While the World Is Still Asleep

Die Jahrhundertwind-Trilogie #1

by Petra Durst-Benning, Edwin Miles (Translator)

The first in a new series from Petra Durst-Benning, the bestselling author of The Glassblower series.

An inspiring historical tale of one woman risking it all for her dreams set in 1890s Berlin.

After the tragic death of her little brother, Josephine travels to the Black Forest to heal. There she discovers a feeling of freedom astride a brand-new invention: the bicycle. The very idea of a woman on a bicycle is beyond taboo—it is indecent and even illegal—but Josephine will not be deterred. Back home, Josephine rides under cover of night, while the world is still asleep so as not to provoke a scandal. But Berlin’s streets are dangerous and the winds of change are blowing.

Can Josephine’s fighting heart help her overcome the obstacles in her path? Will the passion she feels for this new adventure lead her toward true love?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Germany, Audiobook, German Literature, Romance

431 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

"While the world is still asleep" is the first book in "The century trilogy" and I must say, I love the title of this book, and that is probably one of the reasons that I added it to my to-read list. That, and the small matter of it costing me absolutely nothing to read.

Without totally ruining the plot, this book is centered around a young woman called Josephine, and we learn about her passion of riding a bike, that she only really discovers accidentally. This is set in a time, when it was scandalous for a woman to even be looking at a bicycle, let alone be physically riding one.

I really enjoyed the concept of a headstrong woman, willing to go that extra mile to support equal rights, and standing firm, for what she believes, which ultimately, is riding a bicycle. Apart from Josephine, the characters really, were somewhat dull, and I found that because of that, I didn't care about them. The romance was too predictable, and was actually rather nauseating. I did laugh when I read the part about men commenting in the newspaper that women only ride bikes for masturbatory purposes. That's a new one!

I found parts of it repetitive. I mean, how many times must Josephine inform the reader that she wishes to ride a bicycle? I found this rather frustrating to say the least. The other issue I had with this, is once I arrived at the halfway point in the book, everything felt rushed, and pretty tedious, and I was looking forward to finishing. For me, I found this book to be around 100 pages too long, and too yawn- inducing to rate it any higher than three stars.

[Elizabeth Camden · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful novel! I feel like I've just struck gold....a new-to-me author who has a huge backlist I can plow through. Petra Durst-Benning writes the kind of novels I love... a vibrant historical setting, intelligent leading women, daring storylines, and lots of heart. Oh, and a happy ending. I loved it! I also loved learning about late 19th century Germany. Makes me want to visit!

[Liviu · Rating 4 out of 5]

proto-feminism and strong young women in Germany and Berlin (and other countries as the book goes on in the 1880's and 1890's; very interesting fresco of a time and society and strong characters kept me going but the two main drawbacks - flat prose (or maybe flat translation) that generally lacks excitement and the page turning qualities of the best in this quite popular and crowded subgenre and a fairly predictable plot - kept me from fully enjoying this one especially compared with other recent works like The Invitation or The Muse

still interested in book 2 though and will try it hoping for an improvement especially in narrative power

[Sayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish, I was completely enthralled with these women, specifically Josephine the main character. Their confidence and relentlessness is influential and stirs emotions of all kinds. Heartbreak comes to each in it's own form and some more harsh than others, her it only strengthens them individually. Friendships that last through all the trials and a sweet love story make this book a must read. It is written in a way that keeps you interested and invested in all the characters, I could not put it down.

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was excruciatingly dull and was only made worse by horrible audio narration. The story takes place in Berlin, but only a few people have thick German accents, while the main characters sound more American than I do. Odd anachronisms and two-dimensional characters didn't help the slow plot along either.

[Pat Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars is too much, two not quite enough. While the premise of the book is interesting, that is, women wanting to ride bicycles at the turn of the century in Germany, the writing style is just plain corny and simplistic. The story morphed into a romance, and I happen to hate romance novels of any sort.

[Sayra]

Heartbreak to healing to triumph

I loved this book from the moment I started it. I was immediately invest in Josephine's life. Her heartbreak, challenges, misunderstandings and the way she learned from them is profound. I love a story of triumph and of course a love story makes it all worth it!

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good piece of historical fiction...told not from the point of any great historical happening, but from the point of the gentle but firm changes women caused for themselves in 1890's Germany. I love that this book is to be part of a Trilogy.....with the second book being published in Germany later this year...hopefully translated by early next year!

