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Sometimes When I Sleep
For Harriet, Eden university is a chance to escape the shadows of a family tragedy and reinvent herself, even though she doesn’t know exactly who she is or where she belongs. She’s grown up hiding from curious eyes, and seeking refuge in the music of Dark Island, who appear to be the only ones who have words for her hidden traumas. She’s escaped into hockey and being an A* student, found companionship and adventure in role-playing games, but somehow she’s never been able to run far enough to avoid the night-time terrors which haunt her. Spurred by a promise from Dark Island that she’s leaving the shadows, Harriet is convinced that university will be the place where all this changes. And yet, finding where she belongs is not easy. Hockey is dominated by the arrogant Mark Collier, and relationships prove as difficult here as at home.
As the structures which have kept Harriet safe start to crumble, she is drawn somewhat against her will towards the cold, mysterious and compelling Iquis. It’s a tumultuous relationship – full of conflict and misunderstandings. And yet, as Harriet starts to recognise a matching brokenness in Iquis, she becomes convinced that their paths are entwined, and that only by rescuing Iquis from what binds her can she, Harriet, ever find freedom from the chains of her own past. But as the girls’ journeys take them across the night-time landscapes of Cumbria, and then deeper into the frozen north, the questions arise: how much of what the girls fear comes from inside and how much from outside, and what is the price of redemption?
As the structures which have kept Harriet safe start to crumble, she is drawn somewhat against her will towards the cold, mysterious and compelling Iquis. It’s a tumultuous relationship – full of conflict and misunderstandings. And yet, as Harriet starts to recognise a matching brokenness in Iquis, she becomes convinced that their paths are entwined, and that only by rescuing Iquis from what binds her can she, Harriet, ever find freedom from the chains of her own past. But as the girls’ journeys take them across the night-time landscapes of Cumbria, and then deeper into the frozen north, the questions arise: how much of what the girls fear comes from inside and how much from outside, and what is the price of redemption?
408 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2021
1 person is currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Helen Salsbury
3 books10 followersHelen Salsbury is the co-editor of Wild Seas, Wilder Cities and one of its 54 contributors. She’s a trained community journalist and the founder of the environmental writing platform Pens of the Earth.
Helen Salsbury’s debut novel, Sometimes When I Sleep, was published in October 2021.
Her fiction has been shortlisted and longlisted for a number of prizes, including the Mslexia novel competition, and published in anthologies.
Helen Salsbury’s debut novel, Sometimes When I Sleep, was published in October 2021.
Her fiction has been shortlisted and longlisted for a number of prizes, including the Mslexia novel competition, and published in anthologies.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 14, 2024
Sometimes When I Sleep by British author Helen Salsbury is a powerful story about the impact of the traumatic loss of a loved one and the unusual and equally traumatic way it gets resolved.
Harriet, a seemingly conventional freshman studying civil engineering at a university in northern England, was only nine years old when her brother Stephen died in an accident, a tragedy that shattered her life and that of her parents. She has a vague sense of guilt about it, perhaps explaining bizarre nightmares of a lurking figure "pushing her...forcing her to dig...the scratching sound of soil...the smell of decay."
She has been mesmerized for years by the music of a palpably evil Goth band that goes by the name Dark Island. There is something in the morbid lyrics and hypnotic voices that seem to speak to her and to her alone. Is there a connection to the death of Stephen?
Author Salsbury is adept at raising questions that pull the reader deeper into the story. At the university, the enigmatic Iquis enters Harriet’s life. Iquis is an all-goth young woman, aloof and mysterious with a dark allure, and Harriet senses that she is somehow important to her, and she to Iquis. But who is Iquis? They are mutually attracted, but Iquis reveals little about herself whereas Harriet reveals a lot.
One of the author’s strengths in this troubling tale, told in the present tense, is the prose. Salsbury typically paints the physical setting with a few deft brushstrokes, evokes the emotion it raises in Harriet, and gives her thoughts about it. In a scene involving a gathering of Harriet, Iquis and three other goth characters in a forest, the author writes, “Harriet settles back into the present, not wanting to miss it in the rambling of her thoughts. She wants to capture and record this moment: the solidity of the ground underneath her, the sound of the others breathing, the stops and starts of the conversation.”
A suspenseful novel to the very end, the story offers unexpected and sometimes implausible twists and turns that lead to stunning and healing revelations about Harriet, and also about Iquis and her connection to the darkness of the Dark Island band.
Harriet, a seemingly conventional freshman studying civil engineering at a university in northern England, was only nine years old when her brother Stephen died in an accident, a tragedy that shattered her life and that of her parents. She has a vague sense of guilt about it, perhaps explaining bizarre nightmares of a lurking figure "pushing her...forcing her to dig...the scratching sound of soil...the smell of decay."
