I have loved many of Chris Bohjalian’s novels but with this one I found the book good but not like his others that I’ve read. The elements regarding sleepwalking were very interesting and the ending did surprise me.
I thought the characters were interesting as well. When Annalee goes missing her daughters struggle to cope with the sudden loss of her especially as their father isn’t too supportive. Annalee had sleepwalked many times but never disappeared completely. Her older daughter narrates the story and for me it was quite slow until closer to the end where it picked up and I felt I had to know what would happen.
I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Cary McClain and Grace Experience. I haven’t listened to either narrator before but I did enjoy their telling of this story. So while this may not have been a favorite of mine I’m still very much looking forward to the next book from Chris Bohjalian.
Source: Library copy
I wonder if I would enjoy this more in print because I sure do love his work.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this audio book. It sounds like you enjoyed it.
I read this book.
Chris Bohjalian didn’t disappoint me. With THE SLEEPWALKER, he has again written a novel that is both plot- and character-driven, heavier on character. He gives the reader a can’t-put-it-down engaging story and examines its main characters as we, along with the narrator, try to figure out what happened to a missing wife and mother, Annalee.
THE SLEEPWALKER is told from the viewpoint of Lianna, one of Annalee’s daughters, years after the incident. She observes the main characters. While her father and sister seem to be sure Annalee had died after sleepwalking, Lianna only suspects this.
Adding to the mystery are the italicized lines between chapters. Who writes them? Although Lianna narrates this story, those paragraphs are obviously special clues.
Perhaps some readers will not like the relationship between Lianna and Gavin. But this way we can be suspicious of his guilt and his intentions.
I think Bohjalian’s THE SLEEPWALKER is another winner.