[Jeanette Sander · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the idea of this book, a woman seeking freedom and Independence during a time when that was just not an option. I had never considered how empowering and controversial a bicycle was and the impact it's invention and availability were on society. After a few chapters the writing began to feel rushed and I was annoyed by having to read over and over about her wanting to ride a bike.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the World is Still Asleep by Petra Durst-Benning is the first book in The Century Trilogy. Josephine “Jo” is telling her story. We start out with her in an accident and in trouble with the law (I know. It makes no sense.) Jo ends up in prison for 3 and a half years. Jo then goes back to tell us about the death of her brother, Freddie?? He was twelve years old and fascinated with fire. One Sunday Jo was ordered to watch him while her parents went off for the day to visit relatives. Jo watched him for a while and then went to visit friends. Freddie found the key to the barn where their father had his smithy. Freddie was told he was not allowed in the there. He went in and found matches. As you can imagine he started setting fire to paper. Sparks from the burning paper flew into the hay and soon the whole barn is one fire. Jo tried to rescue him, but Freddie had locked the doors. Jo was unable to break the doors down. She was found unconscious in front of the barn. Freddie died in the fire. Her parents blame her for the boy’s death and treat her like a pariah. Jo developed a horrible cough from the smoke inhalation that would not go away. A neighbor, ?? convinces Jo’s parents to send her to a sanatorium in the Black Forest (the neighbor had to pay for it). Jo found a friend named Lilo (also a relative of neighbors). She introduced Jo to the velocipede (pedal bicycle). Jo loved it and her cough went away (the writer makes it out to be psychosomatic—in her head). Jo becomes obsessed with riding bicycles. Women were not supposed to be on bicycles. They were deemed too much for the “weaker sex” (it is also considered indecent and illegal). Jo returns home to her hateful parents who insist she work from dawn to way past dusk in the smithy for no pay. Jo discovers that Isabelle’s (a girl from school) father has a bicycle. This becomes Jo’s obsession. Jo wants to ride and this leads to her biggest mistake. It is unfortunate for Jo that cycling is a men’s sport and bicycles are extremely expensive (all made by hand in Germany). Come see what Jo does While the World is Still Asleep!

While the World is Still Asleep is one slow paced novel that is way, way too long. It contains good writing, but (I’m sorry) it’s boring (alright just plain dull). Basically, you get to see what Jo goes through to enjoy cycling (some of the information was interesting). It was interesting to find out that cycles were handmade in Germany while the United States automated the process. And, of course, it was a male dominated sport at the time. This is just the first book in the series. This story could have easily been finished in one novel. I give While the World is Still Asleep 3 out of 5 stars. The book just needed something to liven it up and keep the readers interest. It is way too long for it to be unfinished (can you imagine two more books on this subject).

I received a complimentary copy of While the World is Still Asleep from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the late 1800s in Germany, While the World is Still Asleep is a historical fiction featuring Josephine and her friends as they become enamored with a new invention - the bicycle. German society is appalled by the idea of women's cycling, whether for sport, transport or leisure, with doctors even going so far as to claim that cycling can impact women's health negatively (...of course, they also claim no such detriment befalls a man who wishes to ride a bicycle *eternal side-eye*). Despite the hostility, Jo and her friends pursue their passion, even dressing as men in order to ride the streets of Berlin at night. There is a wonderfully strong cast of female characters in this book, women who would look the status quo in the eye and say, "There is nothing women can't do." A great read for Women's History Month.

[georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

2016 434 pages

the title refers to the women of Berlin-per and during war-riding bicycles in the early morning as only men were allowed to ride bikes during the day time.

I liked this book because it kept my interest. I had a few out loud laughs as the women figured out how to fix their skirt so they would not get caught in the bike chain. So the story follows 4 girls as become young ladies, learn how to secretly ride bikes in dad's back yard and eventually develop a Woman Bicycling Club that met at the same place the men's club did.

All the girls have their vulnerability yet seem to go forward learning new aspects of their world and all it contains. fathers, husbands, children, bike competitions, and friendship

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

God. I just love this author. I really enjoyed her previous trilogy (The Glassblower Trilogy) and I liked the beginning of this new series even more. I look forward to reading the next 2 books. This book follows the story of three girls and it is a coming of age story that revolves around bicycles, the twists and turns of life, and the bonds of friendship. I loved this book, it is going to be one of those books that I never tire of reading. It also managed to make me miss riding a bicycle! I want to go out and buy one and just ride everywhere!

[Louise · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't like giving bad reviews to books (though some are so sloppily written and full of plot holes they deserve them) in cases like this, where it's about my tastes and not the writing.
I just found this book incredibly dull.
I struggled to three quarters of the way through and then gave up...as I wasn't retaining any of it.
It may well be a fantastic read to others,just not for me.

