Before I Wake

Before I Wake follows the aftermath of a tragic car accident in Victoria, British Columbia that leaves three-year-old Sherry Barrett in a coma. Her parents Karen and Simon Barrett face not only their personal grief but also mounting public attention as word spreads about their daughter's condition. Strange occurrences begin to surround the comatose child when visitors report miraculous healings after contact with her. The situation draws crowds of desperate pilgrims, media attention, and scrutiny from religious authorities, while the man responsible for the accident finds himself trapped in an otherworldly version of the local library. The novel blends contemporary family drama with elements of magical realism and the supernatural. At its core, it explores questions about faith, guilt, redemption and the complex ways people respond to tragedy.

Readers describe this book as an emotional rollercoaster that blends supernatural elements with a family tragedy. Many highlight the authentic portrayal of grief and marriage strain. Readers appreciated: - The complex moral questions raised - Shifting perspectives between characters - Natural dialogue and relationships - Balance of supernatural and realistic elements - Canadian setting details Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Some subplots feel unresolved - Religious themes too heavy-handed for some readers - Character decisions that frustrated readers Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (90+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (150+ ratings) "The parent-child relationship felt real and raw" - Goodreads reviewer "Started strong but lost momentum" - Amazon reviewer "The supernatural elements enhanced rather than overshadowed the human story" - LibraryThing review

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🌟 Victoria Public Library, where pivotal scenes unfold, was founded in 1886 and is one of the oldest public libraries in British Columbia. 🌟 The book's depiction of unexplained healings echoes real documented cases at Lourdes, France, where over 7,000 miraculous cures have been reported since 1858. 🌟 Author Robert J. Wiersema worked as a bookseller in Victoria for over 20 years while writing his novels, giving him intimate knowledge of the city's literary landscape. 🌟 The novel's exploration of coma patients draws parallel to notable cases like Karen Ann Quinlan, whose 1975 case sparked international discussions about medical ethics and miracles. 🌟 Before I Wake was Wiersema's debut novel and became a national bestseller in Canada, establishing him as a prominent voice in Canadian literary fiction.