She has been mesmerized for years by the music of a palpably evil Goth band that goes by the name Dark Island. There is something in the morbid lyrics and hypnotic voices that seem to speak to her and to her alone. Is there a connection to the death of Stephen?
Author Salsbury is adept at raising questions that pull the reader deeper into the story. At the university, the enigmatic Iquis enters Harriet’s life. Iquis is an all-goth young woman, aloof and mysterious with a dark allure, and Harriet senses that she is somehow important to her, and she to Iquis. But who is Iquis? They are mutually attracted, but Iquis reveals little about herself whereas Harriet reveals a lot.
One of the author’s strengths in this troubling tale, told in the present tense, is the prose. Salsbury typically paints the physical setting with a few deft brushstrokes, evokes the emotion it raises in Harriet, and gives her thoughts about it. In a scene involving a gathering of Harriet, Iquis and three other goth characters in a forest, the author writes, “Harriet settles back into the present, not wanting to miss it in the rambling of her thoughts. She wants to capture and record this moment: the solidity of the ground underneath her, the sound of the others breathing, the stops and starts of the conversation.”
A suspenseful novel to the very end, the story offers unexpected and sometimes implausible twists and turns that lead to stunning and healing revelations about Harriet, and also about Iquis and her connection to the darkness of the Dark Island band.
November 4, 2021
I really enjoyed the setting of this book, where there are certainly some interesting/odd characters!
I liked that it shows the different relationships that Harriet had with friends/family and how they impacted her, especially her brothers death. I did however find the Dark Islands parts a bit boring.
The author descriptive writing really enables you to visualise the surroundings, which always seemed to have a gothic vibe, i completely visualised what each character looked like, especially Iquis.
I think this would make a good buddy/book club read as it will invoke lots of conversations.
I liked that it shows the different relationships that Harriet had with friends/family and how they impacted her, especially her brothers death. I did however find the Dark Islands parts a bit boring.
The author descriptive writing really enables you to visualise the surroundings, which always seemed to have a gothic vibe, i completely visualised what each character looked like, especially Iquis.
I think this would make a good buddy/book club read as it will invoke lots of conversations.
February 28, 2022
A book that crosses the bridge from YA to New Adult, best (although not exclusively) suited to those in their late teens/early twenties. I would recommend for those looking for introspective character studies, dark/gothic vibes, and light urban fantasy elements.
July 8, 2023
There are times when the worst monsters are in our own minds. They're the simmering but repressed trauma, guilt, and grief that lurk on the edges of our consciousness, tainting our dreams with their shadows. They're the memories we've buried that threaten to spring up from their tomb, and the home we hold in our hearts that contrasts so sharply with the brutal reality of the present. These painful truths are depicted clearly in Sometimes When I Sleep by Helen Salsbury, which is one of the best, and creepiest, coming-of-age novels I've read. Sometimes When I Sleep is one of those timeless, powerful books that encourages readers to reflect on difficult topics like grief, trauma, change, friendship, family, forgiveness, and moving on. Sometimes When I Sleep had a more moderate pace, which could turn some readers off. Because I was expecting it, it didn't bother me; in fact, it was paced perfectly for the themes, plot, and subject matter. Though it started slow, the build-up was part of what made me so invested in the characters and the outcome.
The scenery and eerie atmosphere of Sometimes When I Sleep are still vivid in my mind, as is the overwhelming sense of grief and loss conveyed by the characters. Iquis was very compelling and mysterious. Harriet was more straightforward on the surface, but she wound up becoming increasingly complex as the layers were revealed until the final heart-shattering truth came to light. The dynamic between the two was at times frosty and at other times passionate; I haven't read a story with such an emotionally charged and bittersweet companionship in years. I loved how Salsbury explored Harriet's fear of change. Alongside Harriet, the reader had to face the fact that change is necessary, inevitable, and–though scary–liberating. Salsbury kept me hooked and on edge with the mysteries surrounding Dark Island, Iquis, and Harriet's past. I wish we had gotten more insight into Iquis' internal conflicts and past, but that would have destroyed part of the intrigue that fueled Sometimes When I Sleep. Harriet and Iquis–along with the other characters–were deeply flawed. They all had their insecurities and fears, and that made them more relatable and less predictable.
Sometimes When I Sleep provides a deep and insightful study of grief and its effects on individuals as well as a family unit and close friends. It was intriguing and surprising to see how Dark Island fed into the story. I know what it's like to form a bond with a band while coping with trauma, and those who have similar ties to bands, especially in the heavy metal genre, will be able to connect with Harriet in this way. The emotional climaxes and the truths revealed by the end of this book were astounding and devastating. I highly recommend Sometimes When I Sleep, but only if you're looking for a Gothic, character-driven coming-of-age tale. This book probably won't appeal to people looking for a lot of action, but if you'd like to get to know the characters, study their relationships, and watch them develop and change while enjoying some paranormal twists and rich, spine-tingling descriptions, you should give Sometimes When I Sleep a shot.
