First edition (publ. Sceptre)

Fred & Edie is a 2000 epistolary and semi-biographical novel by Jill Dawson.[1] The novel is loosely based on the murder of Percy Thompson by his with Edith Thompson and, her lover Frederick Bywaters. The novel develops a sympathetic reading of Edie's understanding of the crime and subsequent incarceration as depicted in her unsent letters to Fred.[1][2]

The novel was shortlisted for both the 2000 Whitbread Novel Award and the 2001 Orange Prize for Fiction, though won neither.[2]

Reception

The novel was generally well received. New Zealand Herald reviewer John McCrystal, called the novel " a dazzling novel, gripping and moving."[1] McCrystal called Edie's characterization as " a brilliant feat of characterisation" in contrast to Fred, "he never quite comes alive".[1] In reflecting on Dawson' career, the British Council called " Dawson's version of this tragic story is haunting and compelling, particularly as Edie realises the terrible fate that awaits her."[2] The Orange Prize nomination called the novel a "novel of entrancing imagination, sensitivity and grace" which "creates an intimate, tantalising voice for Edie".[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Jill Dawson: Fred and Edie". New Zealand Herald. 27 September 2001. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 "Jill Dawson - Literature". literature.britishcouncil.org. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
  3. ↑ "BAILEYS Women's Prize for Fiction » Fred and Edie". www.womensprizeforfiction.co.uk. Retrieved 23 February 2016.


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