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While the Others Sleep
250 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2013
About the author
Tom Becker
178 books78 followersTom Becker grew up in a market town in the northwest of England, dreaming of becoming a writer. He won the 2007 Waterstones' Children's Book Prize with his first novel, Darkside, and has continued to blur the lines between history and fantasy in brooding adventure and horror stories such as The Traitors and While The Others Sleep. He has also published an adult novel, The Cold Tap, on Kindle under his real name, Tom Beckerlegge. Tom lives in London with his wife, baby son, and a horde of shadowy creatures that he keeps confined within the pages of his notebook. He can be found on Twitter at @Tbeckerlegge.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 1, 2017
While The Others Sleep is nothing i ever read before. I find it so strange i never heard about this book before i picked it up and even after i picked it up i haven't heard anything about it. I found this book at a Discound book event and i found it interesting.. so i gave it a go. While The Others Sleep it so different then any other Young Adult/Middle grade book i have read. And i say that in a good way!
When i read the blurb of this book and saw the creepy cover matching its blurb i was immediately intrigued. I have a secret thing for creepy stories, even though i can't watch a horror movie. Plus the fact that is was centerd in the 19th century and in a old sanatorium... it made me want to read it ASAP. The setting of a Victorian sanatorium filled with lots of troubled children was both captivating and slightly scary. It was written so captivating and creepy, it literally gave me a nightmare when i read the first few chapters (can't say it was really because of the book though). The fact that the book wasn't so much a historical fiction but rather a thriller/horror made it better in a way. You weren't distracted by al the historical facts and you were more focussed on the story.
I really enjoyed the characters and the way the book was going with the story. The book took a really creative way with handeling the mental disorders, which i found really nice. It made you feel you were inside their heads at some point and you kind of got a inside look at what it felt like having a mental illness. Though there were some flaws with the story, like some stuff was a bit to childiss for me. Like the monster aspect of the story but later on you coulnd't picture the story without them. There are several strong characters, though I didn't feel particularly enamoured to any of them. The two characters that I was most interested in were Alfie, the protagonist, and his friend Selena. I liked Alfie, although i coulnd't connect with him al the time. Sometimes he felt like a really old man to me and the next second he was a teenage boy. I am quite torn about the revelation towards the end of the book, the 'twist', which is why I haven't given this book a higher rating. Though it was a good idea and clever on the author's part, I think that it made the rest of the book feel a bit underwhelming and as though we didn't truly get a good idea of Alfie. The ending of the story offers more action and a faster pace than the rest of the book and I'm sure it will to appeal to many.
Overall, I found While The Others Sleep to be a very well written book and also a refreshing, non-stereotypical approach to the young adult genre. If you are into horror and historical settings give this one a try, you won't regret it!
When i read the blurb of this book and saw the creepy cover matching its blurb i was immediately intrigued. I have a secret thing for creepy stories, even though i can't watch a horror movie. Plus the fact that is was centerd in the 19th century and in a old sanatorium... it made me want to read it ASAP. The setting of a Victorian sanatorium filled with lots of troubled children was both captivating and slightly scary. It was written so captivating and creepy, it literally gave me a nightmare when i read the first few chapters (can't say it was really because of the book though). The fact that the book wasn't so much a historical fiction but rather a thriller/horror made it better in a way. You weren't distracted by al the historical facts and you were more focussed on the story.
I really enjoyed the characters and the way the book was going with the story. The book took a really creative way with handeling the mental disorders, which i found really nice. It made you feel you were inside their heads at some point and you kind of got a inside look at what it felt like having a mental illness. Though there were some flaws with the story, like some stuff was a bit to childiss for me. Like the monster aspect of the story but later on you coulnd't picture the story without them. There are several strong characters, though I didn't feel particularly enamoured to any of them. The two characters that I was most interested in were Alfie, the protagonist, and his friend Selena. I liked Alfie, although i coulnd't connect with him al the time. Sometimes he felt like a really old man to me and the next second he was a teenage boy. I am quite torn about the revelation towards the end of the book, the 'twist', which is why I haven't given this book a higher rating. Though it was a good idea and clever on the author's part, I think that it made the rest of the book feel a bit underwhelming and as though we didn't truly get a good idea of Alfie. The ending of the story offers more action and a faster pace than the rest of the book and I'm sure it will to appeal to many.
Overall, I found While The Others Sleep to be a very well written book and also a refreshing, non-stereotypical approach to the young adult genre. If you are into horror and historical settings give this one a try, you won't regret it!
October 16, 2014
I liked this book – the setting in a Victorian era asylum for young adults I really enjoyed! The differing patients at the asylum with their various mental afflictions I thought worked really well and I liked the main character Alfie.
This book, as a person who LOVES their sleep, made me absolutely dread ever becoming a sufferer of insomnia to the extent of Alfie – no substantial sleep for months on end would be absolutely horrific!
While I did enjoy the ‘twist’ aspect of this story and I understand that the book was going for a mysterious style of ending I did feel like the ending left a couple of questions unanswered. Overall though I found the book very enjoyable and if you are looking for a young adult book horror than this one is definitely worth checking out in my opinion.
