Suitabook

While the others sleep

Tom Becker

Reading: If the reader is keen on horror, read a few chapters first and check how the atmosphere feels at bedtime. Pause to discuss the difference between suspense, frightening imagery and gore if needed.
Themes: Insomnia and danger: Alfie's inability to sleep worsens at Scarbrook House, while sleep is presented as protection from the creatures. The premise turns a health-related difficulty into the engine of supernatural danger, inviting discussion about how frightening the experience feels without settling its meaning.
Institutional uncertainty: Alfie is sent to a sanatorium and becomes unsure whether disturbing events are real or whether he is insane. The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
Worth knowing: Consider whether the reader enjoys stories involving insomnia, institutional settings, supernatural creatures and disturbing night-time pursuit. The ending, full level of violence and treatment of the patients are not clear beforehand.