Content warning: This work contains themes of mental illness and death, including homicide and suicide.
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital review copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
The scenery and eerie atmosphere of Sometimes When I Sleep are still vivid in my mind, as is the overwhelming sense of grief and loss conveyed by the characters. Iquis was very compelling and mysterious. Harriet was more straightforward on the surface, but she wound up becoming increasingly complex as the layers were revealed until the final heart-shattering truth came to light. The dynamic between the two was at times frosty and at other times passionate; I haven't read a story with such an emotionally charged and bittersweet companionship in years. I loved how Salsbury explored Harriet's fear of change. Alongside Harriet, the reader had to face the fact that change is necessary, inevitable, and–though scary–liberating. Salsbury kept me hooked and on edge with the mysteries surrounding Dark Island, Iquis, and Harriet's past. I wish we had gotten more insight into Iquis' internal conflicts and past, but that would have destroyed part of the intrigue that fueled Sometimes When I Sleep. Harriet and Iquis–along with the other characters–were deeply flawed. They all had their insecurities and fears, and that made them more relatable and less predictable.
Sometimes When I Sleep provides a deep and insightful study of grief and its effects on individuals as well as a family unit and close friends. It was intriguing and surprising to see how Dark Island fed into the story. I know what it's like to form a bond with a band while coping with trauma, and those who have similar ties to bands, especially in the heavy metal genre, will be able to connect with Harriet in this way. The emotional climaxes and the truths revealed by the end of this book were astounding and devastating. I highly recommend Sometimes When I Sleep, but only if you're looking for a Gothic, character-driven coming-of-age tale. This book probably won't appeal to people looking for a lot of action, but if you'd like to get to know the characters, study their relationships, and watch them develop and change while enjoying some paranormal twists and rich, spine-tingling descriptions, you should give Sometimes When I Sleep a shot.
Content warning: This work contains themes of mental illness and death, including homicide and suicide.
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital review copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
October 30, 2021
The book opens with our main character and narrator of this beautifully written story arriving at Eden University with her dad with whom she appears to have a volatile relationship. But as this story unfolds, the reader will discover that not everything is as it appears to be. Tormented by feelings of guilt and grief over the death of her older brother Stephen and haunted by terrifying nightmares, Harriet is convinced that going to University is the first step in the right direction towards changing her life for the better. Little does she realise that her life is about to change but not in a way that she could ever have imagined or expected. She has hardly had a chance to settle into her room when she has her first encounter with mysterious gothic Iquis (I loved that unusual name) someone who Harriet immediately feels a connection with and a irresistible urge to get to know,be her friend. A urge that swiftly develops into a obsession and as the story unfolds, Harriet finds herself caught up in a waking nightmare that is even more surreal and terrifying that the dreams which haunt her sleep.
Who was the dark and enigmatic Iquis, what secrets was she hiding and why would she not allow Harriet to help me? Why was Harriet so convinced that gothic group Dark Island were trying to communicate with her through the lyrics of their dark and haunting songs? What had happened to Stephen and why was Harriet I convinced that she was responsible for his death?
Harriet was a complex, multi layered character who despite admiring her grit, loyalty and determination, I found difficult to like at times for various reasons. I thought she could be rather childish and had character traits that were irritating and frustrating. The supporting cast of characters were a eclectic mix of vivid, realistic individuals who each had their own unique personalities and character traits, hidden secrets and vulnerabilities.
This is a extremely well written,perfectly plotted blend of genres with a dark and menacing vibe permeating the pages and is written in short and snappy chapters that give the reader a very bad case of just one more chapter syndrome. It's a mesmerising story that hooks the reader in from the first page, keeps you captivated and frantically turning the pages. The scenes and settings are described in such vivid detail that there are times when you can physically feel the rain on your skin and the cold of the snow chilling your bones. I loved this enthralling read and would give it far more than five stars if I could. Very very highly recommended and definitely going to be one of my favourite reads of this year.
Who was the dark and enigmatic Iquis, what secrets was she hiding and why would she not allow Harriet to help me? Why was Harriet so convinced that gothic group Dark Island were trying to communicate with her through the lyrics of their dark and haunting songs? What had happened to Stephen and why was Harriet I convinced that she was responsible for his death?
Harriet was a complex, multi layered character who despite admiring her grit, loyalty and determination, I found difficult to like at times for various reasons. I thought she could be rather childish and had character traits that were irritating and frustrating. The supporting cast of characters were a eclectic mix of vivid, realistic individuals who each had their own unique personalities and character traits, hidden secrets and vulnerabilities.
