When Australian expat Simone moves to London to start a career, getting pregnant is not on her agenda. But she’s excited to start a new life with her baby and determined to be a good mother. Even though her boyfriend Paul’s cold and grey apartment in the Barbican Estate seems completely ill-suited for a baby. Even though Simone and Paul have only known each other for a year. Even though she feels utterly unprepared for motherhood. The arrival of Paul’s cousin Rachel in the flat should be a godsend. But there is something about Rachel that Simone doesn’t trust. Fighting sleep deprivation and a rising sense of unease, she begins to question Rachel’s motives, and to wonder what secrets the cousins share.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
The Night Village follows Simone, Australian living in London, having her first baby with Paul, her partner whom she has been seeing for a year. This story dives into the shock of childbirth on a new parent, the unknown aspect of the process and the feelings of not knowing what to do next. Simone unsupported by her partner, family or friends is sleep deprived and trying to develop her new self identity as a parent. During this time Paul moves his cousin Rachel into the couples’ small apartment, Simone feels uneasy with the house guest which adds to her new stress. Simone through broken sleep and feeding every 2 hours must trust her instincts and keep herself and her baby safe. The novel was written well and true to the feelings a new parent goes through, from reading this I would be interested in reading other titles from this author. Many thanks to Better Reading for the chance to preview this title. Crystal, TAS, 5 Stars
The Night Village was such an easy read. It lulled me into a false sense of security initially ambling along and I was thinking what is the night village reference when we are talking about a new mum, apart from being awake at these times? This book generated so many memories about having a new baby at home and the lack of sleep, not being able to think straight, and then starting to question everything when Rachel arrives. She seems such a strange person throughout and this book kept me guessing what her end game was. But again, at the end of the book, I was thinking what just happened? How did the twist change like that, how could I not have seen it coming, so then I began to question everything I had just read. Overall I would give this book 5 stars as it was able to make me think nothing much was happening, when in fact it was all there in the open for the most part. Very clever writing indeed! Jodie, VIC, 5 Stars
Simone and Paul haven’t been together long but now they are having a baby. After a difficult birth, Paul announces that his cousin Rachel is coming to stay presumably to help Simone while Paul is at work. I think most new mothers can identify with what Simone is going through. Lack of sleep and a house guest who is anything but helpful weighs on Simone’s mind. She doesn’t really trust Rachel and thinks there are secrets between Paul and his cousin. The baby and his safety is the most important thing and Simone has doubts that this can be achieved while she is with Paul. I loved this book and would highly recommend it. Vivien, ACT, 5 Stars
The fog and unsure state of The Night Village felt familiar, though distant. I finished reading my copy, gifted from Better Reading, this morning and then went to the shops, where I felt compelled to tell a new Mum how adorable her baby looked in his knitted jumper. She wanted to tell me all about the knitter, so I stopped and listened. I felt like sharing all I had just gained from my gift – but perhaps, instead, I received two. Kirralee, SA, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed Zoe Deleuil’s look into one woman’s post-natal experience, with all the real emotions of those first few weeks. She cleverly disguised, as post-natal irrationality, the misgivings Simone has about the people in her world and that feeling of disconnect or knowing where to turn next. A thoroughly enjoyable read! Nicole, QLD, 5 Stars
I. Am. Exhausted. And. So. Wired. A week after I finished reading, this book is still haunting me. Zoe Deleuil’s taut prose expertly evokes the relentless, sleepless, early days of parenthood. Simone recognises and frets over the fragility of both her own sanity and her new baby’s life. There is a distinct lack of warmth in her relationship with Paul, as well as in their shared life in the concrete monstrosity of London’s Barbican estate. Simone is a stranger to both the UK and the privileged upbringing of her boyfriend. Simone feels totally unprepared for the demands of motherhood; unable to bond beyond meeting his immediate demands for food and comfort, she refers to her son throughout as “the baby”. WHY did no-one warn her? (or any of us, for that matter?). And WHAT is the deal with Paul’s cousin Rachel? Why does she happen to be in London now, NEEDING to “help” with the baby? In her strung-out state, Simone sees threats everywhere, but blessedly finds some allies in unlikely places. Highly recommended – but perhaps not for expectant or new parents! Heidi, VIC, 5 Stars
