"When Evelyn Sleeps" by Laura Spivak
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Editorial Review
In When Evelyn Sleeps, Laura Spivak conjures a world where time bends like a river, coursing through moments of quiet reflection and great upheaval. From the somber streets of 1919 to the bustling avenues of 2003, Evelyn’s life becomes a bridge across eras, each page a testament to the eternal dance of love, identity, and progress. This is no ordinary romance; it is a tale of dual timelines, parallel lives, and the profound evolution of society through decades.
We meet Evelyn first in 1919, a young woman awakening to a world reshaped by war and whispers of women’s suffrage. She is earnest and naïve, seeking wisdom in the pages of her diary, where her musings on freedom and restriction unfurl like fragile petals. In 2003, she emerges anew—confident, sharp, and clad in denim jackets or little black dresses, leading meetings and embracing a world unrecognizable to her 1919 self. The juxtaposition of these timelines illuminates the seismic shifts in women’s roles and rights, inviting the reader to marvel at how far we have come and what still remains.
Spivak’s deft hand guides us through Evelyn’s relationships—tender, complex, and utterly of their times. In 1919, Thomas is a restrained yet passionate figure, bound by propriety yet eager to help Evelyn untangle the enigma of her dreams. Will, of 2003, is vibrant and free, embodying the casual intimacy and fluidity of the modern age. Both men anchor Evelyn to their respective eras, highlighting not only the constraints of their worlds but also the universal nature of human connection.
The novel’s structure—a series of seamless transitions between 1919 and 2003—propels the story forward with an irresistible rhythm. Spivak crafts dialogue that mirrors the essence of each period, from the measured formality of 1919 to the quick, contemporary exchanges of the early 21st century. The pacing builds steadily, drawing the reader deeper into Evelyn’s parallel journeys. Some may find the mirroring between timelines too precise, as when Evelyn’s scenes with Thomas echo her interactions with Will. Yet, this symmetry feels intentional, a reminder of life’s cyclical patterns and the echoes of the past in the present.
Evelyn herself is the novel’s soul—fiery yet introspective, caught between the meekness expected of her in 1919 and the independence she embraces in 2003. The ending, with its poignant lack of resolution, may leave readers yearning, but it also opens a door to contemplation and anticipation for what lies beyond.
When Evelyn Sleeps is a masterful meditation on love, time, and the relentless march of history. Spivak’s vibrant prose and compelling characters make this a tale to savor—a story that lingers, like a dream you can’t quite forget.
4 Stars – Xanadu Book Awards
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!
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