This is a extremely well written,perfectly plotted blend of genres with a dark and menacing vibe permeating the pages and is written in short and snappy chapters that give the reader a very bad case of just one more chapter syndrome. It's a mesmerising story that hooks the reader in from the first page, keeps you captivated and frantically turning the pages. The scenes and settings are described in such vivid detail that there are times when you can physically feel the rain on your skin and the cold of the snow chilling your bones. I loved this enthralling read and would give it far more than five stars if I could. Very very highly recommended and definitely going to be one of my favourite reads of this year.
May 19, 2024
Reminds me of Ann Rice, yet with a unique voice.
As I was reading and enjoying “Sometimes When I Sleep” by Helen Salsbury, I suddenly realized I had the same feeling as when I first read Ann Rice. But not to say this is an imitation. Far from it. Multi-award-winning author Helen Salsbury has crafted the story with her own unique voice. I was drawn to “Sometimes When I Sleep” by the descriptions and reviews of the book that say it is a compelling, gothic story of a young woman’s coming of age, mixed with secrets and mystery, a story that is difficult to forget. In reading “Sometimes When I Sleep,” I found this book to be all those things and more. Main character Harriet hopes she will leave her old life behind and finally escape the burden of family tragedy when she leaves home to attend University. She does find kindship with the Goth crowd at school and enjoys her coursework. However, she increasingly is pulled away from these as she is drawn to another young woman, the mysterious Iquis. But is that a bad thing? The two are kindred spirits with troubled pasts and secrets. Iquis is controlling. Though, because Harriet learned to be a people pleaser from dealing with her mom, she feels she must stay in Iquis’s orbit to help save her. But save her from what? This book is multi-layered and likely will mean different things to different readers. Reading the book is like taking a personal journey. I don’t want to say any more about the book, because I believe it is best read free of expectations, so as to allow the book to reveal itself to each individual reader. I hope to see more work from this amazing author.
As I was reading and enjoying “Sometimes When I Sleep” by Helen Salsbury, I suddenly realized I had the same feeling as when I first read Ann Rice. But not to say this is an imitation. Far from it. Multi-award-winning author Helen Salsbury has crafted the story with her own unique voice. I was drawn to “Sometimes When I Sleep” by the descriptions and reviews of the book that say it is a compelling, gothic story of a young woman’s coming of age, mixed with secrets and mystery, a story that is difficult to forget. In reading “Sometimes When I Sleep,” I found this book to be all those things and more. Main character Harriet hopes she will leave her old life behind and finally escape the burden of family tragedy when she leaves home to attend University. She does find kindship with the Goth crowd at school and enjoys her coursework. However, she increasingly is pulled away from these as she is drawn to another young woman, the mysterious Iquis. But is that a bad thing? The two are kindred spirits with troubled pasts and secrets. Iquis is controlling. Though, because Harriet learned to be a people pleaser from dealing with her mom, she feels she must stay in Iquis’s orbit to help save her. But save her from what? This book is multi-layered and likely will mean different things to different readers. Reading the book is like taking a personal journey. I don’t want to say any more about the book, because I believe it is best read free of expectations, so as to allow the book to reveal itself to each individual reader. I hope to see more work from this amazing author.
August 20, 2023
This debut novel by Helen Salsbury reeled me in straightaway and kept me teetering on the hooks of the damaged but deeply compelling, complex characters, not least the protagonist herself, Harriet. We're taken straight into the action as the novel starts with her leaving home for the first time to start a new life at university and finds herself drawn to the mysterious, enigmatic Iquis. She finds solace and kindred spirits in the music and members of goth rock band Dark Island and is elated to finally attend a concert of theirs. Yet its aftermath is just the start of an even darker journey for Harriet, Iquis (and their friends, frenemies and flatmates) as they're drawn into a twisted game. Gradually we see how each is affected, what ghosts they have, how their misshapen selves are weaved together - and pulled apart.
Cleverly, carefully, as each chapter progresses, snippets of Harriet's own dark past and troubled dreams are revealed - yet only shards of them, like a shattered mirror, so I was perenially wondering and pondering and wanting to read on to find the missing pieces, to have the final picture revealed. In this sense, this story was beautifully crafted and plotted and the characters and story stayed with me long after reading. In addition, there is a strong sense of place and mood steeped in the vivid descriptions of the landscapes, which I loved. Highly recommended and I eagerly await Helen Salsbury's next novel!
Cleverly, carefully, as each chapter progresses, snippets of Harriet's own dark past and troubled dreams are revealed - yet only shards of them, like a shattered mirror, so I was perenially wondering and pondering and wanting to read on to find the missing pieces, to have the final picture revealed. In this sense, this story was beautifully crafted and plotted and the characters and story stayed with me long after reading. In addition, there is a strong sense of place and mood steeped in the vivid descriptions of the landscapes, which I loved. Highly recommended and I eagerly await Helen Salsbury's next novel!
November 11, 2023
Helen Salsbury's "Sometimes When I Sleep" is a gripping coming-of-age and contemporary romance novel that delves deep into the complexities of personal transformation and healing. The story revolves around Harriet, a young woman burdened by family tragedies and hidden traumas, who embarks on a journey to Eden University in search of a fresh start.
Salsbury's narrative skillfully weaves together themes of self-discovery and resilience, as Harriet grapples with her past and seeks to find her true identity. The author masterfully captures the emotional turmoil and inner conflicts that accompany her protagonist's path to redemption. The characters are vividly portrayed, and their struggles are relatable and genuine.
The relationship that unfolds between Harriet and Iquis is both turbulent and compelling, reflecting the complexity of human connections. As they navigate the enigmatic landscapes of Cumbria and the frozen north, the story raises profound questions about the origins of fear and the price of redemption.
"Sometimes When I Sleep" is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate intricately woven tales of personal growth, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection. Helen Salsbury's narrative is a poignant exploration of the human spirit's capacity for transformation and healing, making this book a compelling and emotionally resonant read.
Salsbury's narrative skillfully weaves together themes of self-discovery and resilience, as Harriet grapples with her past and seeks to find her true identity. The author masterfully captures the emotional turmoil and inner conflicts that accompany her protagonist's path to redemption. The characters are vividly portrayed, and their struggles are relatable and genuine.
The relationship that unfolds between Harriet and Iquis is both turbulent and compelling, reflecting the complexity of human connections. As they navigate the enigmatic landscapes of Cumbria and the frozen north, the story raises profound questions about the origins of fear and the price of redemption.
"Sometimes When I Sleep" is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate intricately woven tales of personal growth, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection. Helen Salsbury's narrative is a poignant exploration of the human spirit's capacity for transformation and healing, making this book a compelling and emotionally resonant read.
May 6, 2024
Like a modern gothic novel
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel by Helen Salsbury. I found Harriet so relatable in her first days at university, those days of newness and the promise of reinventing yourself to be anyone you want to be. Like Harriet, I also didn't fit in with the popular crowd, but found my niche amongst the "misfits" (in my case, the writers, although there were a few goths in our little circle). Helen has captured that feeling perfectly, as well as that yearning for music that feels like it was written just for you, the eerieness of the gothic novel, the apprehension of the academic setting, the beauty of the Lake District and the wilderness of the far north of Scotland. I found myself as entranced by Iquis as Harriet did, and the mystery of both girls' pasts kept me guessing right up until the end. And you know it's a good read when the author captures the locations so realistically that I long to travel there myself. Thank you for letting me join Harriet and Iquis on their adventures, Helen, I know this book will stay with me for a long time!
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel by Helen Salsbury. I found Harriet so relatable in her first days at university, those days of newness and the promise of reinventing yourself to be anyone you want to be. Like Harriet, I also didn't fit in with the popular crowd, but found my niche amongst the "misfits" (in my case, the writers, although there were a few goths in our little circle). Helen has captured that feeling perfectly, as well as that yearning for music that feels like it was written just for you, the eerieness of the gothic novel, the apprehension of the academic setting, the beauty of the Lake District and the wilderness of the far north of Scotland. I found myself as entranced by Iquis as Harriet did, and the mystery of both girls' pasts kept me guessing right up until the end. And you know it's a good read when the author captures the locations so realistically that I long to travel there myself. Thank you for letting me join Harriet and Iquis on their adventures, Helen, I know this book will stay with me for a long time!
December 24, 2023
What a good book! First of all, I really enjoy the prose itself. It’s well written and very atmospheric. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but the end in particular was very fun to visualize, very beautifully written. Quite sad, but in a pretty way, if that makes sense.
There is something a little “young” about some parts. It’s certainly new adult, as it’s a little “missunderstood teenager” which I think is hard to pull off well. I’m quite far past that stage in life, so I couldn’t always connect with the characters. Saying that, Harriet did have genuine character development and growth, which was really nice to see. She has to let go of a lot of demons, and I found myself rooting for her.
It also has a VERY satisfying ending, which I liked a lot! So many books don’t stick the landing, but this one successfully brings a lot of different threads together. Overall, I highly recommend.
There is something a little “young” about some parts. It’s certainly new adult, as it’s a little “missunderstood teenager” which I think is hard to pull off well. I’m quite far past that stage in life, so I couldn’t always connect with the characters. Saying that, Harriet did have genuine character development and growth, which was really nice to see. She has to let go of a lot of demons, and I found myself rooting for her.