The Night Village was an intriguing read from beginning to end. Simone is an Australian who has moved to London for her career. However, she ends up pregnant to her boyfriend Paul, who she is beginning to realise she really doesn’t know very well. Once the baby is born, Rachel, Paul’s cousin, visits to help, however we can soon feel the tension and anxiety Simone feels around Rachel. The author has absolutely hit the nail on the head with her realistic description of being a new mother, every emotion, every feeling, the loneliness, waiting for life to return to normal but realising that life as you know it has gone. I could really feel the tension the author created between the characters and became increasingly worried for Simone and her baby. I loved the twist in the story towards the end which cleverly changed the way I had viewed the characters throughout the book. I really enjoyed the writing style in this debut novel and look forward to the author’s next book. Thanks to Better Reading and Fremantle Press for the opportunity to preview this novel. Kim, VIC, 4 Stars
Wow, what a debut novel! I devoured this book in one sitting and wanted more. Deleuil has gotten in the head of a sleep deprived new mother so well, my body was humming with low level anxiety from the beginning, and this did not stop ramping up until the end. Any one who has been a mother can remember the low lying paranoia that comes from being so tired and not nourished properly, add in a less than stellar support system and a house guest that you have only met once before and you have the perfect combo for a psychological thriller if written right, and my gosh has Deleuil done it right. Deleuil has created a novel that keeps you guessing till the very end. As I am a keen reader of psychological fiction, I am often left disappointed when I have picked the villain half way through the book. So I was extremely happy to realise I had it all wrong in this one. The only reason I have not given The Night Village 5 stars is because I would have liked a grittier ending, it all seemed to wrap up too quickly and too neatly. Mel, NSW, 4 Stars
This book is a gem, perfect for new mums or women who simply want to revisit those early days of motherhood! I loved how the story covered all the good and bad, with a warm human touch, showing the reality of being responsible for a new little human! Simone is finding her way as she learns how to cope with lack of sleep and being in a relationship with Paul, someone who she hasn’t known for very long. The ups and downs, emotions and changes to any mum’s life when a first baby arrives are brilliantly captured in Zoe Deleuil’s debut book. I felt the coldness of London, the feeling of being alone and the scary thoughts that women face, I particularly enjoyed the evolution of Simone. Simone is hopeful of positive change when Paul’s cousin Rachel moves in with the offer to ‘help’, they don’t really connect and Simone is left with suspicions and doubt. How will Simone cope with her uneasy feelings? Thank you to Fremantle Press, Better Reading and Zoe Deleuil for the opportunity to read this very well composed story, all new mums will feel better for reading it! Vicki, TAS, 4 Stars
A gripping first novel, by Zoe Deleuil. An intriguing, psychological thriller that I read in a couple of sittings. The ending was a little abrupt for me, but still a great, easy read! Rebecca, TAS, 4 Stars
As a mother of 4, this book was so vividly accurate in its account of life with a newborn. I felt for Simone in her sleep deprived and overwhelmed state, and found myself wanting to give her a hug and tell her it’ll get better! It was a good read, but I kept waiting for the author to get to the point of the book. Nothing really happened, and I’m not sure if deserves to be described as a thriller. There’s a bit of a twist at the end, but then the story ends quite abruptly. An easy read however, and I would read more from this author. Lara, SA, 4 Stars
I was intrigued from the very beginning. I usually do not pick up this type of genre – domestic noir, but I was pulled in from the first page. The author’s descriptive writing, of surrounding environments, characters and their emotions drew me into their lives and current situation throughout the book. Set in the Barbican Estate in London, the location and type of architectural construction helps depict the noir feelings of this book and emphasises the themes conveyed. I felt that my senses were going through what the characters were going through. Themes of isolation, the beginnings of motherhood and relationships were drawn upon deeply and made me question what people may go through in these stages of life. I liked that it was set in London, one of the busiest cities in the world. If one has experienced London, or any big city, they would understand how small you can feel even amongst the amount of people surrounding you. The Night Village surely does capture this and brought me back to the bustling streets. Overall I enjoyed reading The Night Village and would recommend it if you like the domestic noir genre. Raffaela, VIC, 4 Stars
The Night Village is a thoroughly descriptive novel by Zoe Deleuil. The novel portrays the story of a young new mum within the initial weeks of bringing her newborn baby home. Faced with the natural state of uncertainty and confusion she receives ‘help’ from her short-term boyfriend’s cousin. But things don’t seem right. Something irks at her and she can’t seem to figure out whether what she feels is based on her current brain fog situation of caring for a newborn, or the arrival of her cousin who shows a somewhat sinister side. The bleak, grey scenery of London and the foreboding gigantic structure of housing she lives in also places a big shadow of gloom on everyone’s lives. This novel shows a realistic take on the challenges, love and protection a new mother will have for her child. I would recommend this novel, a dark griping read from start to finish. Julie, VIC, 4 Stars
