this story was very unique to me, i requested it cause it was set in my city. the novel dissects the contradictions between identity, ambition, and desire. set in New York’s cultural and intellectual circles, it follows four characters whose carefully curated lives start to unravel in ways they never expected.

Dan, a leftist academic and blogger, risks his career and credibility for an affair with his student. his partner, Mariko, a struggling actor, reconnects with an old flame—her dying mentor and former director. meanwhile, Mariko’s sister, Akari, a cinematographer visiting from LA, navigates a volatile relationship with a younger woman *SO MUCH DRAMA* so, the four of them chases success and fulfillment, yet all find themselves caught in self-deception, compromising the ideals they claim to uphold.

prose is sleek and unflinching, pulling the reader into the emotional turbulence of characters who are both deeply flawed and painfully real. there's no moralizing here—just an honest, razor-sharp look at a generation torn between the personas they project and the messy, complicated realities they live. it was a very thought-provoking read—one that lingers long after the final page. the author delivers a striking meditation on ambition, self-delusion, and the weight of our choices in a world that demands both authenticity and performance.

4 stars. writing was beautiful.

This felt like an "artsy" read to me. I enjoyed it! It was full of interesting characters and I liked seeing how they developed throughout the story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

**The Sleepers** by Matthew Gasda is a novel that explores the intertwined lives of thirty-somethings in New York City from 2016 to 2019. The main characters include Dan, a professor and writer; his partner Mariko, a struggling actress; and her sister Akari, a cinematographer. The novel primarily focuses on themes of relationships and identity.

With knife sharp, authenticity, and wit, Gasda provides an almost documentary-like portrayal of these individuals. The narrative immerses us in their lives over a few summer days and nights, offering insights into their inner thoughts. These inner monologues reveal a disconnect between who they truly are, who they aspire to be, and how others perceive them. The strain of navigating evolving relationships and the sensation of being stuck or in limbo as time passes is palpable. Gasda delves into the narratives we create about ourselves and each other along with the complexities of life.

I was genuinely impressed with Gasda’s storytelling abilities; it was both engaging and relatable. It captures a kind of disillusioned coming-of-age experience meets a pre-mid-life crisis, set against the backdrop of a country undergoing a significant cultural shift and identity transformation.

Fans of Oisin McKenna, Sally Rooney, CoCo Mellors, or Edward Albee might find this novel appealing. I highly recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing | Arcade for the ARC.