Book Review: “Awake For Ever In A Sweet Unrest” by Chuck Rosenthal

“Awake For Ever In A Sweet Unrest” by Chuck Rosenthal

Publication Date: September 5, 2024

Page Length: 89 pages (paperback edition)

Genre: Literary Fiction

Synopsis:

Deep within the hidden library of Los Angeles’ iconic poetry venue, Beyond Baroque, all modern electronics mysteriously fail. There, 19-year-old Beatriz encounters Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Shelley, who promises a magical adventure back to 19th-century Europe. There, Beatriz meets literary legends John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Shelley, and Lord Byron, experiencing the romantic landscapes and dangerous exploits of their world. As she navigates this liminal space, Beatriz discovers the power of poetry and art, and the courage to find her own identity. Rosenthal, an acclaimed author, brings historical figures to life, offering a deeply intimate tale of passion, creativity, and self-discovery. Awake For Ever in a Sweet Unrest is perfect for anyone who has ever lost themselves in the magic of a hidden library.

Review:

Awake For Ever In A Sweet Unrest can be best described as a literary escape. It asks its readers the question, what if you could meet the authors from the past and speak directly to them? Beatriz, our main protagonist, gets to experience this firsthand through her job at Beyond Baroque. Each shift she is met with the writers of the Romantic period and goes on journies with them. But what happens when the past and present start to collide?

Reading this novel reminded me of the film Midnight to Paris as Beatriz gets to live out some of her literary fantasy only if for a brief moment. Time is fleeting and each visit brings her somewhere new. The novel leaves you with a magical feeling since most readers (I know I do) desire to travel to the places explored in each of the books we read. The story is also a testament to why reading is so powerful as Beatriz discovers herself through reading new literature and interacting with writers on a deeper level. With the ability to travel to the past the reader’s curiosity is piqued as to how Beatriz’s travels may affect history.

I felt the writing style’s lyrical feeling matches the theming of the novel as well. Being that the story is focused on Romantic poets the novel leans into the flowery language and stylings of the writers. It added to the immersion experience for the reader. At times some of the book felt like it glossed over certain aspects and the lines between reality and the fantasy world become so blurred that it was hard to follow. But for the most part, I think Rosenthal captured the spirit of a “Narnia” of sorts through the setting of Beyond Baroque.

Most of all I think this quote from the novel sums up the plot best as well as being a notable life lesson:

“Ghosts are no more in control of their lives, or deaths, than we are…”

It’s a reminder that focusing on things we can’t control can take you away from the things you can control. This novel excellently captures the spirit of the Romantics and is a story that will take any reader on a bookish adventure.

Final Verdict: