The Blood Red Dawn

"The Blood Red Dawn" by Charles Caldwell Dobie is a thought-provoking story that follows Claire Robson, a young woman navigating life during World War I. Set in the early 20th century, the novel examines Claire's quest for belonging as she struggles against feelings of loneliness and the restrictive expectations of society. The story begins with Claire attending a concert where she feels deeply moved by a Serbian pastor's account of the war, contrasting with her later feelings of exclusion at a church supper. As the narrative develops, Claire's desire for meaningful connection grows, prompting her to examine her identity, her father's past, and her place within the expectations of her upper-middle-class environment.