At St Alcuin's Monastery, in 14th century Yorkshire, Abbot John is in
shock after learning of the rape of his sister and murder of his
mother.
The refugee Father William is discovering his own vulnerability. As they
support their leader and their barely-welcome guest, the community of
brothers undertake the task of nurturing the grace of God in their
souls.
The Hour before Dawn explores the psychological impact of grief and
trauma, and the possibility of healing. Wilcock deftly weaves themes of
the resurrection and ascension throughout the story, exploring the
process of having survived suffering, but not yet having moved on. Based
on solid historical research, Wilcock's representation of monastic life
is authentic, rich with poetic prose and a sense of time and place.