The Sleepwalkers

The Sleepwalkers cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Technical
  • ID: 452
  • Added: 2025-09-11
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780718192952
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2012-09-27
  • Formats: 80
  • Reviews: 4

The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark is a critically acclaimed and formidably argued history of the events leading up to the First World War. The book delves into the complex web of political and social factors that made Europe vulnerable to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, an event that ultimately led to the downfall of four great empires and the deaths of millions. Clark's narrative is praised for its meticulous research, elegant prose, and provocative arguments that challenge the standard view of the war's causes. The author's ability to reconstruct key decision points and provide a deep context for the events makes this a masterful and essential read for anyone interested in understanding one of the most pivotal moments of the modern era. /n/n Christopher Clark, a Professor of Modern History at the University of Cambridge, brings his extensive knowledge and scholarly expertise to this work. His previous books, such as Iron Kingdom, have been widely praised and have established him as a leading historian. The Sleepwalkers is not just a retelling of historical events but a profound exploration of how miscalculations and misunderstandings can lead to global catastrophe. The book's elegant writing and comprehensive research make it a standout work in the field of historical nonfiction.

Reviews
informative 4.75

The book is described as immensely informative and enjoyable, offering a magisterial study of World War I. The reviewer finds it difficult to condense the wealth of information into a few hundred words, highlighting its comprehensive nature.

The reviewer describes the book as immensely informative and enjoyable, praising its magisterial study of World War I. They highlight the difficulty in condensing the book's comprehensive analysis into a few hundred words, indicating its depth and breadth. The reviewer appreciates the thorough exploration of the events leading up to the war, making it a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of the period. The book is seen as a significant contribution to the historical literature on World War I.


Quick quotes

    The Sleepwalkers is an immensely informative and enjoyable book.

    It is difficult to condense in a few hundred words this magisterial study of World War One.

    Clark's account is a tour de force of historical scholarship, offering new insights into the causes of the war.

martinjoneswriter.com · Martin Jones · 2024-10-12
thought-provoking 3.75

The novel is a bold storytelling experiment blending humor, suspense, and metafictional elements that explore how stories are constructed and transformed.

Martin Jones finds 'The Sleepwalkers' to be a bold and experimental narrative that cleverly uses documents like letters and transcripts to blur the lines between story and reality. He admires the book’s playful and unsettling atmosphere, noting how it challenges the concept of truth in storytelling, especially through the subplot of filmmakers altering a tragic story for cinematic purposes. The review appreciates the novel's layered approach and its commentary on narrative construction, making it a thought-provoking read.


Quick quotes

    a bold experiment in storytelling

    a look at how we make stories

    What really happened is no good. A film has other requirements.

duffrunstough.com · 2024-05-21
solid 3.00

The novel showcases Scarlett Thomas's talent for evocative writing and complex characters but ultimately feels uneven, resulting in a solid but not exceptional read.

The reviewer appreciates Thomas's skill in crafting vivid descriptions and multidimensional characters, which enrich the narrative and provide depth. However, despite these strengths, the novel does not consistently maintain its momentum or cohesion, leading to an experience that is engaging yet somewhat flawed. The overall impression is that of a three-star book that is worthwhile but falls short of being truly outstanding.


Quick quotes

    Showcases Thomas's talent for evocative writing and complex characters

    Ultimately feels uneven

    A three-star read

Criminal Element · 2024-04-30
suspenseful 4.00

A surprising and suspenseful modern gothic story, blending elements of Patricia Highsmith with dark humor and a tense atmosphere.

This review positions the book as a modern gothic thriller with a unique blend of suspense and dark humor. The comparison to Patricia Highsmith and the TV series White Lotus suggests a narrative rich with psychological tension and layered character dynamics. The story's setting and mood contribute to an unsettling yet captivating experience, making it an intriguing read for fans of atmospheric and psychologically complex fiction.


Quick quotes

    Patricia Highsmith meets White Lotus in this surprising and suspenseful modern gothic story

    A couple running from both secretive pasts and present dangers

    Tense, atmospheric and darkly funny