The Living Infinite

by Chantel Acevedo

The Living Infinite is based on the true story of the Spanish princess Eulalia, an outspoken firebrand at the Bourbon court during the troubled and decadent final years of her family's reign.

After her cloistered childhood at the Spanish court, her youth spent in exile, and a loveless marriage, Eulalia gladly departs Europe for the New World. In the company of Thomas Aragon, the son of her one-time wet nurse and a small-town bookseller with a thirst for adventure, she travels by ship first to a Cuba bubbling with revolutionary fervor then on to the 1893 Chicago World Fair. As far as others are concerned, she is there as an emissary of the Bourbon dynasty and a guest of the Fair. Secretly, she is in America to find a publisher for her scandalous, incendiary autobiography, a book that might well turn the old world order on its head.

Acevedo's new novel is an atmospheric and gripping tale of love, adventure, power and the quest to take control of one's destiny. Bourbon Spain, Revolutionary Cuba, and fin de siècle America are vividly rendered and Eulalia's personal rebellion will resonate with many readers.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Spain, Historical, Womens, Ebooks, Book Club

309 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 2017

About the author

Called "a master storyteller" by Kirkus Reviews, Chantel Acevedo is the author of  Love and Ghost Letters, A Falling Star, The Distant Marvels, which was a finalist for the 2016 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, and most recently, The Living Infinite, hailed by Booklist as a "vivid and enthralling tale of love and redemption." Her essays have appeared in Vogue and Real Simple, among others. THE MUSE SQUAD: THE CASSANDRA CURSE, is a new middle grade series forthcoming from Balzer + Bray. She is a Professor of English at the University of Miami, where she directs in the MFA program.

Reviews

[S.W. Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my fifth Acevedo book and the best so far. She is an amazing writer and a talented storyteller. Acevedo reimagines the life of Princess Eulalia as a feminist romantic heroine and captures the "anything is possible" spirit of the 1890's. The fast-paced story was so interesting and readable that I couldn't put it down. Acevedo immerses the reader in the historic milieux with Jules Verne references, the descriptions of the Chicago World Fair, the Cuban Rebellion, the Spanish Monarchy. Eulalia internally rebels against the monarchy while outwardly fulfilling her duties as a Royal Princess. She desperately wants to be free of her royal obligations which have imprisoned her in a gilded cage. Her privilege has its price.

[lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and the Infanta Eulalia was someone I knew nothing about. The book summaries seemed to promise that she was a firebrand and led a life of flaunting the establishment. But the story fell flat somehow for me. The early chapters about Amalia the wet nurse were vibrant. But Eulalia and Tomas didn't come across with much life or charm at all.

[Stacia]

I enjoyed Acevedo's The Distant Marvels but this particular book is feeling like a slog a hundred pages in.

Meanwhile, I've found Infanta Eulalia's actual book available on Gutenberg & am finding it much more interesting & amusing.

[Christen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a historical novel that sweeps from the royal courts of Spain, the streets of Havana, and the wonders of the 1893 Chicago’s World Fair. The story of Eulalia, a real life Spanish princess, was interesting but kind of left me wanting more. I recognize that her perspective was rebellious of her time but I wanted her to show more courage in her actions. As the author was working with true to life events she probably felt she could only assume so much writers freedom. I had not heard of Eulalia and it was fun to read about her. It reminds me that I really want to read Erik Larson’s “Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America.”

On a side note, the author spent time describing souvenirs that the prince and princess bought at the fair. I so hoped that she would mention a Stanhope bc I own a Stanhope from the 1893 Chicago World Fair! I had fun imagining Eulalia looking through my Stanhope. Lol.

When I looked up ratings for this book I noticed there were very few. I was curious as to why. The book is very well made. The reviews it did have were primarily praising the book. So I looked up the publisher. The following is copied from their website. I found it interesting. I’d like to check out other books published by Europa.

‘Europa Editions is an independent publisher of quality fiction. The company was founded in 2005 by Sandro Ferri and Sandra Ozzola Ferri, who are also the owners and publishers of the Italian press, Edizioni E/O. The idea behind the creation of Europa Editions was to capitalize on Edizioni E/O’s deep roots in European publishing to bring fresh international voices to the American and British markets and to provide quality editions that have a distinct look and consistently high levels of editorial standards. The Europa catalog is eclectic, reflecting the founders’ belief that dialogue between nations and cultures is of vital importance and that this exchange is facilitated by literature chosen not only for its ability to entertain and fascinate but also to inform and enlighten.’

