Many Layers Within

Dreadnought by Robin Bennett is a gripping novel set in the near future but with its’ roots firmly in the past.

The world is on the brink of World War III as a family move from London to the North Yorkshire coast, near Whitby, as they stay in the family home on Dreadnought.

Here, the veil between the past and present draws thin. Seven-year-old Cass is in touch with those whom the adults cannot see. The whole area has a dark and brooding presence. Three generations of the family inhabit Dreadnought.

Dreadnought seems to be a place of secrets. Ancient voices from the past, call out as the fog rolls in.

Cass is amazingly brave. She faces her fears in order to free her friend.

There are elements of the Gothic horror tradition found within the novel – strange creatures lurking in dark corners; sea mists; caves; and of course, the folk lore of Dracula surrounding Whitby Abbey.