There are so many books in the wild, and sometimes, we need a guide to give us advice about them. Fear not. Paula is on the case. Let us know what she thinks of Anna O by Matthew Blake!

Anna O, A Review

 Cases of sleepwalking can take chilling turns, sometimes even leading to murder. The phenomenon of sleepwalking, known medically as somnambulism, has fascinated and puzzled both researchers and the general public for centuries. 

While most cases involve harmless nocturnal activities like wandering around the house or talking in one’s sleep, there have been instances where sleepwalking culminated in tragic outcomes, such as homicide. These cases blur the lines between consciousness and unconsciousness, raising profound questions about the complexities of the human mind.

One recent literary work that delves into the eerie realm of sleepwalking-induced crimes is Anna O by Matthew Blake. The novel explores the aftermath of a harrowing incident involving Anna, who becomes the prime suspect in the murder of two friends during a night out with family and friends. Following the traumatic event, Anna inexplicably falls into a deep slumber from which she has not awakened for years, resembling a state of coma. 

The narrative unfolds as the police seek to bring Anna to trial, enlisting the expertise of Dr. Benedict Price and his mentor, Dr. Bloom, from the Abbey Sleep Clinic to rouse her from her prolonged sleep.

Anna O employs a dual timeline narrative, alternating between the present-day efforts to awaken Anna and flashbacks revealing the events leading up to the tragedy. 

These flashbacks also unveil a disturbing parallel narrative from twenty years prior, involving a mother afflicted with sleepwalking who fatally harmed her own children. Central to the mystery is the enigmatic figure of Patient X, the offspring of the sleepwalking mother, whose whereabouts and potential inheritance of homicidal sleepwalking tendencies remain shrouded in uncertainty.

Blake’s narrative skillfully weaves together suspense, psychological intrigue, and genetic inheritance and trauma themes. The novel prompts readers to contemplate the intricate relationship between sleep and consciousness, as well as the potential dangers lurking within the subconscious mind. Furthermore, Anna O invites reflection on the significance of sleep in our lives, as it accounts for a significant portion of our existence.

Studies indicate that humans spend approximately half of their lives asleep, emphasizing the profound impact of sleep on our overall well-being. Yet, the mysteries of sleepwalking and its potential consequences serve as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability inherent in our unconscious states. Whether one identifies as a sleepwalker, a light sleeper, or an insomniac, Anna O prompts readers to consider their sleeping patterns and their implications.

While Anna O offers a compelling exploration of sleepwalking-induced trauma and its repercussions, some readers may find the novel’s lengthiness to be a minor drawback. However, any reservations are swiftly overshadowed by the gripping conclusion, which delivers an unexpected twist regarding the identity of Patient X in the present-day narrative. This revelation underscores the novel’s capacity to captivate and surprise, leaving readers pondering the intricacies of the human psyche long after the final page is turned.

In conclusion, Matthew Blake’s Anna O serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers lurking within sleepwalking. Through its intricate narrative and exploration of sleep-related trauma, the novel invites readers on a thought-provoking journey into the depths of the unconscious mind. 

As cases of sleepwalking-related crimes continue to captivate public interest, Anna O stands as a testament to the enduring allure of psychological thrillers that blur the boundaries between wakefulness and sleep.

Paula