It is a truth NEVER universally acknowledged but women are ALWAYS in the frontline of war.

Whether it’s a war on terror or poverty or internal or external wars against those with differing political, ideological or religious beliefs, women are always dodging bullets fired by men.

And Sleeping Through War is a moving tribute by author Jackie Carreira to the women’s stories that are forgotten in the history books.

It is 1968 and three women are fighting to survive their own personal battleground.

Rose, a West Indian nurse in a London where landlords routinely refuse board and lodging to ‘blacks, dogs and Irish’, struggles to retain her dignity and compassion.

What the blurb says:

It is May 1968.

Students are rioting, civil rights are being fought and died for, nuclear bombs are being tested, and war is raging in Vietnam.

For three ordinary women in Lisbon, London and Washington life must go on as usual.

For them, just to survive is an act of courage.

How much has really changed in 50 years?

In Lisbon Amalia is prepared to do whatever it takes to help her son escape their seedy life.

And, in Washington DC, Mrs Johnson keeps sending letters to her son in Vietnam.

Three different women and three different countries: but all striving to make the world a better place for those they love.

Powerfully written, it’s impossible not to engage and empathise with all three characters and to recognise elements common to the life of every woman.

It was with a real pang of regret that I turned the last page – okay, swiped to the next page on my kindle – because, almost without intending to, I’d become so heavily invested in the lives of these three women.

I REALLY want to know what happens to them next.

A great read and highly recommended. And I don’t say that often.

Review by Sue Featherstone.

Available to buy: Amazon, Waterstones and wordery.