This book, as a person who LOVES their sleep, made me absolutely dread ever becoming a sufferer of insomnia to the extent of Alfie – no substantial sleep for months on end would be absolutely horrific!
While I did enjoy the ‘twist’ aspect of this story and I understand that the book was going for a mysterious style of ending I did feel like the ending left a couple of questions unanswered. Overall though I found the book very enjoyable and if you are looking for a young adult book horror than this one is definitely worth checking out in my opinion.
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May 22, 2013The air was black with foul curses.
April 14, 2018
Kept me reading - interesting setting / time period, and quite well written characters, but wasn't amazing. I think good for 13+ - and those that enjoy a good scare and want something different - it gets scarier and more gory as it goes.
March 30, 2013
While The Others Sleep is not a book that I had heard much about before I received it in the post, and I still haven't heard all that much about it now that it's been released, which is a real shame. This book is very different to most of the young adult literature which is offered today, and I mean that in a very positive way!
As soon as I read the blurb of this book, matched with the creepy cover, I was so eager to read it. I'm not a massive fan of horror, but I'm majorly intrigued by old sanatoriums and psychiatric hospitals, so the setting couldn't have been more perfect for me! The setting of a Victorian sanatorium filled with lots of troubled children was both captivating and slightly scary. I thought that the description of the sanatorium was brilliant, emphasising the eerie feel of the place. The book isn't laden with heavy historical facts and the writing isn't at all complicated, but the historical era that this story is set in undoubtedly allows a rather nightmarish atmosphere.
I really enjoyed seeing how this book progressed and how the patients at the sanatorium interacted with each other. It did take me a little while to get used to the several characters that were mentioned, as I did find it a little difficult remembering who was who at first. There are several strong characters, though I didn't feel particularly enamoured to any of them - thankfully this didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book. The two characters that I was most interested in were Alfie, the protagonist, and his friend Selena. I personally thought that Selena was a much more intriguing character than the others as it was clear she and Alfie had a somewhat complicated history. We do get to learn about her, but I would still liked to delve even deeper into her mind. For me, Selena was the highlight of the book.
I liked Alfie as a character, though I admit that I didn't love or connect with him. I did go through a range of feelings towards him as the story developed and changed. I am quite torn about the revelation towards the end of the book, the 'twist', which is why I haven't given this book a higher rating. Though it was a good idea and clever on the author's part, I think that it made the rest of the book feel a bit underwhelming and as though we didn't truly get a good idea of Alfie. The ending of the story offers more action and a faster pace than the rest of the book and I'm sure it will to appeal to many.
Overall, I found While The Others Sleep to be a very well written book and also a refreshing, non-stereotypical approach to the young adult genre. If you're into psychological thrillers or horror, I'm sure that this will be a treat. Even if you're not particularly into thrillers, this would definitely be a nice change to your usual reading choice. Becker looks to be like a very promising author and I look forward to seeing what he comes up with next!
As soon as I read the blurb of this book, matched with the creepy cover, I was so eager to read it. I'm not a massive fan of horror, but I'm majorly intrigued by old sanatoriums and psychiatric hospitals, so the setting couldn't have been more perfect for me! The setting of a Victorian sanatorium filled with lots of troubled children was both captivating and slightly scary. I thought that the description of the sanatorium was brilliant, emphasising the eerie feel of the place. The book isn't laden with heavy historical facts and the writing isn't at all complicated, but the historical era that this story is set in undoubtedly allows a rather nightmarish atmosphere.
I really enjoyed seeing how this book progressed and how the patients at the sanatorium interacted with each other. It did take me a little while to get used to the several characters that were mentioned, as I did find it a little difficult remembering who was who at first. There are several strong characters, though I didn't feel particularly enamoured to any of them - thankfully this didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book. The two characters that I was most interested in were Alfie, the protagonist, and his friend Selena. I personally thought that Selena was a much more intriguing character than the others as it was clear she and Alfie had a somewhat complicated history. We do get to learn about her, but I would still liked to delve even deeper into her mind. For me, Selena was the highlight of the book.
I liked Alfie as a character, though I admit that I didn't love or connect with him. I did go through a range of feelings towards him as the story developed and changed. I am quite torn about the revelation towards the end of the book, the 'twist', which is why I haven't given this book a higher rating. Though it was a good idea and clever on the author's part, I think that it made the rest of the book feel a bit underwhelming and as though we didn't truly get a good idea of Alfie. The ending of the story offers more action and a faster pace than the rest of the book and I'm sure it will to appeal to many.
Overall, I found While The Others Sleep to be a very well written book and also a refreshing, non-stereotypical approach to the young adult genre. If you're into psychological thrillers or horror, I'm sure that this will be a treat. Even if you're not particularly into thrillers, this would definitely be a nice change to your usual reading choice. Becker looks to be like a very promising author and I look forward to seeing what he comes up with next!
March 9, 2014
This is my kind of book!
