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A Summer of Fever and Freedom
At eighteen years old, Jane is teetering on the cusp of womanhood, a rite of passage complicated and painful for even the most stable of hearts. For Jane, who is anxiously awaiting her brother’s return from the war in Vietnam, the heavy journey is cracking her already fragile foundation. When she attends a party in Greenwich Village and meets twenty-three-year-old gay rights and anti-war activist Maria, the ground threatens to crumble completely under the weight of unexpected infatuation and desire.
Maria has been on her own for years since her mother kicked her out in high school. The activist and writer has had to erect a fierce shield around her heart in order to navigate a world actively fighting against her humanity, and she certainly doesn’t expect the quiet, bookish Jane to tug at those defenses. Maria is sent for a rare tailspin when the walls break just as she prepares for a major life transition that leaves her and Jane at a vulnerable crossroads.
From Beatnik cafes and student protests to the Stonewall riots and Woodstock, Jane and Maria explore the bustle and beauty of New York in the summer of 1969 while exploring their friendship, as well as their own hearts. As the heated season nears its end, the young women are forced to make monumental decisions and come to terms with realities neither of them wishes to face, ones that will shape them for the rest of their lives.
Set during one of America’s most tumultuous periods, A Summer of Fever and Freedom is a historical fiction novel about coming out, coming of age, and coming together, and an ode to the revolutions we all experience.
Maria has been on her own for years since her mother kicked her out in high school. The activist and writer has had to erect a fierce shield around her heart in order to navigate a world actively fighting against her humanity, and she certainly doesn’t expect the quiet, bookish Jane to tug at those defenses. Maria is sent for a rare tailspin when the walls break just as she prepares for a major life transition that leaves her and Jane at a vulnerable crossroads.
From Beatnik cafes and student protests to the Stonewall riots and Woodstock, Jane and Maria explore the bustle and beauty of New York in the summer of 1969 while exploring their friendship, as well as their own hearts. As the heated season nears its end, the young women are forced to make monumental decisions and come to terms with realities neither of them wishes to face, ones that will shape them for the rest of their lives.
Set during one of America’s most tumultuous periods, A Summer of Fever and Freedom is a historical fiction novel about coming out, coming of age, and coming together, and an ode to the revolutions we all experience.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 6, 2024
From start to finish "A Summer of Fever and Freedom" had me by the heart strings. With every bump and turn along the way I felt the same apprehension that Engel describes in her characters. During such a turbulent time in history, and a finite amount of time, we get to experience the slow burn of new love with the slightly faster descent into two paths diverging away from the other.
Even in its moments of radiant flamboyancy each and every character and moment was tangibly realistic. It brings a level headed perspective on the issues the US was facing at that time, the constant anti-lgbtq rhetoric and abuse that we would still continue fighting for decades to come, and the war in Vietnam that sparked a lot of unity and outrage. I think Engel's take on it was brilliantly put together and brought empathy to the table where it might not have been in other narratives. There is no one sidedness, only solidarity.
It's beautiful as a coming of age story for finding out who you are, regardless of where you're starting from. I look forward to what Chelsey Engel brings to the table next.
These characters also have me dying for a sequel! I need to know that Rebecca and Kay are still hanging out. And I hope a certain duo meet on that grassy knoll again.
Even in its moments of radiant flamboyancy each and every character and moment was tangibly realistic. It brings a level headed perspective on the issues the US was facing at that time, the constant anti-lgbtq rhetoric and abuse that we would still continue fighting for decades to come, and the war in Vietnam that sparked a lot of unity and outrage. I think Engel's take on it was brilliantly put together and brought empathy to the table where it might not have been in other narratives. There is no one sidedness, only solidarity.
It's beautiful as a coming of age story for finding out who you are, regardless of where you're starting from. I look forward to what Chelsey Engel brings to the table next.
These characters also have me dying for a sequel! I need to know that Rebecca and Kay are still hanging out. And I hope a certain duo meet on that grassy knoll again.
August 6, 2019
Fantastic read! Engel’s omniscient stream-of-conscious voice allows you to see into the minds and hearts of the characters, connecting you to them from the beginning.
I was compelled to keep turning the pages and left wanting even more from this story of young love, the beginnings of pride, and the summer of Woodstock.
I was compelled to keep turning the pages and left wanting even more from this story of young love, the beginnings of pride, and the summer of Woodstock.
June 13, 2019
What a beautiful book. Engel writes like a dream... a vivid, feverish dream. I loved the characters of Jane and Maria and felt attached to them immediately, their story is relatable and I felt like I knew them. It was amazing to see a queer relationship written about in such an honest way. Highly recommend!
August 21, 2019
I finished this book just moments ago, and my heart is still racing with emotion. The author flirtatiously weaves you through this story with the characters in a fun, embracing way. Such a great tale of young love during a fascinating time in history. I was on the edge of my seat the entire read. I truly can't wait to see what Chelsey Engel puts out next!
April 17, 2022
A quick read about a young queer couple during such an interesting time in history (Stonewall Riots, Woodstock, Vietnam War, etc.). The book was fun and captured the time period and invited you into its world. The historical fiction highlights just how different and similar the story and readers worlds are!
Great read by a PGH Author!
Great read by a PGH Author!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews