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Hero archetypes
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Synopsis
A troubled insomniac in 1890s England falls suddenly into a sleep-like trance, from which he does not awake for over two hundred years. During his centuries of slumber, however, investments are made that make him the richest and most powerful man on Earth. But when he comes out of his trance he is horrified to discover that the money accumulated in his name is being used to maintain a hierarchal society in which most are poor, and more than a third of all people are enslaved. Oppressed and uneducated, the masses cling desperately to one dream – that the sleeper will awake, and lead them all to freedom.
Is When the Sleeper Awakes appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
Classic dystopian science fiction with themes of class oppression, slavery, and revolution. Contains political violence and depictions of societal inequality but no graphic content or strong language.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include slavery, class struggle, and political violence.
Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.
Who'll love this
Teens interested in social justice themes and dystopian futures will find this a thought-provoking exploration of power and inequality.