Book Details

Sleeping Land, The
By: Ella Alexander
Category: Mystery & Thriller
GoodReads Rating: 3.17
Released: 2025
This archaeological thriller is set in 1994, a few years after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It follows three Canadian graduate students—Valerie, Kit, and Mark—and their enigmatic advisor, George Auberon, as they embark on a dig in a remote Siberian cave. The excavation uncovers fascinating artifacts, but tensions rise as George's true motives come to light, and the team begins to question whether they are truly alone in the wilderness.

Reader Reviews

Readers appreciate the unique setting and blend of academic satire with suspense. However, some found the pacing uneven, with the story taking time to build momentum before delivering a gripping climax.

Content Analysis

Themes: Ambition, trust, paranoia, the clash between past and present, and the human desire to uncover hidden truths.
Characters: Valerie is the central figure, grappling with personal and professional challenges. Kit and Mark add depth to the group dynamic, while George’s charisma and secrecy drive much of the tension.
Writing Style: Wry and atmospheric, blending academic satire with elements of suspense and psychological depth.
Symbolism: The cave represents the unknown and the buried secrets of history, while the forest embodies isolation and the primal fears of humanity.
Historical or Cultural Context: The story reflects the societal changes in post-Soviet Russia and the challenges of Western academic exploration in a foreign land.