Product Description

Set against the rise of fascism in 1930s Europe, WHILE ENGLAND SLEEPS tells the story of the love affair between Brian Botsford, an upper-class young writer, and Edward Phelan, an idealistic, self-educated employee of the London Underground and a member of the Communist party. Though by far the better educated of the two Brian is also 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...and soon enough Edward is pushed to the point of crisis. Fleeing, he volunteers to fight in Spain, where he ends up in prison. Brian, responsible for Edward's flight, must pursue him across Europe, into the violent chaos of war.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #260762 in Books
• Published on: 1998-06-25
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Review
'Perfect' Philip Hensher, MAIL ON SUNDAY 'Funny and sexy' TIME OUT 'A literary triumph' INDEPENDENT

TIME OUT
'Funny and sexy'

INDEPENDENT
'A literary triumph'

Customer Reviews

Jolly good.
I really enjoyed this book. Perhaps enjoyed is the wrong word actually, as by the end I was horribly upset and miserable. But it is a very good read. It's a love story which is very moving in a rather odd, frustrating way. I kept thinking the main character needed a damn good thrashing, though I became more sympathetic as the story went on. The story is set during the late thirties during the Spanish Civil War and is clearly inspired by the writings of Hemingway and Orwell. The setting works well and I was pleased to note that the author does not attempt to use the war to make moralising political statements. The end is somewhat predictable, but is actually all the more moving for that. A good read, but prepare to be depressed by the time you've finished it.

David, go on this way!
It's really a great romance. I agree with previous comments, as it's been said that the book has to be read carefully. A "pentimento" story, which help us not to forget what our lover means and how he's expected to be treated

Slow moving novel set in 1930's London. Doesn't work.
I had read two other Leavitt novels prior to this one, 'The Lost Language of Cranes' and 'The Page Turner'. I thought both books were well written and looked forward to reading 'While England Sleeps' whilst on holiday. This tells the story of two young men from very different social backgrounds who start a gay relationship in the London of the 30's, against the background of political upheaval in Europe. I must admit that I was disappointed with this book. I found it mostly very tedious, using cliched language and characters reminiscent of the Dick Van Dyke a la Mary Poppins school of cheery cockneys. Leavitt should stick to writing about what he knows best, contemporary times and personalities. Writing about a past time in what to him is a foreign country has not worked. After finishing this book I read the marvellous 'Mr Norris Changes Trains' by Christopher Isherwood, written around the time that Leavitt's novel is set. The language used is as fresh as if it were written yesterday. This shows that there is no need to write using the archaic language/style that Leavitt has chosen to use here. Sorry Mr L. but definitely a thumbs down this time.