I loved this book. It is reminiscent of Haddon's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time." Told in alternating points of view this novel tells the stories of Henri and Madelyn, a middle age man and a young girl who are in comas, and Eddie and Sam, Henri's former lover and son respectively. Eddie and Sam grapple with how to care for these individuals and learn lessons about life and love along the way.

George writes painful truths with beauty and patience. My favorite sections of the novel were told from Henri's point of view as he explores his past within the dreamlike state of his coma. Each of George's characters are fully fleshed out and believable. In any other writer's hands this plot could have easily turned into a lifetime movie channel melodrama, but in "The Book of Dreams" the pain and magic are fully realized and fully human.

I received an e-Arc of this book from NetGalley and the publsiher in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by Nina George, though I have had others on my to-read list. If you do not enjoy a story from multiple perspectives, skip this one. I found this to be a totally novel idea - there are 3 main character perspectives which together portray a lyrical history of generations and opportunities whether real or in an alt-dimension. Speculative, Fantastical at its best. 4.5 out of 5 stars*

No words... Another George book that goes on my "keeper shelf." This book, which George states in the afterword as having been written to help her deal with loss and death, is simply exquisite. I loved each of the main characters, and the settings/surroundings - and experiences - were beautifully written. This book will stay with me for a long, long time.

Nina George has done it again! THE BOOK OF DREAMS is about the relationship between Sam, a 13-year-old synesthete and his father, Henri Skinner, whom he has never met. Just as Sam and Henri are about to meet, Henri suffers an accident and falls into a coma. THE BOOK OF DREAMS explores the past, those that are and those that could have been, and what lies between life and death. All of the characters are fascinating, and both heartbreaking and heart-stealing. Nina George restores my faith in literature and humankind. Beautiful!