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.