Eyes Open

“Eyes Open tells the story of 1966-67 Portugal, an era and place that most history books skip. In this land, the Leader’s photo is alongside the Crucifix, emphasizing a not-to-be-debated hierarchy of obedience:
“God
Leader
Landowner
Boss
Father
Husband
. . . we, the foolish girls.”
When the story opens, Sónia Dias, 16, starts a poetry club at her Catholic school. Sónia’s free verse is in praise of her hero–her revolutionary printer/artist boyfriend Zé Miguel. She hides these poems from all but her best friend.
Zé Miguel’s arrest begins a cycle of loss for the whole Dias family. Increasingly Sónia’s certainty becomes uncertainty. “Who is a hero? Who deserves a poem?” Sónia asks herself and the reader. As the story moves her from Catholic schoolgirl, to working in a hotel laundry, she sees the world ever more clearly.
Told in free verse, Sónia has a growing awareness that true freedom means not only living without fear of the PIDE (police), but also living in equality with men, instead of being considered “one twenty-fourth of a man.” (A reference to the Bible story about how Eve was created from Adam’s rib.)
With graphic details, and the deep emotions of a teenager, this story realistically brings both Sónia and her patriarchal, authoritarian country to life. The free verse format, the true-to-life emotions, and Sónia’s grueling hardships make this a compelling read for anyone teenage or older.”—Historical Novel Society, 1 August 2024

“Miller-Lachmann’s free-verse poetry captures the exquisite and the harrowing . . . Both the verse format and the intensity of the protagonist’s lived experiences and choices make this story about the power of teenage resistance a page-turner.”—Horn Book Magazine, 30 May 2024

“Employing tightly bound poems, Miller-Lachman weaves the perils of authoritarianism into the dynamics between Sónia and her family, and highlights Sónia’s activist awakening and the power of protest.”—Publishers Weekly, 26 February 2024

“The verse format allows Sónia’s poetic voice to shine, drawing readers into the stark reality she’s dealing with. . . Conveys harshness, beauty—and lingering hope.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews, 12 February 2024

“Beautifully and fluidly written, Miller-Lachmann’s memorable verse novel captures the setting splendidly, dramatizing the abysmal condition of women under the dictatorship.”—starred, Booklist, 19 January 2024

“A revealing, timely glimpse into Portugal’s frighteningly recent history and a passionate, authentically teen portrait of one young woman finding her voice, claiming her power, and writing her way to freedom.”—Melanie Crowder, author of Jumper

“Deeply engrossing and moving. Miller-Lachmann is masterful in showing us the heart of a girl who’s finding her voice and the soul of a country in conflict with itself.” —Betty G. Yee, author of Gold Mountain

“Sensuous. Atmospheric. Compelling. You won’t want to put this one down.”—Ellen Hopkins, author of the Crank trilogy

“Beautifully-written verse perfectly captures this young poet standing up to injustice. A must read!”—Kip Wilson, YA author of White Rose and The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin