Book Blurb:
New York City, 1919. Evelyn Moore is a young legal secretary who slips eighty-four years into the future every time she falls asleep. After a terrifying mugging in an alleyway, Evelyn seeks advice from a budding therapist, Thomas Allen, who is fascinated by her dream life. The two soon discover Evelyn is not the only person who travels between two lives during sleep, and they must race against time to find answers, slowly falling for each other along the way.
In her other life, Evelyn is a college student in 2003, protesting the Iraq War with her classmate, Will Jenkins. Convinced her 1919 life is a dream, they fall in love, and when Evelyn's dreams intrude on her life, Will joins in the search for a solution.
When her two lives begin mirroring each other, Thomas and Will both fight to keep Evelyn with them, knowing they have little time to protect her. Which of her two lives is real, and can she save herself in either of them?
Find out what happens when dreams and reality come too close for comfort, and what it really meansWhen Evelyn Sleeps.
Winner of a 2024 BookFest Award and a 2024 Regal Summit Book Award, and finalist in the 2024 American Fiction Awards.
Book 2, When Evelyn Daydreams, will be available October 15, 2024.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/hjR2W8
Author Bio:
Laura Spivak is a new author who lives in Maryland, USA, with her husband and three children. Laura has previously worked as a news writer and has had several articles featured on a popular parenting website, but has always dreamed of writing a full-length novel. Dreams do come true!
Editorial Review:
“In her other life, Evelyn Moore would have eviscerated the man who’d just laughed in her face when she’d mentioned women’s voting rights. Instead, she made a sarcastic excuse and abandoned the outdoor party to hide on a velvet bench in the foyer. The rush of adrenaline still coursing through her from not being able to verbally dress him down had left her shaking with rage. She was proud of her work in the women’s voting movement, and their victory earlier that year was a highlight of Evelyn’s life. It infuriated her that some people still saw it as a joke.”
“When Evelyn Sleeps” by Laura Spivak is an innovative take on an established favorite – a romance set against alternate timelines, with parallels and history and drama entwined. The story commences in 1919, but there are also scenes set in 2003. Right from the start of the novel, the significant social change that has taken place over those decades is brought home to the reader through mention of women’s voting rights. The way in which Evelyn navigates these issues gives the book a deeper meaning, causing reflection on how attitudes have changed over time. In one chapter 1919-version Evelyn is slightly naïve, asking advice and musing privately in her diary about the gains and restrictions of women’s rights. In another she is in 2023, leading meetings, being hugged by men in greeting and debating whether to wear a denim jacket (or a little black dress!). Gains indeed.
The dialogue is also compelling and amply illustrates another way in which society has changed. Evelyn – of course – has a potential love interest in each timeline (what, you mean you don’t?) and she relates to them in totally different ways. Thomas, in 1919, is of course more restrained, both for professional reasons and in keeping with the times. Will has more leeway (it’s 2003, after all!) and both men try to help Evelyn unravel the mystery of her sleep and experiences. 2003-Evelyn also has other dates, and the description of a busy 20-something in a social whirl is 2003 is particularly authentic. The theme of women’s rights, individual growth and autonomy, and the compromises we all make in an attempt to “fit in” are continuing questions explored throughout this novel.
Spivak skilfully moves between the timelines, creating modern, punchy dialogue for 2003 and moving to more circumspect interactions in 1919. The book has a relatively large proportion of dialogue, which moves the story along swiftly, making for a quick – but riveting – read. The story picks up speed as it moves along; understandably, with dual timelines, there is some content required to set the scene in each. Both timelines are well-balanced, and this reviewer equally looked forward to moving into, and returning to the 1919 and also the more modern chapters.
The chapter transitions are well-done, but some readers may feel there is too much of a direct parallel between Thomas and Will – for example, 1919-Evelyn falls asleep in a semi-platonic/therapeutic context with Thomas and in the next scene, she wakes up in 2003 with Will. The characterization is a highlight of the book. Evelyn overall is complex and feisty with a streak of independence that the meek 1919-version cannot quite disguise. Will is strong and confident and someone that everyone who has lived through 2003 probably knows or can at least relate to. But it is 1919-Thomas that symbolizes a bygone era, with his impassioned declarations and his focus on helping Evelyn, even if it does mean comforting her in bed, (while fully clothed, of course!) The modern reader will either pine for someone like Thomas or reflect on how society and relationships have changed for so many of us.
“Thomas burst through the doors to Evelyn’s office building, determined to fix things between them. He hadn’t heard from her since their argument at the coffee shop, and he wanted to apologize for how he’d acted the other morning. He’d been jealous and irrational, but Evelyn was in an even more impossible situation than he was. Embarrassed, Thomas hoped to clear the air and get back to normal. He wanted to be there for her during this difficult time, not add more stress to her life. He took the stairs two at a time up to Evelyn’s floor. Inhaling deeply to steady his breath, he ran through what he’d say to her. He hoped she’d even want to speak to him.”
The ending of “When Evelyn Sleeps” may be divisive for many readers; the epilogue more so. Resolution is not achieved, however poignant the book’s finish may be, and as a result the sequel is awaited with some anticipation! Readers who do not mind “being left with a question” or pondering a conundrum can happily read this book as a standalone.
“Evelyn jumped as the bedroom door clicked open.
Will emerged from the bedroom, perplexed. “What are you doing?” he asked groggily. “Nothing. Just looking at some pictures.”
“Couldn’t sleep?” He sat on the couch behind her and looked over her shoulder at the photo album opened on her knees.
“Not really,” she lied. She’d been awake for almost forty-eight hours, and if she allowed her eyes to close, she would pass out in seconds.
“Disney?” he asked, recognizing the place in the photos. “Wow, cool ponchos!”
Evelyn reached up behind her and playfully batted at him. “Shut up!” She laughed. A huge yawn overtook her body that she couldn’t hide from Will.
“You’re so tired. Just come to bed,” he urged. “Trust me, tomorrow we’ll spend all day looking at these fantastic photos of you when you were an awkward teenager.”
“When Evelyn Sleeps” by Laura Spivak is a thought provoking alternate timeline novel, merging history, personal challenge, and social change in one fascinating novel. Evelyn, the main character, must navigate society in 1919 and 2003 as she seeks answers to her mysterious ability to live in two times. Will and Thomas are each men of their times, and the reader will need to read the book to see how these relationships unfold! A surprising ending and epilogue makes this a highly memorable contribution to an already favorite genre.
*****
"When Evelyn Sleeps” by Laura Spivak receives 4 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission
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This book sounds like a beautifully woven narrative where the intricacies of time and place come alive, especially given the way each era is depicted through the character’s experiences and societal reflections. Such dual-timeline storytelling calls for unique attention to layout and design, as each era would benefit from its own aesthetic cues to immerse readers fully into Evelyn’s transitions. In eBooks, particularly, creative formatting can enhance reader engagement by differentiating scenes and dialogues of 1919 from those of 2003, providing visual cues that distinguish each timeline seamlessly. An eBook design service UK could elevate this storytelling by aligning design elements like font style, chapter headings, and subtle color shifts, enriching the reader’s journey through Evelyn's dual lives. This approach enhances…