In Where Sleeping Girls Lie, a gripping YA contemporary mystery by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Sade Hussein, a girl new to boarding school, unravels dark secrets and cover-ups after her roommate mysteriously disappears. The novel delves into themes of identity, friendship, and the haunting power of secrets.
Main Characters:
- Sade Hussein: The protagonist, starting her third year at the prestigious Alfred Nobel Academy. She’s been homeschooled all her life and carries the weight of family tragedies. Sade’s motivation lies in uncovering the truth about her missing roommate, Elizabeth.
- Elizabeth: Sade’s roommate, who vanishes after their first night at school. Her disappearance sets the mystery in motion.
- The Unholy Trinity: A group of popular girls at the academy, including Persephone, who draws Sade’s attention. Their motivations intertwine with the unfolding secrets.
Plot: The central conflict revolves around Elizabeth’s disappearance. As rumors swirl, Sade becomes entangled with the Unholy Trinity. Meanwhile, she grapples with grief from her family’s tragedies. When a student is found dead, Sade’s investigation reveals deeper layers of secrets within the academy. Morse code plays a significant role, adding intrigue and urgency.
The plot develops as Sade navigates social dynamics, academic challenges, and her own emotional struggles. Nightmares haunt her, and a ghost girl begs for help. The tension builds until the truth emerges, connecting the dots between missing girls, hidden histories, and the academy’s dark past.
Setting: Where Sleeping Girls Lie unfolds at the Alfred Nobel Academy, a prestigious boarding school. The setting influences the characters’ interactions, as they grapple with privilege, power, and the weight of secrets. The eerie atmosphere of the academy enhances the mystery, with hidden corners and lurking truths.
Themes:
- Identity and Secrets: Sade’s search for answers forces her to confront her own identity and the secrets she carries. Morse code, a symbol of hidden communication, underscores this theme.
- Friendship and Betrayal: Sade’s relationship with the Unholy Trinity blurs the lines between friendship and manipulation. Trust is fragile, and loyalties shift.
- Grief and Resilience: Sade’s resilience in the face of personal loss resonates throughout the novel. The theme of coping with grief runs parallel to the mystery.
Conclusion:
Where Sleeping Girls Lie weaves a compelling narrative, blending mystery, friendship, and the haunting echoes of the past. Àbíké-Íyímídé’s prose keeps readers on edge, urging them to uncover the truth alongside Sade. As the darkness lifts, the novel leaves us pondering the cost of hidden truths and the strength it takes to face them head-on