It also has a VERY satisfying ending, which I liked a lot! So many books don’t stick the landing, but this one successfully brings a lot of different threads together. Overall, I highly recommend.
November 23, 2022
Dark, twisting, and full of angst
Helen Salisbury’s Sometimes When I Sleep is an absolute gem of a novel. Dark, twisting, and full of angst, this story follows our protagonist Harriet escaping the confines of her family and home, ripped open by tragedy and bereavement.
She is coming of age, motivated, clever and sporty, but brings much of her personal baggage, along with her student suitcase, with her to halls.
Beautifully written with interesting characters and places - along with more than a few pulse quickening moments, this is a difficult book to put down.
For me personally (I realise authors aren’t always pleased to have their work compared) I got the feel of a totally grown up (and non-fantasy) Harry Potter!
I admit to having some reluctant sympathy for garish Mark, and a bit of a crush on Iquis. Highly recommended.
Helen Salisbury’s Sometimes When I Sleep is an absolute gem of a novel. Dark, twisting, and full of angst, this story follows our protagonist Harriet escaping the confines of her family and home, ripped open by tragedy and bereavement.
She is coming of age, motivated, clever and sporty, but brings much of her personal baggage, along with her student suitcase, with her to halls.
Beautifully written with interesting characters and places - along with more than a few pulse quickening moments, this is a difficult book to put down.
For me personally (I realise authors aren’t always pleased to have their work compared) I got the feel of a totally grown up (and non-fantasy) Harry Potter!
I admit to having some reluctant sympathy for garish Mark, and a bit of a crush on Iquis. Highly recommended.
July 30, 2024
Well, where exactly should I start, hm. The story starts off really slow for my taste. What I think is an amazing opener to a book is what should make you immediately dive into it. Instead I felt a little info-dumped with not really relevant information. Yet, that is how it feels at first. It's all happening for a reason, yeah. Though as a hook, I believe, it is lacking as I also didn't feel like there are some life-deterring changes to the characters at start. The pace accelerates as you go. If you're a fan of present tense writing, you'd also like this.
All that being said,
I believe Helen Salsbury did a great job of seeing the book as a whole thing. Like, the story ultimately is totally worth reading when you go through to the end! I believe stories like this are the stories worth telling. You start somewhere and by the time you get to the end, people's hearts beat with fire.
All that being said,
I believe Helen Salsbury did a great job of seeing the book as a whole thing. Like, the story ultimately is totally worth reading when you go through to the end! I believe stories like this are the stories worth telling. You start somewhere and by the time you get to the end, people's hearts beat with fire.
March 17, 2022
This is a story of dark nights, wild forests and goth music in the context of a misunderstood teenage girl, Harriet, escaping her difficult family dynamics by going to university. It is beautifully plotted, with plenty of action and a convincing development of the protagonist's character. Harriet has to overcome internal conflict and face her demons in order to grow and understand herself, a side of the story that is masterfully crafted. The elements of the mystery within the story are revealed gradually, giving a pleasing overall pace. I wanted to know more about Iquis, feeling the same fascination with her as Harriet does - and my curiosity was little by little satisfied. A great, easy read.
November 1, 2021
There was something compelling about this book & I literally read it in one sitting as I needed to know what was going on...you know the score, the 'just one more chapter' routine.
It was very well written, dark, gothicky & absolutely mesmerising. It starts off slow burning, but when the story picks up it's fast paced all the way!
Very detailed, visually descriptive, with a plethora of flawed characters. Harriet our main protagonist was a very messed up, complex girl, whilst Iquis was mysterious & everything dark.
All loose ends were nicely tied up in the penultimate chapters & I was blown away by the ending.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot & gifted copy.
𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 4 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
It was very well written, dark, gothicky & absolutely mesmerising. It starts off slow burning, but when the story picks up it's fast paced all the way!
Very detailed, visually descriptive, with a plethora of flawed characters. Harriet our main protagonist was a very messed up, complex girl, whilst Iquis was mysterious & everything dark.
All loose ends were nicely tied up in the penultimate chapters & I was blown away by the ending.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot & gifted copy.
𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 4 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
May 6, 2024
This is not the sort of book I would usually read: I’m not a young woman off to university and I have no interest in goths or gothic music. My coming of age came many years ago. But I’m determined to broaden my literary horizons and I could hardly have chosen better. I was enthralled by this dark, compelling, sinister tale throughout. Any early, minor reservations I might have had about the length of the book as characters and mores were introduced had long disappeared well before we reach the final journey to the north of Scotland. Beautifully written and realised, Sometimes When I Sleep deserves a much wider readership than it’s likely to receive, unfortunately. Highly recommended
December 13, 2021
A traditional gothic novel with a modern twist. Beautifully crafted and skilfully developed, with vivid and atmospheric descriptions of landscape that are, at times truly exquisite. As others have commented, the book is a bit of a slow burn, but that is by no means a criticism. I love books that develop over time and create a real and complex sense of place. I would say this is probably a young adult novel as there is plenty of teenage angst, so I’m not the natural audience for this book. The writing, though, is mesmeric and I will definitely look forward to the author’s next novel.
