Until They Sleep: a novel

by Nadia Staikos

Frona is convinced she’s the most sinful person in her Greek mountain village. When her parents arrange her marriage with a distant stranger, she is determined to suppress her impulses and become a dutiful wife and mother. But things don't go as planned: A furious fetus, a friend’s secret wish, a man finding new life in an empty well, a lecherous priest, an unorthodox wandering daughter, invading soldiers, and a wayward ghost attempting reparations all erode the stories Frona has been telling herself about what it means to be a good person. A darkly comedic fairy tale with a magical feminist bent, Until They Sleep confronts the horrors of a world that tries to narrowly define womanhood and sexuality.

250 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's rare for me to enjoy a book the more I read it, but that was definitely the case with this book. At the beginning I was feeling doubtful, but I almost cried a little at the end. Women are taught that to desire is sinful, and it pollutes our bodies and our souls. The patriarchy enforces this, but many of us are guilty of enforcing it ourselves in the privacy of our own minds. The author writes about Frona, Ligia, and Galena moving through their joy and sorrow as family in such a poignant way. A surprise hit for sure!

[Sean McArthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! I couldn't put it down.

[Nina Antonakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous……just fabulous!!

[Enid Wray]

DNF

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until They Sleep is absolutely spectacular! Nadia Staikos’ storytelling is haunting, healing, and hilarious all at once. A must read!!!