While the Gods Were Sleeping (Erwin Mortier, Paul Vincent - Translation)

Synopsis:
While the Gods Were Sleeping is a novel about the magnitude and impact of the First World War, the recollections of which are recorded in the notebooks of the elderly Helena. The young Helena is sent to her uncle’s country house before the war, and from here she witnesses scenes of indescribable horror. But it is also where she meets Matthew again, a British Army photographer who she goes on to marry. This is a story not about spectacular events; rather, Mortier is concerned with writing about war, history and the past with great empathy and engagement, and with a mixture of melancholy, qualification and resignation.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review.
While the Gods Were Sleeping was probably the most beautifully written book I have ever read. But I am not going to lie, I had to really push myself to finish this.
Like I mentioned, Erwin Mortier's writing style was absolutely lyrical and delicate, yet, at the same time, hypnotizing, poignant and powerful. In this book the author was able to portray the war and its effects and consequences on the people who lived it through the voice of an elderly woman. There were passages and quotes in this book that we could say today to convey the horrors and wonders of this time. I have to acclaim the translator who worked on this project and was able to translate it and still keep the original song Mortier created.
Helena was more fascinating with every word and the people she described, revolving around her and her story, were some of the most real and intriguing set of characters I have seen in a long time. They were all incredibly complex and tortured in their own ways.
However, the biggest problem I had with this book was its story. I feel that if this had been executed differently it could have been an instant classic. I just think there are parts that seemed to drag, like they were undoubtedly necessary but didn't feel like it. Also, or maybe because of that, it was hard to keep up. It jumped around a lot between times and it was easy to get lost, especially in a book of this nature that isn't completely memorable. I must admit that the smaller plotlines didn't stick with me as much and I honestly skim-read though a few parts. I was almost painful at times how slowly the plot moved, but I also believe that it was just part of the book and that if I had read it at a different time in different circumstances I would have enjoyed it a whole lot more.
This is definitely not for everyone. Fans of detailed and magically written Historical Fiction will love While the Gods Were Sleeping, so I would absolutely recommend giving it a try. There is something truly tragic and magical about this book that needs to be spread through the world, and First World War novels are, surely, incredibly proud of this one.