July 9, 2023
Sometimes When I Sleep by Helen Salsbury was a new genre for me as a reader, and one I probably wouldn’t have chosen - nonetheless I enjoyed it very much. Which goes to show one shouldn’t be too blinkered in one’s reading!
Harriet is hoping that going to university will help her distance herself from her family tragedy and the unhappy family dynamics that followed. As is true for many late teens, Harriet’s relationship with her parents is difficult, and she is somewhat besotted by a goth band, Dark Island, whose songs she believes somehow speak to her unhappiness. At university she is drawn to a fellow student, the mysterious Iquis. They seem to have a connection, a bond, though initially we don’t know what it is, nor why they’re drawn together when they don’t at first seem obvious soul mates.
After a conventional enough beginning, in which we are introduced to Harriet and her worries, and meet the other characters – her father, Iquis, other fellow students – the storyline changes to become much darker and more mysterious. For me, the mysterious elements, especially in the middle section of the book, were at times a little baffling. But by no means did that stop me enjoying the book. There is plenty of action as well as angst, which is well described, very atmospheric and, at times, positively alarming. I think Ms Salsbury has also done a splendid job with her characters, most of whom, including the two main characters, Harriet and Iquis, I didn’t, to be honest, find especially loveable. Despite that, as a reader, I was readily drawn in to their narrative, gripped by the danger they kept finding themselves in and caring very much about what happened to them. Towards the end of the book I was engrossed and didn’t want to put it down until I’d finished it. An excellent debut.
Harriet is hoping that going to university will help her distance herself from her family tragedy and the unhappy family dynamics that followed. As is true for many late teens, Harriet’s relationship with her parents is difficult, and she is somewhat besotted by a goth band, Dark Island, whose songs she believes somehow speak to her unhappiness. At university she is drawn to a fellow student, the mysterious Iquis. They seem to have a connection, a bond, though initially we don’t know what it is, nor why they’re drawn together when they don’t at first seem obvious soul mates.
After a conventional enough beginning, in which we are introduced to Harriet and her worries, and meet the other characters – her father, Iquis, other fellow students – the storyline changes to become much darker and more mysterious. For me, the mysterious elements, especially in the middle section of the book, were at times a little baffling. But by no means did that stop me enjoying the book. There is plenty of action as well as angst, which is well described, very atmospheric and, at times, positively alarming. I think Ms Salsbury has also done a splendid job with her characters, most of whom, including the two main characters, Harriet and Iquis, I didn’t, to be honest, find especially loveable. Despite that, as a reader, I was readily drawn in to their narrative, gripped by the danger they kept finding themselves in and caring very much about what happened to them. Towards the end of the book I was engrossed and didn’t want to put it down until I’d finished it. An excellent debut.
September 11, 2023
Harriet finds an escape in goth music during a difficult start at university, but the people she meets lead her into a much darker and genuinely gothic world than she expects. There is plenty of action and conflict in mysterious settings. I found it hard sometimes to know what was real and what was in the characters' imagination, but the beautiful writing carries you along and makes this a great read.
March 14, 2024
This was a compelling novel - dark and ominous, but also with a real coming-of-age feel. It follows troubled young Harriet, for whom university offers an escape from a claustrophobic family life.
Salsbury skilfully paints a portrait of repressed trauma and teenage angst, but the plot evolves into something much more gothic and haunting. The use of present tense adds to the sense of pace.
A fantastic debut novel and well worth reading.
Salsbury skilfully paints a portrait of repressed trauma and teenage angst, but the plot evolves into something much more gothic and haunting. The use of present tense adds to the sense of pace.
A fantastic debut novel and well worth reading.
May 10, 2025
This book took me straight into university life, the torrent of feelings at that stage in life and the sense of wanting to fit in but not belonging. For Harriet this is against the backdrop of her home life, something we learn more about as the novel progresses.
I found the atmosphere created in this novel very compelling and the passion of the writer came across right the way through with a beautiful quality to her writing.
It’s an unusual story line and I enjoyed reading it.
I found the atmosphere created in this novel very compelling and the passion of the writer came across right the way through with a beautiful quality to her writing.
It’s an unusual story line and I enjoyed reading it.
April 24, 2023
Harriet finds an escape in goth music during a difficult start at university, but the people she meets lead her into a much darker and genuinely gothic world. There is plenty of action and conflict in mysterious settings. I found it hard sometimes to know what was real and what was in the characters' imagination, but the beautiful writing carries you along and makes this a great read.
August 30, 2023
A coming of age gothic novel, this story is beautifully written. The MC Harriet is full of troubled thoughts and is plagued by trauma and nightmares.
Harriet is off to university and faces many challenges with new friendships and her comolex inner turmoil.
I was hooked from the very beginning, and I enjoyed being dragged into Harriets world.
Highly recommend.
Harriet is off to university and faces many challenges with new friendships and her comolex inner turmoil.
I was hooked from the very beginning, and I enjoyed being dragged into Harriets world.
Highly recommend.
December 5, 2021
This is a beautifully written debut novel by Helen Salsbury - remember that name! A compelling gothic coming-of-age novel which takes you on an unexpected journey. Set in the first year of university, but very different from all the Oxbridge student novels!
November 11, 2021
This book is like a wolf in sheep’s clothing! Seriously it starts off really slowly and you think the book is one thing and then about half way through it changes tempo and goes places that you won’t be expecting. It really is one of the books that needs to be read right until the end to be fully appreciated as the whole and complex story comes together. The main characters are all multi layered but also very compelling and you get a real sense of their teenage angst throughout the book. I seriously think this book will make a perfect book club read as it has all the elements needed for some great discussions.
July 25, 2024
Sometimes When I Sleep combines all the best elements of traditional gothic fiction with a relatable coming of age narrative between two female protagonists. The prose is both witty and poetic, exploring not only the relationship between the two girls but their connection to the world around them--from the dorm room Iquis covers in colorful oil paint to the river and lakes they spend nights walking along and, eventually, the snowy wilds of northern Scotland.
Central to the story is the main character's struggle with differentiating between reality and her recurring dream. Events throughout the book trigger vivid hallucinations that terrify and confuse her, after which she must investigate what really happened and what she imagined. This is a theme that I think a lot of modern gothic stories don't get right, opting for melodrama and cheesy horror instead of the existential dread you find in classics like Turn of the Screw and Haunting of Hill House.
And through it all, there's Iquis: the quiet, rebellious goth girl who becomes Harriet's friend and, eventually, her obsession. Just as Harriet is trying to understand her recurring nightmare, she also becomes fixated on the need to understand and help the mysterious girl. As the story unfolds, she grows progressively more frustrated with Iquis' refusal to give straightforward answers about who she is and what happened in her past to make her distrustful.
I predicted the ending, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. It hits the emotional beats and drama of gothic literature without being tropey or contrived, while adding a refreshing new interpretation of gothic horror through the semi-romantic friendship between the two girls.
There are some scenes that make the book less of a coming of age story and more of a new adult gothic horror; I think it would be better categorized as dark fantasy or contemporary supernatural fiction. It is not a wholesome story about girls growing up and finding themselves, but rather a dramatic, atmospheric tale of two young women with tragic histories who make hard decisions in order to come to terms with who--and what--they are. In my opinion the ending is happy, but other people might disagree. Either way, the journey is thrilling, emotional, and relatable in an unexpected way.
Fans of Turn of the Screw, Life is Strange, and classic gothic stories like Rebecca and Jane Eyre will love this book.
Central to the story is the main character's struggle with differentiating between reality and her recurring dream. Events throughout the book trigger vivid hallucinations that terrify and confuse her, after which she must investigate what really happened and what she imagined. This is a theme that I think a lot of modern gothic stories don't get right, opting for melodrama and cheesy horror instead of the existential dread you find in classics like Turn of the Screw and Haunting of Hill House.
And through it all, there's Iquis: the quiet, rebellious goth girl who becomes Harriet's friend and, eventually, her obsession. Just as Harriet is trying to understand her recurring nightmare, she also becomes fixated on the need to understand and help the mysterious girl. As the story unfolds, she grows progressively more frustrated with Iquis' refusal to give straightforward answers about who she is and what happened in her past to make her distrustful.
I predicted the ending, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. It hits the emotional beats and drama of gothic literature without being tropey or contrived, while adding a refreshing new interpretation of gothic horror through the semi-romantic friendship between the two girls.
There are some scenes that make the book less of a coming of age story and more of a new adult gothic horror; I think it would be better categorized as dark fantasy or contemporary supernatural fiction. It is not a wholesome story about girls growing up and finding themselves, but rather a dramatic, atmospheric tale of two young women with tragic histories who make hard decisions in order to come to terms with who--and what--they are. In my opinion the ending is happy, but other people might disagree. Either way, the journey is thrilling, emotional, and relatable in an unexpected way.
Fans of Turn of the Screw, Life is Strange, and classic gothic stories like Rebecca and Jane Eyre will love this book.
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