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While England Sleeps - by  David Leavitt (Paperback) - 1 of 1

While England Sleeps - by David Leavitt (Paperback)

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Highlights

  • Set against the rise of fascism in 1930s Europe, While England Sleeps tells the story of a love affair between Brian Botsford, an upper-class young English writer, and Edward Phelan, an idealistic employee of the London Underground and member of the Communist Party.
  • About the Author: David Leavitt's fiction includes the collection Family Dancing and the novels The Lost Language of Cranes, The Body of Jonah Boyd, The Indian Clerk (finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award and shortlisted for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award), and The Two Hotel Francforts.
  • 272 Pages
  • Fiction + Literature Genres, Literary

Description



Book Synopsis



Set against the rise of fascism in 1930s Europe, While England Sleeps tells the story of a love affair between Brian Botsford, an upper-class young English writer, and Edward Phelan, an idealistic employee of the London Underground and member of the Communist Party. Though far better educated than Edward, Brian is also far more callow, convinced that his homosexuality is something he will outgrow. Edward, on the other hand, possesses "an unproblematic capacity to accept" both Brian and the unorthodox nature of their love for each other-until one day, at the urging of his wealthy aunt Constance, Brian agrees to be set up with a "suitable" young woman named Philippa Archibald . . . Pushed to the point of crisis, Edward flees, volunteering to fight Franco in Spain, where he ends up in prison. And Brian, feeling responsible for Edward's plight, must pursue him across Europe, and into the chaos of war.



Review Quotes




"A haunting, evocative novel of England in the 1930s, when the word was poised on the edge of chaos." --San Francisco Chronicle

"Extraordinary . . . This deeply moving novel shows the dangers of betrayal in youth-its repercussions not only for the betrayed but for the betrayer himself." --People




About the Author



David Leavitt's fiction includes the collection Family Dancing and the novels The Lost Language of Cranes, The Body of Jonah Boyd, The Indian Clerk (finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award and shortlisted for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award), and The Two Hotel Francforts. He is also the author of two nonfiction works, The Man Who Knew Too Much and Florence, A Delicate Case. He is professor of English at the University of Florida in Gainesville, and edits the literary magazine Subtropics.

www.davidleavittwriter.com

Dimensions (Overall): 8.49 Inches (H) x 5.51 Inches (W) x .72 Inches (D)
Weight: .56 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 272
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Literary
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Format: Paperback
Author: David Leavitt
Language: English
Street Date: June 3, 2014
TCIN: 1009808095
UPC: 9781620407080
Item Number (DPCI): 247-44-0767
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 0.72 inches length x 5.51 inches width x 8.49 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.56 pounds
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Q: What is the significance of the character Edward Phelan?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 3 days ago
  • A: Edward represents an idealistic perspective, contrasting with Brian's privileged but conflicted background.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 3 days ago
    Ai generated

Q: What historical context is the novel set in?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 3 days ago
  • A: The novel is set against the rise of fascism in 1930s Europe.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 3 days ago
    Ai generated

Q: What is the author's background?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 3 days ago
  • A: David Leavitt is a professor of English and has written several acclaimed novels and nonfiction works.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 3 days ago
    Ai generated

Q: Who are the main characters in the story?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 3 days ago
  • A: The main characters are Brian Botsford, an English writer, and Edward Phelan, a member of the Communist Party.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 3 days ago
    Ai generated

Q: What themes are explored in the book?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 3 days ago
  • A: The book explores themes of love, betrayal, and the impact of political turmoil on personal relationships.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 3 days ago
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