The Living Infinite

October 9, 2017
Acevedo’s wide-ranging historical novel revolves around Eulalia of Spain, a real-life Bourbon princess at the close of the 19th century. With the secret intention of selling her tell-all memoir, Eulalia embarks as an emissary across the Atlantic during a time when her royal family’s power and the country’s colonial clout are on the wane. Eulalia’s life and travels are delivered mostly through the perspective of two Spanish commoners: Amalia, Eulalia’s nurse as a child, and later Amalia’s son, Tomas, who grows up alongside Eulalia and travels to the New World with her. Self-discovery and a muted romance ensue. Acevedo (Love and Ghost Letters) has found a turbulent historical moment, and the period comes vividly to life when the characters visit Cuba and then Chicago for the World’s Fair, though the portions set in Spain are less vibrant. The outspoken Bourbon princess shackled by her gender and position is a worthy protagonist with plenty of complexities to mine, but the novel takes time to find its footing, and Eulalia often disappears behind the many historical details and descriptions of customs. Agent: Stephanie Abou, Massie & McQuilkin Literary.

The personal struggles of Princess Eulalia are set against the historical backdrop of the late nineteenth century, the final years of her family's rule as Spanish monarchs. This is a rewarding listening experience for fans of historical fiction because there are three narrators working together to make sense of a large cast. Moving from Spain to Cuba and, eventually, to the United States, their capable narration carries us over the years and obstacles that hinder Eulalia's quest for love. As the voices of Roxanne Hernandez and Kyla Garcia mingle, almost indistinguishable from each other, Eddie Lopez is a welcome addition to the chapters focused on Tomas Aargon. His lively pace matches the robust man who captures the princess's heart. Listeners will appreciate this well-told story. M.R. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine