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berit08's review
5.0
Poignant! Tumultuous! Important!
1968: both Martin Luther King and Robert F Kennedy are assassinated, Man orbits the moon for the first time, and the Vietnam war rages on... categorized as one of the most tumultuous years in our history... and as an American who was not born until the last two months of the 60s, I’ve never given any thought to the fact that other countries had things going on during this decade... in my defense when we have studied European history in school we generally never made it to the 20th century, so needless to say this book was definitely eye-opening.... this book not only taught me things about history, but also some things about myself.... this book is all about the impact war and political unrest as well as civil unrest have on all of us...Three women living in three different countries, with one thing in common the turbulent times of 1968...Rose has just moved to London from St. Lucia, where she is a care nurse... unfortunately she has to deal with both subtle and overt racism on a daily basis, and she handles it with grace and intelligence... Amalia is a young widowed mother living in Lisbon Portugal, determined to give her young beloved son a good life... she is willing to do whatever it takes... mrs. Johnson is a mother as well, but her son is fighting in the Vietnam war and we get a glimpse of her life in Washington DC through her letters written to her son.... all three of these women’s stories tugged at my heart strings and resonated with me in different ways... as a woman, as a mother, and as a human...
This is a beautifully told masterfully crafted story of courage and love... these women’s characters were so well developed I felt as though I knew them by the end of the book... I also really appreciated the news snippets sprinkled throughout the story it gave everything a sense of authenticity... absolutely recommend this book it will make you look at the late 1960s from a different angle...
*** many thanks to the author and Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy of this book ***
1968: both Martin Luther King and Robert F Kennedy are assassinated, Man orbits the moon for the first time, and the Vietnam war rages on... categorized as one of the most tumultuous years in our history... and as an American who was not born until the last two months of the 60s, I’ve never given any thought to the fact that other countries had things going on during this decade... in my defense when we have studied European history in school we generally never made it to the 20th century, so needless to say this book was definitely eye-opening.... this book not only taught me things about history, but also some things about myself.... this book is all about the impact war and political unrest as well as civil unrest have on all of us...Three women living in three different countries, with one thing in common the turbulent times of 1968...Rose has just moved to London from St. Lucia, where she is a care nurse... unfortunately she has to deal with both subtle and overt racism on a daily basis, and she handles it with grace and intelligence... Amalia is a young widowed mother living in Lisbon Portugal, determined to give her young beloved son a good life... she is willing to do whatever it takes... mrs. Johnson is a mother as well, but her son is fighting in the Vietnam war and we get a glimpse of her life in Washington DC through her letters written to her son.... all three of these women’s stories tugged at my heart strings and resonated with me in different ways... as a woman, as a mother, and as a human...
This is a beautifully told masterfully crafted story of courage and love... these women’s characters were so well developed I felt as though I knew them by the end of the book... I also really appreciated the news snippets sprinkled throughout the story it gave everything a sense of authenticity... absolutely recommend this book it will make you look at the late 1960s from a different angle...
*** many thanks to the author and Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy of this book ***
norwayellesea's review
4.0
4.5 stars
Sleeping Through War isn't at all what I expected, and I don't mean it in a negative way. It's unlike anything I've read before and I heartily enjoyed it. The narrative follows the lives of three women concurrently during a volatile period in world history.
Fascinating. I appreciated the detail the author poured into the narrative, focusing on the everyday lives of these women from differing backgrounds. In the beginning, I did wonder if their lives would connect at some point. However, as we begin to get to know them, it becomes clear their stories are unique and specific to them.
The time-line is short; merely three weeks during May 1968. It not only highlights the newsworthy events around the world during this time in history but what happens to three ordinary women and those close to them. The narrative highlights how within a short space of time, everything can change and not always for the better. As the stories about Amalia in Lisbon, Portugal, Mrs Johnson in Washington DC, US and Rose, newly arrived in London from St Lucia unfold, these women going about their everyday lives. They struggle just as much as those affected by the wars and demonstrations at this time, only their tragedies and difficulties never get heard.
As a reader, I loved the concept of Sleeping Through War. Although there isn't a physical link between these women they share a common link; all are trying their best to do what is right. One is writing to a son who is fighting in the Vietnam war. Another is trying her best to keep food on the table to care for her son after his father, her husband died fighting in the Angola War. Lastly, a lady newly arrived from the Caribbean who forms a friendship with a young single mother. Ms Carreira conveys their stories with compassionate insight.
Well researched, the writing is sublime as the narrative invites the reader to pause and think not only about these world events which occurred before many of us were born but to ponder and reflect upon everyday scenarios as relevant today as they were fifty years ago.
***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher Troubador***
Sleeping Through War isn't at all what I expected, and I don't mean it in a negative way. It's unlike anything I've read before and I heartily enjoyed it. The narrative follows the lives of three women concurrently during a volatile period in world history.
Fascinating. I appreciated the detail the author poured into the narrative, focusing on the everyday lives of these women from differing backgrounds. In the beginning, I did wonder if their lives would connect at some point. However, as we begin to get to know them, it becomes clear their stories are unique and specific to them.
The time-line is short; merely three weeks during May 1968. It not only highlights the newsworthy events around the world during this time in history but what happens to three ordinary women and those close to them. The narrative highlights how within a short space of time, everything can change and not always for the better. As the stories about Amalia in Lisbon, Portugal, Mrs Johnson in Washington DC, US and Rose, newly arrived in London from St Lucia unfold, these women going about their everyday lives. They struggle just as much as those affected by the wars and demonstrations at this time, only their tragedies and difficulties never get heard.
As a reader, I loved the concept of Sleeping Through War. Although there isn't a physical link between these women they share a common link; all are trying their best to do what is right. One is writing to a son who is fighting in the Vietnam war. Another is trying her best to keep food on the table to care for her son after his father, her husband died fighting in the Angola War. Lastly, a lady newly arrived from the Caribbean who forms a friendship with a young single mother. Ms Carreira conveys their stories with compassionate insight.
Well researched, the writing is sublime as the narrative invites the reader to pause and think not only about these world events which occurred before many of us were born but to ponder and reflect upon everyday scenarios as relevant today as they were fifty years ago.
***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher Troubador***
modernwysewoman's review
5.0
Full review: http://lauramorningstar.com/review-sleeping-through-war/
This is a really powerful novel that tells the story of three ordinary women, all living in different circumstances, just trying to live their own lives while the world around them is in turmoil.
Each of the women Amalia who is a Portuguese single mother living in Lisbon, Rose a Jamaican nurse in a London Hospital and Mrs Johnson the mother of an American soldier living in Washington DC narrate their own story. This gives the three women their own unique voice as they describe their day to day lives. All three are similar in that their existence seems almost insignificant as they are after all just ordinary women. Each of the characters are courageous they all share a quiet dignity and inner strength, despite the melancholy that surrounds their everyday existence. You get the impression that any moment of happiness is fleeting and so needs to be embraced fully when it occurs.
I spent a chunk of the book wondering how the three women’s stories would come together, what singular event would connect them? The answer is none, the book doesn’t work in this way. Instead what the three characters show you is that in many ways day to day living is the same across the world.
I appreciated that each of the narrators were female as in so many ways in the 60s the female voice was still not valued. These women are living against the backdrop of the events of May 1968 and the way the news headlines are interspersed throughout helps to paint a picture of what life was like at that time.
The book is beautifully descriptive, and throughout the course of it you feel as if you are making friends with each of the characters. As is often the way I think ‘ordinary’ women are often in fact the most extraordinary as they are the ones that keep the world moving through their everyday actions.
This is a book that I would definitely recommend as it has three wonderful storylines that are each powerful. They each have an impact, often bleak, often heart wrenching, but always filled with a quiet optimism.
Your heart won’t forget Amalia, Rose or Mrs Johnson quickly.
This is a really powerful novel that tells the story of three ordinary women, all living in different circumstances, just trying to live their own lives while the world around them is in turmoil.
Each of the women Amalia who is a Portuguese single mother living in Lisbon, Rose a Jamaican nurse in a London Hospital and Mrs Johnson the mother of an American soldier living in Washington DC narrate their own story. This gives the three women their own unique voice as they describe their day to day lives. All three are similar in that their existence seems almost insignificant as they are after all just ordinary women. Each of the characters are courageous they all share a quiet dignity and inner strength, despite the melancholy that surrounds their everyday existence. You get the impression that any moment of happiness is fleeting and so needs to be embraced fully when it occurs.
I spent a chunk of the book wondering how the three women’s stories would come together, what singular event would connect them? The answer is none, the book doesn’t work in this way. Instead what the three characters show you is that in many ways day to day living is the same across the world.
I appreciated that each of the narrators were female as in so many ways in the 60s the female voice was still not valued. These women are living against the backdrop of the events of May 1968 and the way the news headlines are interspersed throughout helps to paint a picture of what life was like at that time.
The book is beautifully descriptive, and throughout the course of it you feel as if you are making friends with each of the characters. As is often the way I think ‘ordinary’ women are often in fact the most extraordinary as they are the ones that keep the world moving through their everyday actions.
This is a book that I would definitely recommend as it has three wonderful storylines that are each powerful. They each have an impact, often bleak, often heart wrenching, but always filled with a quiet optimism.
Your heart won’t forget Amalia, Rose or Mrs Johnson quickly.
stephbookshine's review
4.0
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Sleeping Through War is told to a backdrop of war and rebellion, but is the quiet, intimate story of what it is to be a woman.
Jackie Carreira takes the lives of three ‘ordinary’, different women and invites us in to their struggles, their joys and sorrows, their moments of contemplation and impulses to action.
There is a haunting stillness to the prose and pace, so that even as turmoil occurs in the plot, we still get a sense of strength and beauty as the women face their everyday lives with painful dignity (Amalia), practical compassion (Rose) and an achingly lonely bravery (Mrs Johnson).
The three accounts are distinct not only in their setting and characters, but in the style of narrative, with Amalia’s story told in omniscient third-person style, Rose’s as a first-person account (either a memoir or oral retelling), and Mrs Johnson’s mainly through her correspondence to her soldier son. Despite these different perspectives the author binds the reader tightly to each woman with the intimate minutiae of her thoughts, feelings and actions.
There are a few heart-wrenching moments along the way, relating to motherhood, loss and sacrifice that had me shedding a few tears for all of the characters involved, and there were a couple of twists that I hadn’t seen coming.
Mainly though this is a glimpse into the miracle of women, ordinary women, just doing what they need to do. Making it through their lives, looking out for others, and trying to find a little kindness to spare for themselves as they go.
‘Ricardo could sleep through war,’ she thought, rising from the sofa. A thick cotton, floral curtain had separated her makeshift bed from the rest of the room and she slid it back quietly to walk through it and towards the bedroom door. Amalia moved with a tired kind of grace, slowly and smoothly around the shadows of the room: table and chairs and squat sideboard with lamp. The door opened with a low moan and she pushed it gently, just enough to poke her head inside. Sure enough, Ricardo was fast asleep; one arm under his pillow, sheet twisted around his smooth, slender legs, and his face turned away from the splashes of red that invaded the walls of his room too.
‘My beautiful boy,’ she whispered, ‘dream us some luck,’ and closed the door gently to leave him alone in his dreams.
– Jackie Carreira, Sleeping Through War
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2018/09/09/blog-tour-sleeping-through-war-jackie-carreira/
Sleeping Through War is told to a backdrop of war and rebellion, but is the quiet, intimate story of what it is to be a woman.
Jackie Carreira takes the lives of three ‘ordinary’, different women and invites us in to their struggles, their joys and sorrows, their moments of contemplation and impulses to action.
There is a haunting stillness to the prose and pace, so that even as turmoil occurs in the plot, we still get a sense of strength and beauty as the women face their everyday lives with painful dignity (Amalia), practical compassion (Rose) and an achingly lonely bravery (Mrs Johnson).
The three accounts are distinct not only in their setting and characters, but in the style of narrative, with Amalia’s story told in omniscient third-person style, Rose’s as a first-person account (either a memoir or oral retelling), and Mrs Johnson’s mainly through her correspondence to her soldier son. Despite these different perspectives the author binds the reader tightly to each woman with the intimate minutiae of her thoughts, feelings and actions.
There are a few heart-wrenching moments along the way, relating to motherhood, loss and sacrifice that had me shedding a few tears for all of the characters involved, and there were a couple of twists that I hadn’t seen coming.
Mainly though this is a glimpse into the miracle of women, ordinary women, just doing what they need to do. Making it through their lives, looking out for others, and trying to find a little kindness to spare for themselves as they go.
‘Ricardo could sleep through war,’ she thought, rising from the sofa. A thick cotton, floral curtain had separated her makeshift bed from the rest of the room and she slid it back quietly to walk through it and towards the bedroom door. Amalia moved with a tired kind of grace, slowly and smoothly around the shadows of the room: table and chairs and squat sideboard with lamp. The door opened with a low moan and she pushed it gently, just enough to poke her head inside. Sure enough, Ricardo was fast asleep; one arm under his pillow, sheet twisted around his smooth, slender legs, and his face turned away from the splashes of red that invaded the walls of his room too.
‘My beautiful boy,’ she whispered, ‘dream us some luck,’ and closed the door gently to leave him alone in his dreams.
– Jackie Carreira, Sleeping Through War
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2018/09/09/blog-tour-sleeping-through-war-jackie-carreira/
marjma2014's review
5.0
A full review on my blog: https://mjmallon.com/2020/07/27/book-review-sleeping-through-war-by-jackie-carreira-literary-fiction-historical-womens/
I've never read anything from Jackie Carreira before so I was thrilled to receive a paperback copy of Sleeping Through War from the author.
Did it meet my expectations? More than. I loved these intimate stories set in 1968 told from the perspective of three very different women: Amalia a widow with her young son in Lisbon who takes desperate measures to make ends meet, Rose a West Indian Care Home nurse in London and Mrs Johnson whose son is fighting in Vietnam.
These poignant stories are broken with factual short news reports in bold regarding the turbulent times of this period of history.
My recommendation: Read this novel, it will draw you into the lives of these three women in a way that will make you think of them often. 5 stars.
Looking forward to reading more from this author, a real find.
I've never read anything from Jackie Carreira before so I was thrilled to receive a paperback copy of Sleeping Through War from the author.
Did it meet my expectations? More than. I loved these intimate stories set in 1968 told from the perspective of three very different women: Amalia a widow with her young son in Lisbon who takes desperate measures to make ends meet, Rose a West Indian Care Home nurse in London and Mrs Johnson whose son is fighting in Vietnam.
These poignant stories are broken with factual short news reports in bold regarding the turbulent times of this period of history.
My recommendation: Read this novel, it will draw you into the lives of these three women in a way that will make you think of them often. 5 stars.
Looking forward to reading more from this author, a real find.
readingthroughthelookinglass's review against another edition
5.0
Sleeping through war tells the stories of three women, Amelia, Mrs Johnson and Rose. The stories are set against the backdrop of world events in 1968, a turbulent time of student demonstrations throughout Europe, Civil rights marches in USA, Political tension in Eastern Europe and the Vietnam War. The three women live in different parts of the world and while there is no direct connection between them, what connects them is that their lives are similar. Amelia a single mother who is widowed in the war between Portugal and Angola. Mrs Johnson is also dealing with the consequences of war as her son is serving in Vietnam.Rose who has qualified as a nurse has arrived in England from St Lucia and is fighting a different type of war, a war against racial prejudice and discrimination. Amelia's story really tugs at my heartstrings as she has been left alone to support her son,she is forced to make decisions to to do what ever it takes to earn money to make sure there is food in the house, placing herself at the mercy of others as a consequence. Mrs Johnson writes to her son Rod who is currently serving in Vietnam. The letters she sends describe life back home, but barely disguised by the despair she obviously feels as being away from him. Rose although she is faced with racisim, she responds with kindness, understanding manner, particularly towards her upstairs neighbour Brenda, a young mother who has moved to London with her young child. The final revelation is heartbreaking but not in the way you have been expecting.
booksuperpower's review against another edition
5.0
Sleeping Through the War by Jackie Carreira is a 2018 Troubador publication.
When looking back on the 1960s, the entire decade is often described as ‘turbulent’. This is true. But, instead of the decade going out with a whimper, it seemed to gain a dark kind of momentum in 1968-69, ending on an unrivaled note of violence and unrest.
I was a very young child in the late sixties, unable to completely grasp the gravity of everything going on. But, I’ve always been fascinated by the decade, which spawned so many changes in our country, in such a short span of time.
Still, as an American, I often think of the things going on here, and only recently started to consider what was going on in other countries. This novel touches on this, but also on the effect the war and unrest had on regular people who were trying to cope with their sons and husbands fighting on the front lines, those left behind, or those just trying to get by, to face the challenges of work, survival, and the struggle to remain mentally balanced under such dire circumstances. But, also highlights the sacrifices made which are rarely, if ever, remarked upon. Stories, like these, that never made it into the public consciousness.
The novel centers around three women, all from very different walks of life. This poignant piece of literary fiction also has a basis in fact and hits the reader where it hurts. The prose is vivid and candid, which kept me transfixed to the pages.
I think Amalia’s story resonated with me the most, and once you read about the tragic turns her life has taken and the choices she has been forced to make as a result, you will understand why. But, perhaps, it is also because I was mostly ignorant of the situation in Lisbon.
Rose is from West India but lives in London. She works as a nurse, where she endures backlash, but she manages, to keep her humanity, selflessly helping those around her with compassion.
Last, but not least, is Mrs. Johnson, a woman corresponding with her son, who is serving in Vietnam, through letters, which are ominously unanswered. Her burden of grief and uncertainty is born alone, as those around her lack understanding and are oblivious to her loneliness.
Parenthood, real everyday struggles amid a turbulent background, sacrifice, and hard choices are the themes explored in this stark and melancholy novel. It is thought provoking and eye-opening and I am deeply impressed with the author’s efforts to bring these women to life, to give them a voice, and in so doing paying tribute the real women the author encountered in her youth.
While the book is often bleak and heart wrenching, it is a long overdue homage, which is, I think, necessary and important. The impact these women had on me was profound, and I will keep them in my heart and think of them often.
4.5 stars
When looking back on the 1960s, the entire decade is often described as ‘turbulent’. This is true. But, instead of the decade going out with a whimper, it seemed to gain a dark kind of momentum in 1968-69, ending on an unrivaled note of violence and unrest.
I was a very young child in the late sixties, unable to completely grasp the gravity of everything going on. But, I’ve always been fascinated by the decade, which spawned so many changes in our country, in such a short span of time.
Still, as an American, I often think of the things going on here, and only recently started to consider what was going on in other countries. This novel touches on this, but also on the effect the war and unrest had on regular people who were trying to cope with their sons and husbands fighting on the front lines, those left behind, or those just trying to get by, to face the challenges of work, survival, and the struggle to remain mentally balanced under such dire circumstances. But, also highlights the sacrifices made which are rarely, if ever, remarked upon. Stories, like these, that never made it into the public consciousness.
The novel centers around three women, all from very different walks of life. This poignant piece of literary fiction also has a basis in fact and hits the reader where it hurts. The prose is vivid and candid, which kept me transfixed to the pages.
I think Amalia’s story resonated with me the most, and once you read about the tragic turns her life has taken and the choices she has been forced to make as a result, you will understand why. But, perhaps, it is also because I was mostly ignorant of the situation in Lisbon.
Rose is from West India but lives in London. She works as a nurse, where she endures backlash, but she manages, to keep her humanity, selflessly helping those around her with compassion.
Last, but not least, is Mrs. Johnson, a woman corresponding with her son, who is serving in Vietnam, through letters, which are ominously unanswered. Her burden of grief and uncertainty is born alone, as those around her lack understanding and are oblivious to her loneliness.
Parenthood, real everyday struggles amid a turbulent background, sacrifice, and hard choices are the themes explored in this stark and melancholy novel. It is thought provoking and eye-opening and I am deeply impressed with the author’s efforts to bring these women to life, to give them a voice, and in so doing paying tribute the real women the author encountered in her youth.
While the book is often bleak and heart wrenching, it is a long overdue homage, which is, I think, necessary and important. The impact these women had on me was profound, and I will keep them in my heart and think of them often.
4.5 stars
keeperofpages's review against another edition
4.0
Sleeping Through War is a quietly powerful novel, very cleverly narrated, honest and tender. As the blurb states this novel focuses on the lives of three women, and the narration style is different for each woman, this was so effective in giving each women a distinct voice and ensuring there is no confusion between the switching narratives.
Firstly, Amalia in Lisbon, her story is narrated in third person. I didn’t take to Amalia as quickly as I took to the other two women, I think that’s because the novel opens with her narration and I just had to get my barings and settle into the read. But over the course of the book, she grew on me, in her bid as a single mother to provide the very best for her son, Ricardo. Survival may be an act of courage, but it’s hard and it gets even harder at night-time.
“Ricardo could sleep through war. It’s just as well.”
Next up is Rose in London, her story is narrated in first person, and was my favourite storyline. Rose, born and raised in St. Lucia, is working in London as a nurse. The use of the first-person narrative always adds a sense of intimacy, so I think that really helps the reader feel close to Rose, whereas you’re more of an observer with a third person narrative. It was just a joy to be privy to all aspects of Rose’s life: her work life, her home life, particularly her relationship with her neighbour who she adopted a mothering role with, her social life, combined with hearing about her family back home in St. Lucia, arguably makes Rose the character you get to know the best. She has a kind and caring nature, one of those people who is liked by everyone because of who they are, not because of who they’re trying to be. But what really warmed my heart with Rose was you get this real sense that she is humble, though she doesn’t have much, she is thankful for everything she does have, and she’s just looking for her little piece of happiness. Also, I loved her injections of humour, when times are bleak, humour can be a life saver.
“I love that about England. It’s the only country in the world that respects a queue.”
Last, but by no means least, is Mrs Johnson in Washington, her story is narrated in a series of letters to her son who is fighting in Vietnam. This storyline really added a sense of tenderness to this novel, it really portrayed how war is not only hard for those who go off to fight but for those left behind.
Interspersed throughout these narratives are a series of news articles that were widely reported during the war, they feature events from around the world and are historically accurate. These really help place you in the time period the novel is set, they create a real sense of what things were like around the world during this time of war.
Sleeping Through War features three wonderful characters, three moving storylines, it wasn’t overwritten but it achieved so much. These women may live in different countries, but they are all connected, and affected, by war. I like how this novel seamlessly pulled me in and had me emotionally involved. This is a must-read novel for fans of war fiction and/or women’s fiction. I’ll leave you with my favourite quote:
“Sometimes you have to give up the best of yourself so that someone else can be better than you someday.”
*My thanks to Jackie Carreira and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this title*
Firstly, Amalia in Lisbon, her story is narrated in third person. I didn’t take to Amalia as quickly as I took to the other two women, I think that’s because the novel opens with her narration and I just had to get my barings and settle into the read. But over the course of the book, she grew on me, in her bid as a single mother to provide the very best for her son, Ricardo. Survival may be an act of courage, but it’s hard and it gets even harder at night-time.
“Ricardo could sleep through war. It’s just as well.”
Next up is Rose in London, her story is narrated in first person, and was my favourite storyline. Rose, born and raised in St. Lucia, is working in London as a nurse. The use of the first-person narrative always adds a sense of intimacy, so I think that really helps the reader feel close to Rose, whereas you’re more of an observer with a third person narrative. It was just a joy to be privy to all aspects of Rose’s life: her work life, her home life, particularly her relationship with her neighbour who she adopted a mothering role with, her social life, combined with hearing about her family back home in St. Lucia, arguably makes Rose the character you get to know the best. She has a kind and caring nature, one of those people who is liked by everyone because of who they are, not because of who they’re trying to be. But what really warmed my heart with Rose was you get this real sense that she is humble, though she doesn’t have much, she is thankful for everything she does have, and she’s just looking for her little piece of happiness. Also, I loved her injections of humour, when times are bleak, humour can be a life saver.
“I love that about England. It’s the only country in the world that respects a queue.”
Last, but by no means least, is Mrs Johnson in Washington, her story is narrated in a series of letters to her son who is fighting in Vietnam. This storyline really added a sense of tenderness to this novel, it really portrayed how war is not only hard for those who go off to fight but for those left behind.
Interspersed throughout these narratives are a series of news articles that were widely reported during the war, they feature events from around the world and are historically accurate. These really help place you in the time period the novel is set, they create a real sense of what things were like around the world during this time of war.
Sleeping Through War features three wonderful characters, three moving storylines, it wasn’t overwritten but it achieved so much. These women may live in different countries, but they are all connected, and affected, by war. I like how this novel seamlessly pulled me in and had me emotionally involved. This is a must-read novel for fans of war fiction and/or women’s fiction. I’ll leave you with my favourite quote:
“Sometimes you have to give up the best of yourself so that someone else can be better than you someday.”
*My thanks to Jackie Carreira and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this title*
ellesea's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
Sleeping Through War isn't at all what I expected, and I don't mean it in a negative way. It's unlike anything I've read before and I heartily enjoyed it. The narrative follows the lives of three women concurrently during a volatile period in world history.
Fascinating. I appreciated the detail the author poured into the narrative, focusing on the everyday lives of these women from differing backgrounds. In the beginning, I did wonder if their lives would connect at some point. However, as we begin to get to know them, it becomes clear their stories are unique and specific to them.
The time-line is short; merely three weeks during May 1968. It not only highlights the newsworthy events around the world during this time in history but what happens to three ordinary women and those close to them. The narrative highlights how within a short space of time, everything can change and not always for the better. As the stories about Amalia in Lisbon, Portugal, Mrs Johnson in Washington DC, US and Rose, newly arrived in London from St Lucia unfold, these women going about their everyday lives. They struggle just as much as those affected by the wars and demonstrations at this time, only their tragedies and difficulties never get heard.
As a reader, I loved the concept of Sleeping Through War. Although there isn't a physical link between these women they share a common link; all are trying their best to do what is right. One is writing to a son who is fighting in the Vietnam war. Another is trying her best to keep food on the table to care for her son after his father, her husband died fighting in the Angola War. Lastly, a lady newly arrived from the Caribbean who forms a friendship with a young single mother. Ms Carreira conveys their stories with compassionate insight.
Well researched, the writing is sublime as the narrative invites the reader to pause and think not only about these world events which occurred before many of us were born but to ponder and reflect upon everyday scenarios as relevant today as they were fifty years ago.
***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher Troubador***
Sleeping Through War isn't at all what I expected, and I don't mean it in a negative way. It's unlike anything I've read before and I heartily enjoyed it. The narrative follows the lives of three women concurrently during a volatile period in world history.
Fascinating. I appreciated the detail the author poured into the narrative, focusing on the everyday lives of these women from differing backgrounds. In the beginning, I did wonder if their lives would connect at some point. However, as we begin to get to know them, it becomes clear their stories are unique and specific to them.
The time-line is short; merely three weeks during May 1968. It not only highlights the newsworthy events around the world during this time in history but what happens to three ordinary women and those close to them. The narrative highlights how within a short space of time, everything can change and not always for the better. As the stories about Amalia in Lisbon, Portugal, Mrs Johnson in Washington DC, US and Rose, newly arrived in London from St Lucia unfold, these women going about their everyday lives. They struggle just as much as those affected by the wars and demonstrations at this time, only their tragedies and difficulties never get heard.
As a reader, I loved the concept of Sleeping Through War. Although there isn't a physical link between these women they share a common link; all are trying their best to do what is right. One is writing to a son who is fighting in the Vietnam war. Another is trying her best to keep food on the table to care for her son after his father, her husband died fighting in the Angola War. Lastly, a lady newly arrived from the Caribbean who forms a friendship with a young single mother. Ms Carreira conveys their stories with compassionate insight.
Well researched, the writing is sublime as the narrative invites the reader to pause and think not only about these world events which occurred before many of us were born but to ponder and reflect upon everyday scenarios as relevant today as they were fifty years ago.
***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher Troubador***
stephbookshine's review against another edition
4.0
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Sleeping Through War is told to a backdrop of war and rebellion, but is the quiet, intimate story of what it is to be a woman.
Jackie Carreira takes the lives of three ‘ordinary’, different women and invites us in to their struggles, their joys and sorrows, their moments of contemplation and impulses to action.
There is a haunting stillness to the prose and pace, so that even as turmoil occurs in the plot, we still get a sense of strength and beauty as the women face their everyday lives with painful dignity (Amalia), practical compassion (Rose) and an achingly lonely bravery (Mrs Johnson).
The three accounts are distinct not only in their setting and characters, but in the style of narrative, with Amalia’s story told in omniscient third-person style, Rose’s as a first-person account (either a memoir or oral retelling), and Mrs Johnson’s mainly through her correspondence to her soldier son. Despite these different perspectives the author binds the reader tightly to each woman with the intimate minutiae of her thoughts, feelings and actions.
There are a few heart-wrenching moments along the way, relating to motherhood, loss and sacrifice that had me shedding a few tears for all of the characters involved, and there were a couple of twists that I hadn’t seen coming.
Mainly though this is a glimpse into the miracle of women, ordinary women, just doing what they need to do. Making it through their lives, looking out for others, and trying to find a little kindness to spare for themselves as they go.
‘Ricardo could sleep through war,’ she thought, rising from the sofa. A thick cotton, floral curtain had separated her makeshift bed from the rest of the room and she slid it back quietly to walk through it and towards the bedroom door. Amalia moved with a tired kind of grace, slowly and smoothly around the shadows of the room: table and chairs and squat sideboard with lamp. The door opened with a low moan and she pushed it gently, just enough to poke her head inside. Sure enough, Ricardo was fast asleep; one arm under his pillow, sheet twisted around his smooth, slender legs, and his face turned away from the splashes of red that invaded the walls of his room too.
‘My beautiful boy,’ she whispered, ‘dream us some luck,’ and closed the door gently to leave him alone in his dreams.
– Jackie Carreira, Sleeping Through War
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2018/09/09/blog-tour-sleeping-through-war-jackie-carreira/
Sleeping Through War is told to a backdrop of war and rebellion, but is the quiet, intimate story of what it is to be a woman.
Jackie Carreira takes the lives of three ‘ordinary’, different women and invites us in to their struggles, their joys and sorrows, their moments of contemplation and impulses to action.
There is a haunting stillness to the prose and pace, so that even as turmoil occurs in the plot, we still get a sense of strength and beauty as the women face their everyday lives with painful dignity (Amalia), practical compassion (Rose) and an achingly lonely bravery (Mrs Johnson).
The three accounts are distinct not only in their setting and characters, but in the style of narrative, with Amalia’s story told in omniscient third-person style, Rose’s as a first-person account (either a memoir or oral retelling), and Mrs Johnson’s mainly through her correspondence to her soldier son. Despite these different perspectives the author binds the reader tightly to each woman with the intimate minutiae of her thoughts, feelings and actions.
There are a few heart-wrenching moments along the way, relating to motherhood, loss and sacrifice that had me shedding a few tears for all of the characters involved, and there were a couple of twists that I hadn’t seen coming.
Mainly though this is a glimpse into the miracle of women, ordinary women, just doing what they need to do. Making it through their lives, looking out for others, and trying to find a little kindness to spare for themselves as they go.
‘Ricardo could sleep through war,’ she thought, rising from the sofa. A thick cotton, floral curtain had separated her makeshift bed from the rest of the room and she slid it back quietly to walk through it and towards the bedroom door. Amalia moved with a tired kind of grace, slowly and smoothly around the shadows of the room: table and chairs and squat sideboard with lamp. The door opened with a low moan and she pushed it gently, just enough to poke her head inside. Sure enough, Ricardo was fast asleep; one arm under his pillow, sheet twisted around his smooth, slender legs, and his face turned away from the splashes of red that invaded the walls of his room too.
‘My beautiful boy,’ she whispered, ‘dream us some luck,’ and closed the door gently to leave him alone in his dreams.
– Jackie Carreira, Sleeping Through War
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2018/09/09/blog-tour-sleeping-through-war-jackie-carreira/