Mar 04 2025 58 mins
Sarah sits down with author Joanne Howard to discuss her compelling historical fiction novel, Sleeping in the Sun. Set in the final years of the British Raj, this gripping story explores colonial tensions, family dynamics, and the struggle for identity in a rapidly changing India.
At the heart of the novel is Gene Hinton, a young American boy growing up in Midnapore, India. His family, American missionaries, operate a boarding house on the outskirts of town, offering shelter to those in need. Though they live with the privileges of white foreigners, they are outsiders to British society. Gene’s only real connection is with Arthur, the family’s Indian servant. But when Gene’s uncle—a powerful British judge—arrives unannounced and takes up residence in their modest home, tensions rise.
As Arthur grows close to an Indian woman who arrives at their doorstep, he uncovers a chilling truth about the judge’s past. Now, he must confront his own sense of duty and decide where his true loyalties lie. Meanwhile, the Hinton family faces their own reckoning: can they continue to call India home as the tides of history shift?
Joanne Howard masterfully weaves a tale of power, privilege, and resistance in Sleeping in the Sun. In her conversation with Sarah, she shares insights into her research, the inspiration behind the novel, and the historical realities that shaped her characters.
Tune in to hear Joanne Howard’s reflections on colonial India, the complexities of human relationships, and the timeless struggle for justice.
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform!
If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts.
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Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.
At the heart of the novel is Gene Hinton, a young American boy growing up in Midnapore, India. His family, American missionaries, operate a boarding house on the outskirts of town, offering shelter to those in need. Though they live with the privileges of white foreigners, they are outsiders to British society. Gene’s only real connection is with Arthur, the family’s Indian servant. But when Gene’s uncle—a powerful British judge—arrives unannounced and takes up residence in their modest home, tensions rise.
As Arthur grows close to an Indian woman who arrives at their doorstep, he uncovers a chilling truth about the judge’s past. Now, he must confront his own sense of duty and decide where his true loyalties lie. Meanwhile, the Hinton family faces their own reckoning: can they continue to call India home as the tides of history shift?
Joanne Howard masterfully weaves a tale of power, privilege, and resistance in Sleeping in the Sun. In her conversation with Sarah, she shares insights into her research, the inspiration behind the novel, and the historical realities that shaped her characters.
Tune in to hear Joanne Howard’s reflections on colonial India, the complexities of human relationships, and the timeless struggle for justice.
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform!
If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts.
We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network
Advertise with us: https://gsmcpodcast.com/advertise-with-us
Website: https://gsmcpodcast.com/gsmc-book-review-podcast
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087
GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview
Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview
GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork
GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork.
GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork
GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK
Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.