It’s 1897 and Alfie Mandeville is admitted to Scarbrook House - A Sanatorium for disturbed children of wealthy families. He hopes he will be cured of the insomnia that has plagued him for months. He soon makes friends – in particular, an older boy called William Travers. William is strange at times and even cruel to other patients, but Alfie sticks by him as a friend. The Head doctor (Grenfell) has been an expert in treating children but is now a closet drunk. He takes in wealthy children in exchange for large donations for the sanatorium. There are two siblings Yardley and Catherine who lost their family in a terrible fire. They keep to themselves and Catherine keeps telling everyone there is evil in the hospital. At night when everyone else is asleep Alfie hears the Scrapers Catherine is talking about – their claws scraping along the floorboards, their dark shadows leaning over sleeping boys.
Catherine says they are there looking a fiend. Something from hell…..
Excellent. I never saw the truth coming.
It’s 1897 and Alfie Mandeville is admitted to Scarbrook House - A Sanatorium for disturbed children of wealthy families. He hopes he will be cured of the insomnia that has plagued him for months. He soon makes friends – in particular, an older boy called William Travers. William is strange at times and even cruel to other patients, but Alfie sticks by him as a friend. The Head doctor (Grenfell) has been an expert in treating children but is now a closet drunk. He takes in wealthy children in exchange for large donations for the sanatorium. There are two siblings Yardley and Catherine who lost their family in a terrible fire. They keep to themselves and Catherine keeps telling everyone there is evil in the hospital. At night when everyone else is asleep Alfie hears the Scrapers Catherine is talking about – their claws scraping along the floorboards, their dark shadows leaning over sleeping boys.
Catherine says they are there looking a fiend. Something from hell…..
Excellent. I never saw the truth coming.
February 20, 2020
This was an atmospheric, gothic horror novel for teens. Set in 1897 in a sanitarium for the children of the wealthy, we follow Alfie who is sent there to try and cure his insomnia. Things aren’t all that they seem. The institution is populated with many interesting characters, I would have liked to learn more about. The author does a good job of building up the tension before the surprising plot twist reveal at the end. I feel like this book should have a sequel as it left me wanting to know more. The ending was a bit of a cliff hanger!
April 26, 2023
Tbh when i first started reading this book i was literally so terrified. The cover and the blurb just make the actual book seem terrifying but once I started reading I just couldnt stop. This book overall was just great and I honestly loved. Id definetly reccomend. 10/10 :D
August 4, 2017
The twist means the rest of the book no longer made sense.
August 11, 2017
All over the place.
April 18, 2018
Not quite what I expected, but enjoyable nonetheless!
September 6, 2022
It was OK. Had a little twist but nothing too exciting.
November 19, 2013
This is a brilliant, atmospheric and creepy book. There is no waiting around for the story to get started your drawn into the darkness right away. There are a few characters with their own troubles going on. My personal favourite character and story was Selenas. I could have read a full book just about her and what was happening in her world. The setting was perfect, a remote mansion out in the country really made you feel that these people where cut off from any help and in this alone.
My only problem with this book was that there were a few too many boys referred to by last name which personally had me forgetting who was who.
I loved this book and would recommend it for someone that wants a good dark story full of ghosts and spooky goings on.
My only problem with this book was that there were a few too many boys referred to by last name which personally had me forgetting who was who.
I loved this book and would recommend it for someone that wants a good dark story full of ghosts and spooky goings on.
March 9, 2016
This book was one of my favourite reads of the year so far. The character development was amazing and the writing style made the story so enjoyable.
I felt an instant connection to the main characters and their mental afflictions made the story more realistic and enlightens the reader to those sorts of things.
The storyline was amazing as well with twists and turns. The ending was such a twist that it really pushed that five stars. I also strongly enjoy the letter chapter which basically gives a background to Alfie and his actual life.
Overall I cannot praise this book enough one of the best books I've ever read.
I felt an instant connection to the main characters and their mental afflictions made the story more realistic and enlightens the reader to those sorts of things.
The storyline was amazing as well with twists and turns. The ending was such a twist that it really pushed that five stars. I also strongly enjoy the letter chapter which basically gives a background to Alfie and his actual life.
Overall I cannot praise this book enough one of the best books I've ever read.
August 23, 2013
Good story but a bit heavy for a young adults book I think. It is a paranormal thriller but very, very dark. I liked it and the twists at the end were well placed. I would recommend for older readers, 15+.
November 15, 2013
Fantastic period ghost come horror book. Does deal with adult mental issues in the end but I just could not put it down. If you like horror and mental institutions and ghost/supernatural type themes this is the best book to read .
January 31, 2013
So creepy. Really interesting read and a full review will come shortly,but a fab YA horror.
October 9, 2013
very good, extremely good cliffhanger at the end that you would no way ever expect and scary
March 3, 2014
Great little find! This book sinks it claws in right from the start!
Twists and turns!
This book is a complete surprise from start to finish! An easy read but full of surprise!
Twists and turns!
This book is a complete surprise from start to finish! An easy read but full of surprise!
April 11, 2014
I am 12 and lots of my friends and other people think it should be a 15+ book but I loved it. It is my favourite book other than the fault in our stars and I have read it 5 times, great book!
August 14, 2014
Good read!
September 2, 2015
I wrote a review on my blog.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews