Sleeping Children

In Anthony Passeron's debut novel, Sleeping Children, the intertwined narratives of a family in rural France and the emerging AIDS crisis of the early 1980s illuminate both personal and historical struggles. As Parisian doctors begin to uncover a deadly new virus, Anthony’s family grapples with the fallout of heroin addiction in their small village, particularly concerning his uncle Désiré, who has become a shadow of his former self. This poignant tale delves into themes of shame, secrets, and the fight for justice, capturing the complex interplay between individual and collective traumas during a tumultuous time.