[Michael Berquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this novel from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review:

I loved this novel. It took me so long to finish because it was the rare book that I didn’t want to end. For a historical fiction piece, I was blown away at how realistic each of these characters, especially and most importantly the female characters were. The reader gets a fully faceted view and understanding of these women and roots for them throughout the piece. Spanish-set novels are often my favorite and “The Living Infinite” ranks with the best works from Isabel Allende and Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Read it this holiday season, you won’t be disappointed!

[Jorge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is historical fiction at its best. The author uses the life of Eulália de Bourbon, Infanta of Spain, to weave a tale of love, rebellion, non-conformity, and hope. The intersection between the historical characters and events and the fictitious ones creates a gripping and irresistible story. This is not a happy story, but it is well worth the read. The connection of the title to a Jules Verne novel is brilliant. Highly recommended!

[Lynnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a wet nurse for a Spanish queen's new infant turns into the story of her son and the baby princess she nursed that remained in touch with her. Good story--good writing of a different time and place.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding historical fiction, written by an author I hadn’t read before. The book was so wonderful I read slowly, savoring Acevedo’s words.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Living Infinite is a fictional account of the very real Infanta Eulalia of Spain.

Acevedo weaves a lovely tale, focused first on Eulalia's fictional nodriza, Amalia, then on Eulalia as she grew into a child and young woman, as well as Tomas, the nodriza's son.

The book switches between perspectives and narrative styles, including letters and quotations now and then. While it is about Eulalia trying to get her memoirs published, it's really more about human relationships and how they shape people.

Eulalia is an infanta of Spain, and as such, she lives a regimented life full of expectations. She claims to remember her wet nurse, which sounds rather unrealistic (a fact they call her out on, too). But whether or not she really remembers Amalia is beside the point. The real takeaway is how Amalia has helped develop Eulalia into the young woman she becomes.

We get to see Eulalia travel the world - leaving Spain for Puerto Rico (though we don't read about this), Cuba, and the United States. We learn about her family's many struggles, including historically true tales of infidelities, exiles, and tragic deaths. Acevedo does a great job breathing life into the characters here, particularly the three figures at the forefront of the story.

I've read a lot of historical fiction throughout my life, and there's something nice about reading a work focused on people about which I know little, because then I can't nitpick the portrayal of someone I love - or dislike! - in their fictitious form. However, it's also a little weird, because I found myself looking up the truth behind everything more often than not, not wanting to adopt anything the book said as fact until I had real proof.

So why only 2 stars for a book I keep complimenting? To put it simply, nothing about The Living Infinite sucked me in at any point. It only took a couple short hours of reading because it's fascinating, well-written, and full of life. But I never felt too connected to any part of the story, which was disappointing, given how much I otherwise enjoyed the narrative.

This is a book I would recommend, but only if you know this will be your kind of thing. Otherwise, it's a take it or leave it novel for me.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I usually have a tough time with historical fiction using people who were once actually alive.  It's something about putting words into their mouth.  Any fictional story will have to do that - even with the best of intentions, if you went back in time and press the book into their hands, would that person be okay with it?  Especially if a reader doesn't know much about someone like the princess Eulalia of Spain.  I didn't.  But I think Eulalia would like this book.  This book also follows the story of Eulalia's nodriza and the wet nurse's son.  A famous person, the infanta and one not so famous, the milk brother.  The format is interesting - spending time with the two of them as children, but then separating when Eulalia doesn't need a wet nurse anymore.  But then their paths cross when they are young adults.  Overall, this is a very fluid, vivid novel.  The characters of Eulalia and Tomas, the milk brother are both equally present and full of heart, as it moves from Spain to Cuba to the US during the Chicago Worlds Fair.   Usually I can compare a book to other books, but this one is tough to do so, maybe because I'm usually not reading historical fiction.  But this book surprised me in how much I liked it.  Tomas has a deep love for Jules Verne's books and somehow this does share a quality of Verne's books that I can't really describe.  I'd say if you liked this book, try 'Galapagos Regained' by James Morrow - kind of a weird mix of Jules Verne and this one.Overall, an interesting piece of literature featuring people or a place I don't know much about. 

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating look behind the scenes of royalty and the people who serve them. Love this kind of historical fiction — a fictionalized biography of Eulalia Bourbon, 1864-1958, Infanta of Spain, early and bold feminist. A bit about her childhood in the 1860s but this novel primarily focuses on her trip to Cuba and the US in 1893. The America part is narrated by her "milk-brother” whose mother was her wet-nurse when she was first born. His mother narrates the first part of the book.

