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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
This lovely book starts off with some rough events, and frankly I had a little bit of a time coping with them because I’d already become attached to the characters.
The Atlantic City setting just before WWII, with giant hotels, piers, and general hubbub, is the backdrop for the story of a few summer months in the life of an extended Jewish family, including a stolid patriarch and matriarch, a free-spirited daughter, a spunky and fantastic granddaughter Gussie, a daughter with another grandchild on the way, a deadbeat son-in-law, and family friends to round out the group. There’s an undercurrent of concern about Hitler and his increasingly punitive behavior toward Jewish families’ businesses and emigration in Germany.
I loved watching the book’s events unfold—even if I could predict some of them. Anything that was wrapped up a little too neatly didn’t bother me at all; I was all in and satisfied.
Beanland based some of the basic events on her ancestors’ experiences, which was fascinating to realize at the end.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and Simon and Schuster in exchange for a review.
The Atlantic City setting just before WWII, with giant hotels, piers, and general hubbub, is the backdrop for the story of a few summer months in the life of an extended Jewish family, including a stolid patriarch and matriarch, a free-spirited daughter, a spunky and fantastic granddaughter Gussie, a daughter with another grandchild on the way, a deadbeat son-in-law, and family friends to round out the group. There’s an undercurrent of concern about Hitler and his increasingly punitive behavior toward Jewish families’ businesses and emigration in Germany.
I loved watching the book’s events unfold—even if I could predict some of them. Anything that was wrapped up a little too neatly didn’t bother me at all; I was all in and satisfied.
Beanland based some of the basic events on her ancestors’ experiences, which was fascinating to realize at the end.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and Simon and Schuster in exchange for a review.
I'm beginning to realize that I love Historical Fiction and Florence Adler is a shining example why. It's a story that could be adapted to any space in time, really but really thrives in it's historical concept. I loved that it was told from different perspectives in a way that made the story feel more complete as opposed to disjointed (as multiple perspective writing can sometimes be.) Whether I loved them or hated them, I could understand every character and connect with them in some way.
I loved it from start to finish! Highly recommend!
I loved it from start to finish! Highly recommend!
This historical fiction is set in 1934, in Atlantic City, and follows a Jewish family over the course of a summer after a an unexpected death and many secrets come together. The strength of the book is in its structure, for each chapter is written in the perspective of a single character, shifting from one character to the next. The writing is straightforward and full of emotion, but is not embellished or particularly lyrical. Character and plot are the focus, and serves to document the story's surrounding history. This would be a great book club choice.
P.S.--The ending was too abrupt to give this a five-star review.
P.S.--The ending was too abrupt to give this a five-star review.
What would you do to protect those who you love? An interesting question for the Adler family multiple times in this bittersweet novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, but even more so getting to know the Adler family. The sweet, honest, sometimes heart-wrenching stories of the family's life made me feel like I was sitting talking to my own family. So many great characters. Although it is set in the early 20th century, it was easy to relate to the characters and what they were going through. Rachel Beanland has a unique way of bringing out all of her characters personalities. You feel that you know them and can predict how they will react to life situations. I love that this book had so many strong beautiful women in this novel.
This was such a wonderful book. Rachel Beanland is a wonderful story teller. I was mesmerized by the characters. I read this book in a single sitting because I couldn't wait to turn the page to find out what is going to happen to the Adler family. The chapters are longer than most other books but it didn't feel that way as I zipped through the pages. If you like historical fiction you must read this book...I couldn't put this book down, and cannot recommend it enough.
Thank you NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and Rachel Beanland for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review; all opinions are my own.
#FlorenceAdlerSwimsForever #NetGalley
This was such a wonderful book. Rachel Beanland is a wonderful story teller. I was mesmerized by the characters. I read this book in a single sitting because I couldn't wait to turn the page to find out what is going to happen to the Adler family. The chapters are longer than most other books but it didn't feel that way as I zipped through the pages. If you like historical fiction you must read this book...I couldn't put this book down, and cannot recommend it enough.
Thank you NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and Rachel Beanland for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review; all opinions are my own.
#FlorenceAdlerSwimsForever #NetGalley
I loved this book, and the reason behind it. It is about the love of family for one another, especially a mother for a child.
I loved everything about this book! The 1934 Atlantic City setting is incredibly vivid, and the character system that populates it over the course of one summer is complex and interesting. The rotating narration is clever and effective in that it gradually builds tension and sets up conflicting perspectives on the moral conundrum the plot is centered around. Beanland writes beautifully and precisely—every single sentence is carefully constructed and does so much work for the story at large. I was impressed to learn this was her debut novel and after reading the author's note, it becomes evident that she was meant to tell this story. I would recommend to fans of historical fiction and family dramas looking for a summery gem. I also think this would serve as a great book club pick as it implores readers to consider what extent they would go to in order to protect those they love.
This was one of the most original books I have read in awhile. I especially liked at the end, the author reveals that it is loosely based on her own family history. The Adlers live in Atlantic City in 1934. They have 2 daughters, one granddaughter and a German girl hoping to get the means to help her parents leave Germany. This summer will change all of them. I enjoyed the characters and their stories.
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes