Publication Date: May 2, 2021
Juliette and George Morgan know all about Living the Good Life. As the town’s newest ‘it’ couple, they succeed in transforming the otherwise sleepy farming community of Rickshaw into a hotbed for musical talent and social enterprise. A poignant and beautifully layered tale, the Day Before Tomorrow is a portrayal of an era once removed, yet not forgotten – from the early to late seventies – with much of the story taking place within the Morgan family’s domestic locus and the community in which they live. Relationships become so intricately woven, adult and adolescent lines become blurred and an illicit connection between teacher and student builds into hidden, often disturbing scenes of love, secrets and human experience. When the Morgan’s future essentially falls down in mid-flight, the family is forced to cope with not only trauma, but coming of age and ultimately moving away from their safe haven of Rickshaw. An indictment of survival, shattered innocence, death, love and optimism, this tale is one that will transport your mind, speak to your heart and stay in both long after you have closed the cover.
Enter the world of the Morgan family, complete with three children and one on the way, as they move to a new community where George starts a job as the new high school principal.
The family’s experiences, interwoven with new-found friendships, spanning more than three decades in The Day Before Tomorrow by Monique Britten.
On the surface, this might seem like a joyful tale celebrating the joys of family. Told in alternating time periods, with much of the story set in the early 1970s, the emphasis is on the family settling into the community and building relationships. Those friendships are challenged by an inappropriate interaction between a teacher and a student.
Meanwhile, tragedy strikes the family, creating a lasting impact on the children, especially Kate. As the story progresses, the time period moves forward, and uses Kate’s flashbacks to fill in the gaps. It’s challenging to maintain a clear sense of when the events are unfolding.
Ultimately, The Day Before Tomorrow delivers a sad story about how a family tragedy still impacts a family decades after it occurred.
 
Monique Britten is an emerging author known for her ability to craft compelling stories that resonate deeply with readers. With a passion for capturing the essence of different eras and the complexities of human relationships, Britten’s writing leaves a lasting impact on those who delve into her novels. “The Day Before Tomorrow” offers a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
November 16:Â Novels Alive
November 16:Â Kit ‘n Kabookle
November 30:Â Sandra’s Book Club
December 7:Â The Faerie Review
December 7:Â A Wonderful World of Words
December 14:Â Long and Short Reviews
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