[Mary Montgomery · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read three-fourths of this book and realized that by a certain point I was making myself do it. Why? I had a lot of other books to read. The writer knew what she was doing but I wasn't interested enough to find out what finally happens.

[La Biblioteca di Eliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sono 3 stelle e mezzo

https://www.labibliotecadieliza.com/2...

Perchè tutto quanto ci riguarda deve essere tanto fantastico e stravagante? Perchè la gente non capisce che noi non siamo niente, niente? Che anche noi viviamo e moriamo, partoriamo, sappiamo essere meschini, mangiamo e siamo tormentati dall'emicrania, amiamo e odiamo, proprio come chiunque altro? Siamo pezzi di carne, e le gemme che ci adornano le mani sono solo pietre colorate cavate dalla terra.

Infanta Maria Eulalia Francisca de Asis Margarita Roberta Isabel Francisca de Paula Cristina Maria de la Piedad di Borbone - Spagna. Un nome che ai più non dice molto e che a leggerlo fa quasi girare la testa. Eulalia di Borbone - Spagna è una di quelle figure che magari appaiono ai margini della storia fatta da re e regine. Non era destinata al trono lei che era l'ultima degli otto figli di Isabella II e se fosse successo (e all'epoca mai dire mai) sarebbe stato per lei un peso enorme. Eulalia, infatti, non era la principessa delle favole, non era l'incarnazione della regalità e del cerimoniale di corte.


@altezzareale.com
Dalla sua figura e dalla sua storia prende le mosse questo romanzo che ci racconta con un taglio particolare la vita di questa principessa che principessa non voleva essere. Prima viene la sua balia, Alma, la nodriza. Alma approda a Palazzo perchè ha da poco avuto un bimbo, l'unico sopravvissuto dopo una lunga serie di aborti. Tomás è un grosso bimbo sano e questo le dà il biglietto di accesso al mondo della famiglia reale di Spagna. I Borbone. Sul trono l'unica regina regnante della storia di Spagna, Isabella II, un donnone imponente che con mano ferma governa il paese e la sua famiglia. Alma ci racconta i suoi anni a Palazzo, stretta tra invidie e pettegolezzi, tra un cerimoniale rigido e l'amore profondo che presto prova per queste piccole principesse tutte boccoli e occhioni.
Poi la scena cambia. Gli anni passano e l'autrice ci porta finalmente nelle vite di Tomás e di Eulalia. Libraio per caso lui, Infanta inquieta lei, stretta in un matrimonio con un cugino di primo grado che mal tollerava.

Il libro della Acevedo ha il grande pregio di presentarci non solo una figura conosciuta fino ad un certo punto, ma soprattutto quello di parlarci di una donna che, pur essendo nata e vissuta a cavallo tra '800 e '900 è attuale e moderna, anticipa molti concetti e aspetti della società che troveremo solo molto più avanti. Il femminismo, la parità di diritti, l'abolizioni di caste e privilegi. Se a questo aggiungiamo che si tratta di un'Infanta di Spagna, nipote, figlia e sorella di re e regine, imparentata con mezza Europa, capirete la particolarità di questa donna, che diede alle stampe diversi libri in cui dichiarava il malsano che vigeva sui troni d'Europa.


@faceoftheforest.com
Tuttavia non siamo davanti ad un trattato storico o ad un saggio. Tra queste pagine Eulalia e Tomás prendono vita e diventano protagonisti di una storia intensa. Sembrano due persone molto distinti tra loro eppure il destino li porta a trovarsi ma soprattutto a ritrovarsi, fino a diventare non un'Infanta e il suo fratello di latte, ma solo un uomo e una donna che a braccetto gironzalo per i quartieri di L'Avana o per i padiglioni dell'Esposizione Universale di Chicago.

Di questo romanzo mi sono piaciuti molti aspetti: la fluidità del racconto, i vari piani narrativi che si intrecciano, le figure forti e particolari dei protagonisti, la denuncia stessa che Eulalia fa del sistema dinastico spagnolo, il suo guizzo quasi rivoluzionario...

"Combattono per la loro libertà" aveva sospirato una sera, sul ponte. "Perché non dovrebbero averla?". Non si era nemmeno curata di guardarsi intorno prima di aprire bocca, per assicurarsi di essere soli.

Eppure ho trovato un po' troppo lunga tutta la parte iniziale su Alma. Interessante, ben scritta, ma anche un po' a se stante. Mi ha quasi dato l'idea che l'autrice avesse voluto fare in realtà un primo libro su Alma e poi un seguito su Eulalia e Tomás, ma che si fosse poi decisa a fare un romanzo unico.
E poi i refusi, tanti, troppi, errori di stampa che a volte si sono fatti invasivi e fastidiosi, facendomi rimanere perplessa davanti a frasi che perdevano la retta via e costringendomi a tornare indietro per capire. Un vero peccato perché rovinano un bel libro, scritto in maniera chiara e mai pedante

[Lisa Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

The subject of this historical novel, The Infanta Eulelia, the defiant youngest daughter of Isabel II of Spain, should make for fascinating reading. The palace intrigues of the late Bourbons, the festering republican movements in both Iberia kingdoms, the persistent pressure of the Carlist make this an interesting era.

I very much wanted to like this novel. It had the perfect bones for a captivating story. Because they were sympathetic types, the plight of Eulalia and Tomas did carry me through the novel, but only grudgingly so. In truth, they never became much more than types, clumsy puppets tasked with teaching 19th century history. One problem in the stories development is the clumsiness of the dialogue. Yet another problem is the author’s frequent resorting to pedagogy. I have read a number of more recent historical novels which indulge in this literary vice. I dearly wish would be writers of historical fiction would curb their need to teach or be more subtle in the pedantry. Perhaps I am wrong to assume that many readers of historical novels are historically minded in the first place, but I don’t think I am. This being the case we do not need the teaching. Besides In the search engines, the curious can easily find out the Portuguese line of succession if this bit of knowledge is holding him back. Tell the story. Control the teacherly impulse. Or write biography.

[Mari LivTollefsonCarlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first name of its kind in Spanish royal history, Eulalia, means “well spoken.” She is a prism of similar cultural and political “originals” swirling around her in the late 1800s. Napoleon, the Cuban revolution, the Carlist revolt, electricity, feminism, Jules Verne’s literary wonders: Eulalia, Infanta of Spain, empathizes with all these forces working against her monarchy, yet, cannot deny her place in it. In this work of historical fiction, Chantel Acevedo imagines Eulalia’s attempt to publish her outspoken memoir with the help of her milk brother, Tomas, the son of her wet nurse, or nodriza, Amalie. Tomas, “rugged and large as America itself” (229), a writer and Verne devotee himself, accompanies Eulalia as secretary and friend to Cuba, New York and Chicago, where her work might be appreciated. Together, they explore “the living infinite,” Verne’s metaphor for the sea, but which also captures the breadth and depth of the heart. Will it call them to change or to endure what they can’t change - or both?
Through gem-like clarity and sparkle, Acevedo gives readers a glimpse into the past, as well as an opportunity to persuade the future. My favorite line is “this army of ladies [attending the princess]… were gossipy, loud, well-dressed young women, and they were everywhere, skittering about the palace like an invasion of sugar ants” (87). At ease describing both the upper echelons and in farming communities like Amalie’s, Acevedo places readers between worlds, in a place like Eulalia’s, on the cusp of a new era, requiring effort and valor to cross. What will it take for us to take the step into the frontier? Whom do we admire and follow? What is our perspective on this current Cuban independence and resistance? Acevedo does not purport to being a historian. Her project is bigger than that; in the imaginative world she creates, history can re-write itself, can take root differently in us. Her perspective is entertaining and insightful - a dynamic duo.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting take on the Infanta Eulalia; moves fast and keeps your interest the entire time!

[Anne Goodwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amalia and her husband are deliriously happy when baby Tomas is born and, unlike their other children, survives. Another adventure is on the horizon, however, when Amalia is offered a job in Spain’s imperial court as wet nurse to the new Princess Eulalia. Although it means feeding her own baby after the infanta is settled, Tomas’ unusual start in life secures him a university education his carpenter father could never have afforded him.

As a young man, Tomas, beguiled by the novels of Jules Verne (from one of which the novel takes its title), longs to see the world. So when the opportunity arises for him to travel by ship to Cuba and from there to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, he takes it, although he’d never expected to embark on his great adventure with his mother in tow. But she wants to meet again her estranged friend, Gisela, who returned to her roots in Cuba decades before.

At the same time, and not unconnected, Eulalia and her husband are making a parallel journey. Officially, she is travelling as a royal emissary to calm the revolutionary fervour in Cuba and represent the Bourbon dynasty at the Fair. Unofficially, she hopes to publish her memoir, revealing the hypocrisy and misogyny of the cloistered Spanish court.

Strongly embedded in the history of the time, The Living Infinite is a story of love, duty and rebellion, and the extent to which we can choose our own path through life. Thanks to Europa editions for my review copy.

Two novels and a memoir about caring for babies http://annegoodwin.weebly.com/1/post/...

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal and spellbinding. I love this novel and am recommending it to everyone I know because the storytelling is so compelling and brilliant.

[Christina Dudley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a muted, dreamy tone, which suits its opening, an imagining of the marriage and work of a royal wetnurse to the Spanish princess Eulalia in the latter part of the 19th century. I very much enjoyed Amalia's story and that of her son Tomas. But after Tomas reconnects with his "milk sister," things get a little this-happened-and-then-this, and the detached tone keeps us at arm's length from the fictional romantic relationship. In any case, if you like historical fiction and are interested in a new setting, Spain and Cuba make for a nice change.

[Jillian Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Aragon is born to the crown's wet nurse and grows up amongst royalty as no other commoner can, the unique opportunity changes the course of his life and those around him

He is able to go to university, and know the young princess like no other.
These events bind him and the others to a new path in life that could bring down the very monarchy he grew up with.

This beautiful and literary story speaks of universal story of breaking social constraints.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of "The Living Infinite" by Chantel Acevedo, through the "Good Reads First Reads Giveaway."

This talented author is able to blend history and an imaginative story into a very readable novel. She entertains and informs the reader throughout the book.

There is a wonderful twist in the second half, which in itself is worth the read, but the book has so much more to offer.

Great for history buffs and readers of romantic literature as well.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the switches in narrator occasionally threw me out of my reading rhythm...and the final section of the book feels too fast, compared to what comes before. But those caveats aside, this is the kind of gorgeously detailed & intimate historical epic that I love...one that comfortably sits on the shelf next to works by Philippa Gregory & Eva Stachniak. The novel takes place in an era that feels both exotic and worthy of further exploration, and the supporting cast is sumptuous.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a lover of historical fiction and untold narratives, you'll adore this book. I fell in love with the characters and their relationships. Beautiful love stories and an interesting history of the separation of Cuba from Spain. Would definitely recommend.

[Luisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book on goodreads in exchange for an honest review. As a fan of historical fiction I really enjoyed this book, mainly because it was about a subject I knew very little about. it had a good flow and over all was an enjoyable read. yes I would recommend this book.

[Stephanie Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous historical fiction! Characters you won't forget and an extraordinary trip to another time and place! A must read!!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally had the time to sit down and read this one. What a joy. I particularly enjoyed the final section in Chicago.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

an engrossing novel. i enjoyed the characters and how they represented the era of the Old and New Worlds on the crux of progress. a thoroughly enjoyable read.

[RACHEL · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Living Infinite" is a rich, vivid historical fiction. Pick up this great read and visit turn of the century (1900s) Spain.

My copy was a gift through Goodreads First Reads.

[Rebecca Renner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review forthcoming.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite an interesting story concerning the intertwining of two people who shared an infancy in the royal palace of Spain because Tomas was the "milk brother" of the Infanta Eulalia. This informal title meant that they shared the nursing of Tomas's birth mother who was also wet-nurse, "nodriza," to the Queen of Spain's youngest daughter. The first part of the book describing this situation and the setting of daily court life, was the best part of the novel. Although I also enjoyed the more modern- seeming romance between Tomas and the ill-fated Juana as they worked together on their bookstore, it seemed like a separate story entirely from the rest of the book.
The last part of the book tells the tale of Eulalia & Tomas as they crossed the ocean to first, Cuba, and then to New York & ultimately, Chicago. It was here that I felt the story got caught up in the formula of any standard romance novel and I was restless and annoyed that such an interesting, historic premise should be sacrificed to the ho-hum predictability of lost love.
I think what is truly lacking in this book is a solid, historical frame-of-reference. I may be wrong, but I don't think the average reader has a clear grasp of the politics and Royal Succession of the House of Bourbon in Spain during the closing decades of the 19th century. It felt like we had wandered into a play during the 2nd act and never really caught on to what was taking place on stage. We were just thrown in at the deep end and supposed to make sense of it all! I, for one, would have liked having a chart of the Kings & Queens of Spain, at least during the 19th century and into the 20th century up to the time of the Spanish Civil War, just as a guide to the times.