Simone moved from Perth to London. She has dreams and plans but it all changes when she has a baby with her partner Paul. Their relationship is relatively new and they still didn’t know each other that well. While Paul is supportive, she is finding it hard to cope up with a new born by herself. Paul’s cousin Rachel offers to stay with them in Paul’s apartment and help them with the baby. Rachel is a bit odd, and Simone is struggling to trust her with the baby. I loved the author’s portrayal of Simone’s character. A new mother struggling with a new born without much support. There is such a deep insight into what is going in her mind – her fears, sleep deprivation, her dark thoughts. Her depiction is very honest. The twist in the end was unexpected, but I wanted a bit more in terms of the thriller element. I went into this book without any expectations, and I really enjoyed it. Divya, NSW, 4 Stars
The Night Village is a deep book, looking at such themes as motherhood, complex relationships, friendship, and as a distance second, love. Simone and Paul have a strangely cold relationship, made more awkward when Rachel enters the picture. Probably not the book for mother’s with new born babies! Ros, ACT, 4 Stars
Thoroughly enjoyed this book because it depicted a lot of thoughts and feelings that new mums experience. It was real and raw bringing back a lot of my own memories as a new mum. There is an air of mystery weaved into the story so the reader never quite knows about Rachel’s intentions towards Simone and her baby which in turn leaves us on tenderhooks. The kindness of well meaning strangers with suggestions and pity stares towards Simone on her ventures outside in London, speak volumes about how delicate our mental health can be. Simone gathers strength throughout the book by reaching deep within herself and a mother’s love. Paul’s character appears supportive to begin with but there is an undertone of deception. As the reader delves deeper, a dark secret rears its ugly head. Although shocking, the reader can see Simone strengthen her resolve for her future and her baby. Shelley, NSW, 4 Stars
Whilst I would describe The Night Village as a ‘psychological suspense novel’ rather than a ‘psychological suspense thriller’, it was a very easy and enjoyable read. The author built up the characters beautifully, particularly new mum Simone. The story provided a real insight into the trials and tribulations of new, unplanned motherhood, far away from home and maternal family, and with limited support and guidance. It explores the innate maternal drive to protect our children whilst at the same time questioning our interpretations of others’ actions around us and baby – are we right to be wary or are we being overprotective? With Simone’s judgement potentially clouded by post-partum mental health, therein lies the suspense thread that weaves its way through this story… Heather, WA, 4 Stars
Australian Simone, didn’t factor getting pregnant into her life in London but that is what happened. Paul seems happy about the pregnancy. Although the pregnancy is unexpected Simone is determined to be a good mother. Paula’s cold grey apartment hardly seems the ideal place for a baby but Simone is trying to make the best of it. When Paul’s cousin Rachel comes to stay, Simone is hopeful she will be a help as Simone adjusts to motherhood and the routines of the baby. But instead of support all Simone feels is a strong sense of unease around Rachel. Unease and tension permeates the narrative, with the reader on edge as to what is going to happen. It keeps the pages turning. When I started it, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from this book, but it certainly got me in quickly enough. It is easy to empathise with Simone and understand the frustration she feels when it comes to Rachel. The ending was interesting although a bit abrupt. However that quibble aside, this is strangely compelling read that should appeal to many. Thanks to BetterReading and Fremantle Press for my copy to read and review. So pleased I was given the opportunity to read and review this atmospheric book which I would definitely recommend. Dale, NSW, 4 Stars
The Night Village begins with a fairly tense birth scene and continues with a high level of tension throughout. Simone, an Australian living in London has just given birth to a baby boy and is alone apart from her partner Paul who she has only known for 12 months. When Paul’s cousin Rachel comes to stay, Simone can’t quite put her finger on why she makes her so uncomfortable. Is she just sleep deprived or is there something more to the relationship between Paul and Rachel? The tension is built up well, with Simone questioning every move from Rachel as well as her own skills as a new mother. I felt for Simone, trying to navigate new motherhood with someone always there watching over her shoulder. For anyone that has had a baby, this book will bring back vivid memories of those first few uncertain weeks. Family dynamics, mental illness, and the kindness of strangers are all covered in this debut novel by Zoe Deleuil. I look forward to reading more from this author. Jo, QLD, 4 Stars
The Night Village by Zoe Deleuil arrived today, and I opened the first page for a look. Four hours later I had finished this book. To me, it was like a modern version of a gothic thriller. More psychological. I certainly didn’t see the end, although, as I discussed the story with my son while I was reading it, he suggested a possible scenario that was very close to the story. I enjoyed it, it was an easy read and I hope to read more from this author. Thanks to Better Reading #BRPreview and Fremantle Press for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Tracy, VIC, 4 Stars
This is a story about Simone who has a baby with her partner Paul. Paul’s cousin Rachel moves in with Simone and Paul to help out with the baby. Simone finds Rachel hard to cope with and especially struggles with trusting her with the baby. She just finds something about Rachel not quite right. This book was labelled as a thriller. While I found this book an easy read, I do not really believe it was a thriller. You do keep reading to find out where it is going and when it will meet that thriller label. But it never did for me. In fact it seemed to take a long time to get to exactly what the book was meant to be about. It is also my belief the book probably really resonates for mothers with children. I think if a male reader who loved thrillers (such as myself) bought this book on how it was portrayed they would be very disappointed. Jonathan, NSW, 3 Stars
This book wasn’t really for me; the cover called it a thriller (my preferred genre) but it wasn’t. It’s basically a study of what it’s like caring for a newborn. Well-written, realistic and relatable, but not that interesting to me. Not enough happened. I did like the ending even though I guessed it in advance. Christina, WA, 3 Stars
The Night Village pulls you into a psychological thriller of Simone, her boyfriend of just a few months, Paul, and their newborn baby, Thomas. With their whirlwind romance ending in pregnancy, Paul brings his close cousin, Rachel to help out. When things feel strained and weird between Simone and Rachel, and Rachel and Paul, Simone reluctantly goes along with it all, pushing all doubts to the back of her mind. What is there between the cousins? Why does Rachel seem jealous of Simone? The Night Village is a compelling novel that would interest V.C Andrews fans. Although the cousins’ backstory and ending is somewhat lacking, Zoe Deleuil provides a good read. Amanda, VIC, 3 Stars
Motherhood & childbirth are often portrayed as joyous events. What happens when this is not the case? When Australian expat Simone finds herself pregnant to her boyfriend of less than a year, in London with no family support, she is determined to make it work. But then the baby comes & Paul is not as present as she hoped he would be & when his cousin Rachel comes to stay, promising to help, she ends up becoming more of a burden. Sleep deprivation, isolation & mistrust of both Paul & Rachel lead Simone to question her ability to cope & her effectiveness as a mother. It makes her question her reactions to Rachel whose presence makes her very uncomfortable, but she worries she may be overreacting due to being a sleep deprived mother. A psychological thriller that also challenges us to think about the fog of new motherhood & the challenges that it brings. Karen, NSW, 3 Stars
I thought that The Night Village was an enjoyable and easy read. A bit of eye opener for me in regard to how motherhood can impact the life of a young mother and also how sleep deprivation can impact even the simplest every day tasks. I thought it was a well set out gripping real life story of motherhood filled with tension. David, QLD, 3 Stars
Zoe Deleuil’s debut novel The Night Village is an easy read. Takes you on a journey of a new mum Simone, in an honest and raw insight of a mum’s struggles in the early days and trusting your instincts. Not as thrilling as I normally read and it left me wanting a bit more towards the end. But overall a great first novel. Bronwyn, VIC, 3 Stars
The Night Village was a slow burning thriller that felt like it was building up to something but didn’t quite get there. I think this book will resonate with mother’s, who will understand the descriptive story of the weeks after having a baby. I found it hard to engage with any of the characters, however the book kept me entertained enough to want to know what happens. This is a solid debut and I would like to see more of what this author does with possibly a longer book, to further build up the story. Rebecca, ACT, 3 Stars
I finished The Night Village in a couple of days. I would say it is a psychological drama, not really a thriller. The story was very well written and kept me turning the pages. I thought the author did a great job of describing main character Simone’s journey, and being a mother myself, I could relate to many of her emotions and situations. I felt the ending was too abrupt and a little far-fetched, and I also would’ve liked to have Simone’s baby referred to by name (Thomas) throughout the novel instead of ‘the baby’ as it got too repetitive. Apart from that it was an enjoyable read. Michelle, VIC, 3 Stars
The Night Village is about the journey of giving birth and the early days of motherhood highlighting some of the dramas of the first few weeks. The story is made a little intriguing by the arrival of a stranger to help support the new mother and infant but the suspicious behaviour of the visitor causes more worry and pain. However there is not much else to the story. It is an easy read but the ending was predictable from the early chapters. Julie, NSW, 2 Stars
I couldn’t put the book down I was trying to figure out where it was leading, but really to know where. Simone I found was a typical first time Mum lack of sleep, self doubting and showing concern for her child. Probably I thought Rachel could have explained her situation to Simone instead of being so secretive. Also I found the title a little confusing as well. Annette, VIC, 1 Star
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