Madeleine Is Sleeping

Sarah Shun-lien Bynum's 'Madeleine Is Sleeping' is a novel that earned critical acclaim and a National Book Award finalist nod for its empathetic portrayal of family, grief, and the small, strange behaviors that surface in intimate relationships.

Bynum is known for precise, lively prose and characters who reveal their inner lives through offhand speech and small actions.

The novel balances dark humor and tender observation while exploring how people cope with loss and confusion.

'Madeleine Is Sleeping' established Bynum as a distinctive contemporary voice with a gift for blending lyricism and wry social insight.

Its recognition by major literary awards underscores its impact and Bynum's standing in contemporary fiction.