Sleeping in the Sun

by Joanne Howard

When two visitors arrive to the boarding house in India where an American boy is coming of age during the British Raj, truths unravel, disrupting his life and challenging the family’s sense of home. A unique historical angle ideal for fans of The Poisonwood Bible and The Inheritance of Loss.

In the last years of the British Raj, an American missionary family stays on in Midnapore, India. Though the Hintons enjoy white privileges, they have never been accepted by British society and instead run a boarding house on the outskirts of town where wayward native Indians come to find relief.

Young Gene Hinton can’t get out from under the thumb of his three older brothers, and the only person he can really relate to is Arthur, his family’s Indian servant. But when Uncle Ellis, a high-ranking British judge, suddenly arrives and announces he’ll be staying indefinitely in their humble house, far from his prestigious post in Himalayan foothills, life as Gene knows it is interrupted. While his brothers are excited at the judge’s arrival, he is skeptical as to why this important man is hiding out with them in the backwaters of Bengal.

Also skeptical is Arthur. Then an Indian woman appears on their doorstep—and, after growing close to her, he learns the sinister truth about the judge. Torn between a family that has provided him shelter, work, and purpose his whole life and the escalating outrage of his countrymen, Arthur must decide where his loyalties lie—and the Hintons must decide if they can still call India home.

Praise for Sleeping in the Sun:

“Sleeping in the Sun is a stunning novel that grabs your emotions and doesn’t let go.” — Ginny Kubitz Moyer, author of A Golden Life

“Set against the backdrop of India in the 1930s, Sleeping in the Sun tells the story of the Hintons, a family of American missionaries sent to bring Christianity to the city of Midnapore. Told from the point of view of Gene, the Hintons’ youngest son, and Arthur, their Indian servant, this sweeping historical novel flawlessly transports readers to another time and place. Political, racial, and interpersonal conflicts ensure you won’t be able to put it down. I know I couldn’t.” — Susen Edwards, author of What a Trip and Lookin’ for Love

“Exquisitely rendered and highly nuanced ... Sumptuously written and detailed, this novel is destined to become a classic. A triumph!” — Ashley E. Sweeney, author of Eliza Waite

Genres: Historical Fiction, India

288 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

Joanne Howard is an Asian-American writer from California. She holds an MFA in writing from Pacific University. Her poetry received an honorable mention from Stanford University’s 2019 Paul Kalanithi Writing Award. Her fiction has been published in The Catalyst by UC Santa Barbara, The Metaworker Literary Magazine, and the Marin Independent Journal, and her non fiction has been published in Another New Calligraphy and The Santa Barbara Independent. She lives in Santa Rosa, CA.

Reviews

[Joanne Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even as I spent years shaping this story to make it the book it is today, all along it was shaping me just the same. It is my first novel, first of what I hope will be several in my life, and so I know it is only as good as a first attempt can be.

Draft after draft I seemed to only see the faults that needed fixing, but today, on publication day, I want to take a moment to celebrate the parts I feel so proud of. The parts I would give 5 stars to, the descriptions I can picture so vividly in my mind when I read them back, the characters who surprised me with their actions, the handfuls of sentences that mercifully came easily to me amidst weeks of (figuratively) banging my head against the wall.

This review is for those moments that told me to keep going, that I can do this, that this story was worth telling. To see a bit of my art out in the world is a dream come true. I hope you enjoy it.

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Books Forward and NetGalley for sending me this FREE EBOOK Copy to promote and review for them as part of their Book Tour this week.

This was my first time reading a Historical Fiction Novel by Joanne so I wasnt sure what to expect but I have to say I really enjoyed this especially since it was set in the 1930s India.

The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. It was hard to pick just one character as my favorite especially since I seemed to like all the characters.

The Setting was so beautifully described which made me feel like I was actually in 1930s India especially when the scenery was described.

Overall a Good Historically Filled Historical Fiction Novel. I hope this book turns into a series cause I'd love to see all the characters evolve into new stories over time.

Can't wait to read more by Joanne in the future!!

[Madeline Kardos · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible debut novel from Joanne Howard. I couldn’t put it down, and when I reached the end, it brought shivers to my spine. Beautifully written; with distinctive characters that you want to follow throughout the rest of their lives instead of parting with on the last page; and a murderous plot that drives the story forward with a balance of intrigue, empathy, and slivers of darkness.

Howard has crafted a story that transforms her reader as well as her characters, making them all reflect on right and wrong, good and evil, and expertly weaves together themes of home, religion, family, friendship, and most of all, belonging. She paints a vivid picture of what it was like to be an American missionary family caught in the final years of the British Raj.

What I want to know more about: Mrs. Hinton, one of the quietest characters and yet the eye of the storm.

Suffice to say, I’m ready for Howard’s next novel.

[Rachel Ladd · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW:
"Sleeping in the Sun", Joanne Howard
5⭐

Thank you so much to the author for the free copy of "Sleeping in the Sun"!

Hi yes, if you haven't read this book, stop reading your current read and read this one because it's one of my FAVORITE reads this year!

Told through the dual POV of Arthur - a servant for a white, missionary family during the British Raj, and Gene, one of the missionary sons. A tale of family, secrets, love, and self identity, this book gripped me from the beginning and didn't let go until the last page. Howard's writing is prose-like and beautifully descriptive, while being easy to follow and enjoyable to read. I rooted for certain characters (and wanted to fist fight others) the second they were introduced, and man! Did I have NO idea where the plot was going, without feeling I was pulled in every direction by twists and turns.

Characters were introduced towards the end of the book, but they weren't distracting, nor did they take away from the original plotline, which I find is hard to do.

I loved this book. I thought it was beautifully written, captivating, and a joy to read. I'm so happy I was able to get this from the author, and I'm so happy to be able to celebrate it on my page!

[Jenn Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly like nothing I've ever read before! Moving and beautifully written, I feel like I learned so much through this novel about India during the 1930s. Historical fiction lovers should grab a copy as soon as possible and get immersed in this exquisite coming-of-age story.

[Cassandra Naka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleeping in the Sun is a captivating coming-of-age, historical fiction novel set in 1930s India during Britain’s final years of colonial rule. The story follows Gene Hinton, a 12-year-old American struggling to find his place among his three older brothers, his missionary parents, and life in India. At the same time, Arthur, the family’s long-time servant, wrestles with his conflicting feelings—gratitude for the opportunities the Hintons have given him and resentment toward their growing ignorance of their privilege in a changing India. Tensions rise when a family friend moves in, bringing everything to a head.
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Joanne Howard beautifully immerses the reader in the world of 1930s Midnapore, India—a place and time I knew little about—and captures the complexity of Arthur and Gene’s personal struggles. You can feel the tension and confusion as Gene and Arthur navigate their changing worlds, struggling with when to speak up and when it’s easier to stay quiet.
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Sleeping in the Sun is a stunning debut and quickly became one of my favorite reads of the year.

[Francine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Howard writes with vivid intensity about the class struggle in colonial India, and brings to light multiple inequities of that era, even between Americans and British. The tale unfolds cinematically, with lush descriptive prose; you will fully sense the streets and inhabitants of this Indian city and its countryside. But the real depth of this story lies within the relationships: the brothers, the pastor and his wife, the servant, the visitors: both the raw attitudinal differences and the subtle undercurrents the characters either endure or ignore. Twelve-year-old Gene is the heart of the book, the most insightful of all, and the voice you will come to rely upon.

[Victoria Leiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Thoughtful and Promising Debut
Sleeping in the Sun by Joanne Howard is an engaging first novel that blends historical depth with personal storytelling. Drawing from family history, Howard weaves a narrative that not only explores identity and tradition but also challenges societal norms through a strong, rebellious female character.
The novel follows Gene Hinton, a young man caught between tradition and change, privilege and morality. His internal struggle questioning his own beliefs and sense of justice adds depth to the story, making his journey as compelling as the twists that unfold later in the book. As he grapples with the reality of the colonial world he grew up in, he's forced to reevaluate everything he once accepted as truth. This moral conflict makes for a thought-provoking character arc.
The story starts off slow, requiring patience before it finds its rhythm. However, once it does, the unfolding events keep the reader engaged with unexpected turns. Howard's writing shines in her ability to create immersive settings and layered characters.
A personal touch comes through in elements of the author's own life, such as her love for her pet dog, which adds warmth to the story.
The book's exploration of family dynamics, cultural clashes, and personal growth makes it a worthwhile read. It is an admirable debut and a solid start for a new author.
Would definitely recommend for readers who enjoy historical fiction with moral complexity and thought-provoking themes. And if nothing else, you'll walk away feeling like you've spent time with characters who, much like the author's beloved pup, leave a lasting impression-loyal, full of heart, and just a little rebellious!

[Chaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel focuses on two characters: 12-year-old Gene Hinton, and middle-aged Arthin, called "Arthur" by his employers. The setting is 1930s India in the last years of the Raj. Gene, the youngest of four boys in an American missionary family, bears the brunt of his brothers' teasing and bullying and is trying to find his way in the family and the world. Arthur, the decades-long Hinton household servant, has been loyal to the Hinton family and they have been loyal to him, and likewise, finds himself beset by conflicting feelings of loyalty to the family vs resentment towards the ruling class. When an old family friend moves in, tensions begin to escalate, both between Gene and his brothers and between Arthur and his employers.

The author gives us a rich picture of India in the 1930s under British rule. At the same time, she delves into the complicated interpersonal interactions and emotions between people who have known each other for years but who may remain strangers to each other. The book also deals with the complications of culture clashes within a multi-ethnic household.

I found the reading enjoyable and the writing excellent. However, I have to say the author presents a moral simplicity, presenting the reader with the easy "Indian: good/ English: bad" theme. I was hoping for a somewhat more complicated and rich presentation of this world.

[Anobel Khoushabeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sleeping In The Sun is a powerful and captivating debut that grips the reader from start to finish. I first came across the book at the Berkeley Book Fair, where I also had the pleasure of meeting the author, Joanna Howard. Joanna is a gifted writer, and I’m eager to see what she creates next.

What struck me most about the novel is how it explores the pervasive and insidious nature of colonialism—not through heavy-handed history lessons, but through vivid storytelling. Arthur, one of the central characters, embodies the complex tensions of revolution, torn between preserving the status quo and dismantling it entirely.

The Hinton family exemplifies the hypocrisy of Christian missionaries and their entrenched “white savior” ideology. In contrast, Gene begins to awaken to the injustices around him, questioning his family’s role in a land he calls home but that ultimately resents and rejects him.

For me, Moti and the leopard serve as powerful symbols of India itself—representing cultural identity, resilience, and belonging, all of which are often the first casualties of imperial domination.

Sleeping In The Sun is both emotionally resonant and politically poignant, and it marks Joanna Howard as a voice to watch in contemporary fiction.

[Country Mama · Rating 3 out of 5]

sleeping in the sun is a book based on a family that lives in India, and our MMC is named Gene. Gene lives with his family and also his three older brothers. However his uncle arrives and decides that he is staying forever in their house and he is a importance man so Jean is left wondering why he’s there.
The author does a great job with the Indian references in this book and the story is a little interesting to read about as you’re trying to figure out why uncle Ellis is at the house with Gene and his family. I would say that the fans of Indian culture will really like this book overall and also those who enjoy a good fictional read in other countries and in other time periods. The ending left me wondering what would happen and whether the family would be reunited, maybe in another book. I think the author did a good job with writing a story based in a longer timeframe where differences were not always accepted.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes place in India where the main character, Gene, is one of the sons of an American missionary there. In the beginning, their “uncle”, a judge, arrives via train and says he will be staying with them for a while. His stay begins a whole series of events as the family navigates having a guest and wondering why an important man like him must stay with them.
There were a lot of references in this book that helped me understand the context of the setting and the time. However, I did not find this book overly enjoyable to read. I found the plot to be very slow moving with not enough to keep me engaged and wondering what happens next. The second half of the book was much better than the first when we finally find out why the “uncle” was staying with them and the repercussions of that. The ending left me curious as to what would happen to the family next and if they will ever come together again. Thank you to BFF for sending me a copy!

[Dena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy. I had a hard time getting into this book; it wasn't one I kept picking up. I think part of my challenge was I had just finished reading another book set in India; Convenant of Water, which was fantastic. I had also travelled to India years ago and kept wondering if the author had been there; the descriptions and details just seemed lacking.

The young Gene Hinton, the main character was the most developed character. His three brothers were a bit indistinguishable. The "uncle", another key character was underdevopled and there were often hints of his wrongdoings, they were not fleshed out well so it was disappointing.

Despite the lack of details, the author has a nice writing style. Overall though I was not convinced that she knew the setting and culture in which the story was based. I hope her next book will be about something she is more familiar with, more connected to.

[Ashley Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisitely rendered and highly nuanced, Joanne Howard's debut novel, Sleeping in the Sun, immerses readers into the world of young American Gene Hinton as he comes of age in rural India in the 1930s. Battling inner and outer demons, Gene forms a unique bond with the Hinton's Indian servant, Arthur, and gains an eye into life's underbelly. As he views the world spinning around him, Gene is conflicted: Do I speak up? Or stay silent? Or just turn the other way? Sumptuously written and detailed, readers feel the press of stultifying humidity, the grit of dirt on dingy collars, the cool brush of a tree monkey as it runs by. Reminiscent of the palpable angst of Gene Forrester in John Knowles' A Separate Peace, this novel is destined to become another classic read by generations of students. A triumph!

[Kevin Grange · Rating 5 out of 5]

SLEEPING IN THE SUN marks the arrival of a major talent. Joanne Howard's debut novel immediately sweeps you into another time and place: Midnapore, India during the last days of the British Raj. Howard fully inhabits the place and the diverse collection of characters--a young American boy; his family's Indian servant and a high-ranking British judge with a secret--and describes everything with vivid, beautiful prose. Like the best movies or books, the microcosm of these personal relationships serves as a metaphor for the macrocosm of the larger society. The book draws you in subtly and effortlessly before buidling to a resounding climax. I highly recommend SLEEPING IN THE SUN and I'm already excited for a reread so I can experience this wonderful novel a second time!

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and She Writes Press for the eARC.
What a fabulous book, one of the best I've read so far this year.
It takes place in India in the 1930's and the narrators are 12-year old Gene and Arthur, their man-servant. I have to admit the story broke my heart at times: there were sad passages, as well as ones that made me furious. The way Arthur was treated was atrocious. The man had more dignity and heart than the foreigners who were there, supposedly, to do good for the people. I also liked Gene, he was sensitive and kind. And Modi, the dog ... I just loved her!
I adored the book and recommend it highly!

[Mario Mirabelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting tale of 1930's English ruled India as a back drop for a clash of classes. The Hinton family is an American missionary family that is sponsored/friends with an English judge Ellis and have an Indian servant named Arther. The arrival of the judge, who claimed nothing was wrong though he had four armed soldiers with him and a young mysterious lady who was pregnant, change the normal tone in the house. As things unfold, several disturbing incidents occur related to class and India's need for independence. The truth starts to leak out, the Hinton's house of cards teeters. Well written and timely, well worth the trip.

[Susen Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set against the backdrop of India in the 1930s, "Sleeping in the Sun" tells the story of the Hintons, a family of American missionaries sent to bring Christianity to the city of Midnapore. Told from the point of view of Gene, the Hintons’ youngest son, and Arthur, their Indian servant, this sweeping historical novel flawlessly transports readers to another time and place. Political, racial, and interpersonal conflicts ensure you won’t be able to put it down. I know I couldn’t.
---Susen Edwards, author of "What a Trip" and "Lookin’ for Love."

[Eva Van Autenboer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ik had gehoopt op een mooi familie relaas en op een uiteenzetting waar het Indische leven in geuren en kleuren uit de doeken wordt gedaan. Ik ben een beetje op mijn honger blijven zitten. Op geen enkel moment heeft het verhaal mij meegesleept en verwonderd, het was eerder een struggle om het uit te lezen. Ik vond geen enkel van de personages sympathiek en dat de vader op de laatste pagina zijn gezin in de steek liet, deed me niks omdat er totaal geen relatie tussen hem en de kinderen besproken was.
Ik zou het boek niet aanraden.

[Jude Berman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her debut novel, Sleeping in the Sun, Joanne Howard explores the tribulations and tragic ironies of imperialism in British India. Relationships are not what they appear to be, people have hidden dark sides, and one person’s faith is another’s sin. After a crime has been committed, it must be determined who did what and why. Yet Howard leaves you wondering who are the good guys and who are the bad guys in a country where religion and culture have been forcibly imposed. A thoughtful read, using historical fiction to shine light on the praxis of decolonization in our current century.

[Andy Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I thought it was well-written, with vivid descriptions and dialogs. I could very easily imagine the scenes, the people, and the conversations described. It made me think about things from the perspective of native Indians, something I am not used to doing. The plot showed the creative mind of the author, who obviously put a lot of time and effort into honing her craft. I eagerly await her next work.

[Suzanne Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the vivid imagery of this historical fiction novel about an American missionary family living in India. Seeing the lives of the family vs their Indian servant was an interesting contrast. I found myself wanting to learn more about larger themes such as the missionary (how the family converted others) or global events of the time (fall of the British Raj), and I’d be interested in reading a sequel (how do they adjust in the US?).

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully-written book, one which memorably explores the corrupting influence of power, both within the family structure and the broader world. It does so with delicious sensory details and richly-drawn settings that pull you into the story from the first page. I loved the complex characters and the significant role played by animals in the story. A stunning debut.

[Books Forward · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her debut novel, Joanne Howard takes readers on a vivid journey through the British Raj in India. She delves deeper into the familial relationships and societal differences in a beautiful manner that will keep you turning page after page. A must-read for fans of The Poisonwood Bible and The Inheritance of Loss.

[Kyle Hauser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I've read in 5 years. The story was beautiful and thought provoking. I savored each page. The writing was very detailed, emotional, and left me with a sense of awe. The characters felt complicated and human, and the settings were cinematic. I liked the use of animals to symbolize the themes. Very highly recommend.

[Joanne Contreras · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joanne Howard writes in a way that's vivid and emotional-you really feel like you're there. It's a thoughtful read that sticks with you, especially if you enjoy historical fiction with heart.