The Time Before The Time To Come
By Jill Johnson
Royal Society of Literature Fellow Reading Groups Recommendation January 2019
‘This is a rich book about self-discovery, and how the people who came before us can help make us what we are today'
‘This is such a beautiful book, part novel, part history, part collection of short stories weaving together the interlinking stories of a family through five generations'
‘A beautiful and evocative novel on the importance of knowing your roots, cultural heritage and family'
Appearing On Loose Ends BBC Radio Four
Nikki Bedi and Sara Cox are joined by Simon Beaufoy, Cerys Matthews, Jill Johnson and Rebecca Trehearn for an eclectic mix of conversation, music and comedy. With music from The Coral, Chilly Gonzales and Rebecca Trehearn.
Appearing On Loose Ends BBC Radio Four
Nikki Bedi and Sara Cox are joined by Simon Beaufoy, Cerys Matthews, Jill Johnson and Rebecca Trehearn for an eclectic mix of conversation, music and comedy. With music from The Coral, Chilly Gonzales and Rebecca Trehearn.
Nikki Bedi and Sara Cox are joined by Simon Beaufoy, Cerys Matthews, Jill Johnson and Rebecca Trehearn for an eclectic mix of conversation, music and comedy. With music from The Coral, Chilly Gonzales and Rebecca Trehearn.
Blurb
The Time Before The Time To Come is a wonderful story within stories inspired by Jill’s Maori heritage. Set between London and New Zealand and intertwining past and present, we follow Victoria’s path of self-discovery as she unwraps layers of her past and tries to make sense of her present. As we journey with her family over many generations, we discover the traditions, legends, values and beliefs of the ancient Maori culture. The Time Before The Time To Come beautifully encapsulates the family ties that exist from one generation to the next and explores the significance of holding on to your roots and culture as a way of not letting go of yourself. A brilliantly crafted novel that opens a window into Maori culture, with strong women, epic journeys and heartbreaking revelations, The Time Before The Time to Come is at its core a book of hope. Made all the more powerful by the fact that it’s based on Jill’s own family, this is a novel that will stay with you long after you put it down.
