everything I want in a book.Dawn is 42 and homeless. We know she's been running away for over 20 years but we don't know why. At the start of the story she finds herself with a room at St Jude's Hostel which is managed by Grace with the help of Peter, an ex-resident, but the future of St Jude's is on the line and Dawn is determined not to let it close down as it's the first place she's been able to start to settle for a long time.The story is told from the points of view of Dawn and Grace. Dawn is a lovely person and very kind, a bit of a fantasist but will help anyone who needs it. It was obvious there was more to her story and I knew it would break my heart when it all unfolded. Grace was probably my favourite character. So young to be managing the hostel at 25 but doing an amazing job whilst dealing with her own family demons and a burgeoning relationship, she's just a delight. I thought the two viewpoints worked perfectly, giving these two completely contrasting life experiences.I think it was page 10 when tears first sprang to my eyes and there were a few more leaky eye bits throughout the book. I love a book that makes me cry as I know that it made me feel something for the characters. However, there were also giggles aplenty and some absolutely gorgeous heart-warming sections. This is what I call a feel-good story, really uplifting and moving, full of hope and possibilities.This is a debut and it's hard to believe. Jessica Ryn is a beautiful and intuitive writer, hitting just the right tone to ensure this didn't turn into a maudlin sort of book. She's written perfect characters who complement each other brilliantly, and a completely charming story full of joy and compassion. It's a complete triumph.

[shelleyraec · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside is a moving and uplifting contemporary novel from debut novelist, Jessica Ryn.Dawn Elisabeth Brightside has been running from her past for more than two decades. Offered a place at St Jude’s Hostel for the Homeless in Dover she finally thinks she may have found somewhere to she can stay.Focusing on the issues of homelessness and mental health, The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside is set in Dover, England. St Jude’s is a refuge that provides accomodation and social support to homeless people staffed by a dedicated and idealistic social worker, Grace and a former client, Peter. Dawn quickly settles into the hostel, fighting the familiar impulse to flee, and befriending several of the residents.Though I thought the story felt a little slow to begin with, the pace improved as it unfolded. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Dawn and Grace, and Ryn portrays both women with compassion and nuance. Dawn tends to be sidetracked by florid daydreams, and sometimes fails to distinguish reality from fantasy. Many of her delusions centre around Rosie, Dawn’s daughter, though whether she actually exists or not, is unclear for much of the novel. Despite her mental health issues, Dawn is a largely an optimist and always eager to help others, and when she learns that St Jude’s is in danger of closing she is determined to save it.As is Grace who feels deeply for her clients, and is worried that she isn’t good enough to do right by them.A story of heart, humour and humanity, The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside is an engaging read.