While Beauty Was Sleeping by Kristy Brown
Hilarious, Absorbing, Realistic
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romantic Drama
Even now, in her late twenties with an important, responsible job, Emily Jones still can’t shake the teenage angst that had been placed upon her half a lifetime ago. It probably didn’t help that she was living with her best friend, a friendship cemented during that time, that day in fact….the day of the beef crisps that was an unfortunate pre-cursor to ‘the incident’. The humiliation that was to follow, the wet towels, being stood up, and the gravy….oh, the gravy, had haunted her ever since. Therefore when a misfortune befalls her confidante and soul mate of fourteen years who just happens to be accompanied by the one person whom she holds responsible for her teenage trauma, and her job putting her in the position of having to show a very keen interest, Emily is transported back to the day of Eliza’s elaborate birthday party, fumbling in the dark amongst the coats, waiting to receive her very first kiss. 
I was drawn to this book for its simple but colourful cover, and I have to be honest, the title put me in mind of my favourite film, ‘While You Were Sleeping’ which made me want to read it more, random but there it is. As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was going to love it and that this narrative would be just my type of read. Kristen’s writing is so wonderfully expressive when writing the dialogue for her characters, as well as, the descriptive parts of the novel. I was impressed at how comprehensively the account of the football match was put across to the reader. Her depiction of every scene is written so beautifully clearly. The characters’ actions and re-actions were exactly as if I was reading the re-telling of a story between real people. She has given each of them such defined personalities that I could just imagine them interacting with each other. This author clearly has such a sense of humour, some of the scenes had me in tears of laughter to the point that I struggled to compose myself enough to see the page. The language used by the characters was very real. Some authors will shy away from using blasphemous speak, but I think it gives the narrative a fuller character, whether to make it grittier, in the case of a dark narrative, or in this case to increase humour and the personality of the main players. After all, in real life we as real people utilise swear words in times of high stress, anger or irritation, so why wouldn’t book characters? It might need to be something that is mentioned at the beginning of the book, different people have different sensibilities. Not as a trigger as such but just to safeguard it being read to or given as a gift to someone of an inappropriate age maybe. The chapters are a nice length and the book doesn’t feel arduous to read at all, mostly due to the wit injected and its fast pace that keeps you focussed. 
It is clever how the author has given her main character Emily, a job that means that she has to pursue what has happened in what some would see as an intrusive manner, but because of her association with the people involved, this would never be an issue. It sets up the scene and the narrative perfectly and puts Emily in an unenviable, appallingly sad and awkward situation where she must make a decision between her morals or her career. Thankfully there is Carol to put her on course, turning the situation around so that it benefits and safeguards both her friendship and her job. The narrative drew a lot of parallels with the wonderful Bridget Jones, especially the scene where Jake refers to her only by her surname. I am a big fan of Bridget so this made me smile. The pairing of Emily with Ryan was pure gold. Every woman needs a Ryan and his dialogue had me in stitches. Such a wonderful relatable situation that a number of readers may identify with. The bond between them was very evident and touching. The way he calls her ‘my Emily’, and his keenness to be there for her made me smile. It brought back memories of a similar situation I had many years ago. Emily’s thought that Ryan’s accent gets broader the more emphatic he is, surprised me as I hadn’t imagined him with this accent. It also made me laugh as I know people who exhibit this characteristic, myself included. Emily’s consideration and concern towards her friend when she hopes that where her mind has gone isn’t dark, as she is afraid of the dark, is moving and such an inspired ‘addition’ for the author to have thought of, outside of the normal narrative. This extra facet to Emily gives the reader an idea as to what a thoughtful, special person she must be, and not only her, but the person writing it. 
The dynamic between Emily and Jake was a bit frustrating but you have to give Emily credit for putting her long term friendship front and centre over everything and considering the impact on Eliza that could occur as a result of events, whilst she is unable to control her narrative, even when it would be so easy to give in. I thought the ‘conversations’ that Emily had with her were lovely moments. The flashbacks told in italics, allow the reader to really get a handle on why Emily still feels like she does and what has lead to the situation that she now finds herself in. Plus details of the oath so very seriously considered in their younger years, that now is in danger of being broken, or maybe already has. The way in which Emily is quick to jump to her own conclusions with Jake rather than hear him out, I think is initially to stop her doing anything she might regret, or may have to explain to Eliza but when she constantly re-buffs him, principally after events after the break in, it did start to become slightly annoying. The scene in the hotel after they have been in the bar is possibly one of the funniest things I have ever read, and Emily waking up the next day with Ryan coming to her aid and admonishing her behaviour like a naughty child, is a brilliant segment which the book is worth reading for alone. Kristen most definitely has it nailed when it comes to humour. I can’t praise her ability to write a funny scene enough. 
The author makes good use of the character of the little boy, to ensure that Emily sees Jake’s softer side, making her insides go squishy. I myself am a wheelchair user, and the thought of a good looking young man pushing a young boy around a football pitch made me go squishy too, I have to say. 
The relationship between Emily and her mum is a very heart warming one. They are so open with each other and her mum seems so intuitive of her daughter’s life events from the past and her feelings, both then and now. The scene during which her and Ryan visit Emily’s childhood home and the conversation between the three of them is a joy. 
My top three funny moments from ‘While Beauty Sleeps’are:
Emily and Jake in his hotel room after being in the bar where Emily is worse for wear……
Emily’s description of how Jake affects her ‘lady parts’ was so unexpected, it just made it funnier…...
Simone entering the toilets whilst Ryan is attempting to calm Emily down. Simone’s decision that her entrance has been badly timed is written so seamlessly……
I’m not usually one for schmaltzy endings, but the scene where Emily asks Jake how it feels to have everything he has ever wanted, and the text he sends her was a proper soppy moment. 
The Epilogue was a really fabulous way to finish the story, making a personal moment fittingly public in the best way. 
Kristen is a wonderful addition to my list of authors, her having written nine books, I may be playing ‘catch up’ for a while, but I am very happy to do so.
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