The Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan
Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Candlewick Press (August 9, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0763652601
Source: BEA-Publisher
Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Rosalinda Fitzroy has been asleep for sixty-two years when she is woken by a kiss. Locked away in the chemically induced slumber of a stasis tube in a forgotten subbasement, sixteen-year-old Rose slept straight through the Dark Times that killed millions and utterly changed the world she knew. Now, her parents and her first love are long gone, and Rose— hailed upon her awakening as the long-lost heir to an interplanetary empire— is thrust alone into a future in which she is viewed as either a freak or a threat. Desperate to put the past behind her and adapt to her new world, Rose finds herself drawn to the boy who kissed her awake, hoping that he can help her to start fresh. But when a deadly danger jeopardizes her fragile new existence, Rose must face the ghosts of her past with open eyes— or be left without any future at all.

Review

The Long, Long sleep by Anna Sheehan is a stunning debut novel that is tinged with bittersweet moments while focusing on an unlikely heroine confronting unfathomable circumstances.

Rosalinda Fitzroy is awaken sixty-two years after being in stasis; a dreamlike chemically induced sleep where one does not age. At first she has no idea that the world she now inhabits has drastically changed due to the epic disasters that occured while she was slumbering, but that fact pales in comparison to the loss she suffers upon realizing her parents and beloved boyfriend are now long dead. As Rosalinda tries to adapt to her new surroundings she is comforted by an unlikey friend and a new romantic interest if only she can leave the past behind that constantly plaques her every day life.

At first I could not seem to sympathize with Rosalinda for she seemed week and vulnerable but as I kept reading my opinion changed and I became a champion for her quest to survive and adapt to her new life. It was a slow journey but the outcome at the end was worth every word. Along with Rosalinda's character development I truly enjoyed the concept of this novel, for it is original while skirting a distopyian/sci-fi theme that has been prevelent in current YA reads. In fact some moments of this novel reminded me of the "Terminator" and it sent chills down my spine. I enjoyed the surprise twists and turns that constantly pushed the envelope and the betrayal that I could not seem believe.

While I adored this story and it's protagonist it was the bittersweet moments when Rosalinda was faced with the truth of her parents ultimate betrayal and the reality of her lost first love that squeezed my heart. Yet, despite the weight this story ultimately has a strong uplifting message. Despite the fact that I enjoyed the ending I have to admit that it creeped me out a bit...just a bit but I would highly reommened it to anyone.