[Brenda G · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book starts out a little slow, it develops into a powerful visit to a time when women had few rights. It shares four young ladys' lives as they navigate the often frustrating cultural mores. This is a book about championing for women's rights without coming off as preachy. The book also reminds us to dream and to take the steps necessary to see that the dream comes true.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about the advent of cycling in Germany!

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather a different read for me, but I quite liked it. Well done and interesting period in Germany's history.

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the first time I’d read a book with cycling as its main theme, and I found it both interesting and reasonably entertaining. Especially as it’s about women and cycling in 1890s Germany, an unusual and original subject and one that kept me engaged. Three young women friends each become involved in this new activity and fight prejudice and disapproval to be allowed to partake. There are, of course, difficulties along the way to be overcome, and there is of course a fair amount of romance thrown into the mix, but overall it’s a fun read. However, now let’s talk about the anachronisms. Some of them are the author’s fault, but the translator has done her no favours. I’m not a German speaker, but I’m pretty sure they didn’t say “Are you kidding?” in Berlin in 1890. Nor did young women go on “dates”. And what about this one? “…she wanted to ride in the company of others going forward.” Going forward? Really? I could go on. But what bothered me more were the social anachronisms. The young men and women in the novel are remarkably free to touch each other, grasp hands, fling arms around each other, stroke cheeks, go off unchaperoned. Unless Germany was far more liberal than England, of course. Then there’s the objection to cycling for women, with one young man talking, in mixed company, about the “sexual effects” of cycling, about the sexual stimulation it provides. This far too modern approach I found very off-putting, and although the author may have done her research about the early days of cycling, she seems to have transposed her 19th century women into the 21st century. Nevertheless, the subject matter did keep me reading in spite of my frequent irritation, but I’m not tempted to read the next two books in the trilogy.

[Samia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply could not stop reading this book! Each page was as delightful as the last, the story so free flowing and free spirited, it had me at the edge of my seat, quivering with a sense of adventure.

The theme of the book is very subtle, with women cycling and being ridiculed for it. Makes you see the world from the point of view of the deprived. The fairer sex has come a long way since the 1890s, but the book shows that these prejudices have to be overcome together, in unity. The characters are so distinctly themselves, that you almost feel they're going to get out of the pages and have a cup of tea by your side.
This story is not a feminist manifesto , but a beautiful rendition of how being born a female gives you a deeper appreciation for the simpler things in life. I'd recommend it to all men who claim that they can 'never understand women' , to all women to see that they can achieve anything, anything they put their mind to.

[Dr. Been · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading this book, I felt like being on a bike all the time. The images of 19th century Berlin are so well presented. I have been to the beautiful Berlin once, but this depiction of the city made me feel like living there for long.

This book has all the essentials of an HF book. Anyone who loves bikes and traveling, should read this story. So well written, and I must say well translated, for me. It tells you that there is more to German history than just war stories.
It is a story of passion. When the world closes one door on you, another one opens.

Looking forward to read the other two in the trilogy.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It follows three young women, friends from childhood, as they come of age in Berlin in the late 1800s. The book focuses on one woman in particular (presumably the other two books in the series will feature the other two in more detail). Setting her story in the years after the invention of the bicycle, Durst-Benning covers issues relating to social class, patriarchy and feminism. I particularly appreciated her notes in the back of the book detailing the actual historical facts she drew from to create her story. Well done.

[Katherine Leinbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the World is Asleep is a book one might enjoy over a relaxing weekend. Written in German and translated to English, it's about some German girls around the late 1800's who discover a passion for newfangled bicycles when it was not socially acceptable for women to ride bicycles. Thought provoking on the social norms of women and how far things have come over the past 100 plus years. Also eye opening on the early days of bicycles. Not in your face feminism, just women who want to ride a bike, wear sensible clothes for bike riding, be able to carry on a business to be able to do what they enjoy. A book that makes you think about things we take for granted and see them in a new light. Highly enjoyable. I was eager to get back to it every time I put it down. Clean. No steamy stuff.

[Ariadne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Von der Autorin wollte ich schon länger was lesen und bin froh, dass mir gerade dieses Buch von ihr in die Hände gefallen ist. Zu Anfang hatte ich noch Schwierigkeiten mich richtig in die Geschichte und Charaktere hinein zuversetzen, aber das war zum Glück bald behoben.

Über den Frauenradsport, deren Geschichte und Kontroversen wusste ich bisher kaum etwas und bin echt glücklich hier ein unterhaltsames Buch gefunden zu haben, dass nicht von Informationen und Hintergrundwissen überladen war. Großen Respekt für die Autorin und die gelungene Recherche. Das hat mich jetzt selbst neugierig auf die Geschichte des Fahrrades - oder Velozipedes - gemacht. :)

Also volle 4 Sterne!

[AdiTurbo · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

[Amber Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertained beginning to end

This is the 2nd series I've read from this author. Not disappointed at all. Inspiring and empowering. Crossing lines of gender and social class.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
"It would be foolish to keep crying about the past and things that shouldn't have turned out the way they did."



This story follows Jo, Clara, and Isabella and how bicycles have affected there lives. While the main focus of the story is Jo, every few chapters we see things from Clara and Isabella's point of view.

Jo is a headstrong young lady who is going to ride a bike no matter the consequences because she needs an escape from her life with unloving parents who would rather blame her constantly for her brother's death, then show her they care for her.
Clara is a pharmacist daughter who wants to be just like him and be one of the first women to attend University and get a degree in pharmacology.
Isabella is the daughter of a rich factory owner, whose father is trying to marry her off to the most well-to-do man for them to social climb. All while Isabella hates it, but puts on the act that she loves it.
When Jo gets sent to the Black Forest by the neighbor Freida do to her cough getting worse, she sees a bike and not only a bike but also a girl riding a bike on one of her long walks. As she gets to become friends with this girl (Lilo) she learns that it is becoming the next big thing, but girls aren't allowed to ride because it isn't ladylike or for the "fairer sex". Jo doesn't let that stop her though and while she is there she convinces Lilo to let her try. They become good friends. When Jo is better and is sent back home, she set her sights on getting a bike. Until she learns that their old friend Isabella's father has a bike.
With this information, Jo goes to Isabella and asks to see it, and then ride it. After they all see, how well Jo can ride Clara and Isabella want to give it a try. This causes the girls to go over to Isabella's house several times a week so they can ride the bike in her parent's yard without the rest of the town seeing them. Then, when Isabella gets her own bike for her birthday causing them now to be able to ride without having to worry about their skirts as much. They continue to ride the bikes inside the fenced yard until Clara ends up getting hurt, and that's when Isabella and Jo start going for night rides.
After they get caught, coming home from a night ride by Isabella's father they are banned from bikes. While Isabella listens Jo does not. When Jo gets into a wreck one night while riding she gets caught and sent to jail for three years! While there though she finally gets to learn how to be a mechanic.
With Jo in prison, we get to see things from Clara and Isabella's point of view. Clara ends up getting married and dropping her dream of becoming a pharmacist. Isabella ends up getting engaged to Adrian. Together they end up putting off the wedding multiple times due to it being a sham and then finally calling off the engagement. While they were still engaged though Adrian helped Isabella create the first women's bicycle club and racing competitions.
Once Jo gets out she finds out that she inherits the neighbor Freida's house and that's when she sets up a repair shop of her own. With everyone in town coming to her to repair things, she has no time for bikes or a club that is until Isabella gets, her accepted and Adrian helps her get a bike. Once she has a bike she ends up giving for night rides again, except this time with Adrian. This slowly leads to her and Adrian falling for each other and even though his engagement to Isabella is a sham Jo can't help, but feel that it is wrong. Once Adrian goes to America to try and get cheaper bikes imported to Germany for the common man/women. Jo and Isabella start going on night rides again. Not to long after this a racing woman from another country comes and asks the ladies at the women's' bicycle club to come and take part in a 600 mile 4 day race. Only three agree and Jo also invites Lilo who has been becoming a racing woman all across Europe. As they train for the race they realize how grueling it will be, but that doesn't stop them and they want to prove to everyone that women riding bicycles isn't horrible or harmful in any way. Once they've all finished the race and made up for the arguments they had had. We see Clara, Isabella and Jo all becoming friends again even though they are all in different stages of life.
For me, this story didn't get interesting until Jo got out of Jail and we got to see her get back into life, and then again when the bicycle race finally happened.
I can't help but feel like if this story had been a little bit shorter, or if maybe it was so much information at once in certain parts I would have liked it better. I would only suggest this book if you are a person who is really into bikes and wants to know the history of them.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Crossing for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

See reviews first on my blog

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction. Loved the concept and enjoyed watching the characters grow. It started off a bit slow, but once it got going, I could not put it down.

[Angela Richter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific Author

I really liked Petra's books on glass blowing so thought I'd try " While the World is Still Asleep". Great.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an audio read I found this story filled with moments where cheering on the young and slightly older females was a natural element. Throughout the main character's life there was reason to cheer her on and wish you too could provide much needed advice. The story's plot follows the life circumstances of a poor young female heroine who develops into a strong woman who leads her little corner of the world into a revolution of realization - what a woman can do when no one is looking!

[Andi Towner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next adventure

Wonderful creation of the introduction of bicycles into the world. Heroine Josephine proves to be the strong, courageous woman Durst-Benning is known for.