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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book was a surprising little gem. I started it without reading the description so I had no idea what to expect and I loved it. I love a good family drama and this one felt authentic and real. It was very very sweet.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was just a really solid summer read. It didn't feel particularly original, but I could not put it down and read it in less than 24 hours. Engaging story, learned a lot about Jewish culture/mourning rituals, and it was fun to read something set in Atlantic City (especially from 1934 - the historical aspect seemed well-researched).
Amazing debut novel by this author! The characters were nuanced, and left me wondering what I would do if I were in each of their places. And wanting to know what comes next for each of them! Can’t wait to see what novels she writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing house for providing a review copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Set in Atlantic City, in 1934, this gorgeous book captured my heart from page one.
Florence has a plan to spend her summer training to swim the English Channel. A gifted swimmer, she is focused and determined to reach her goal.
When the family faces an unexpected tragedy though, they make a decision to protect their daughter (Fannie) from knowing the truth about what had happened.
The secrecy comes from a good place though because Fannie's in the hospital to help her stay calm and quiet for the risky birth of their child. With numerous complications, the last thing that they want to do is to put Fannie into early labor.
The thing is, this secret is too big to keep, especially for Fannie's young daughter.
This book is so beautifully written that I was shocked that this was Beanland's debut.
I hung on every word of this story and think it would be amazing for a book club discussion.
My only regret is to tell you that this one won't hit the shelves until July, but can assure you that this is the perfect historical fiction escape for summer.
The Two-Family House
Saints for All Occasions
Manhattan Beach
Set in Atlantic City, in 1934, this gorgeous book captured my heart from page one.
Florence has a plan to spend her summer training to swim the English Channel. A gifted swimmer, she is focused and determined to reach her goal.
When the family faces an unexpected tragedy though, they make a decision to protect their daughter (Fannie) from knowing the truth about what had happened.
The secrecy comes from a good place though because Fannie's in the hospital to help her stay calm and quiet for the risky birth of their child. With numerous complications, the last thing that they want to do is to put Fannie into early labor.
The thing is, this secret is too big to keep, especially for Fannie's young daughter.
This book is so beautifully written that I was shocked that this was Beanland's debut.
I hung on every word of this story and think it would be amazing for a book club discussion.
My only regret is to tell you that this one won't hit the shelves until July, but can assure you that this is the perfect historical fiction escape for summer.
5 out of 5 Stars
If you like Florence Adler Swims Forever, you might like these titles:
The Two-Family House
Saints for All Occasions
Manhattan Beach
Florence Adler Swims Forever begins in tragedy and reveals the repercussions as they ripple through the Adler family one summer. The events of the story are told in chronological order, but through alternating points of view, allowing the reader to understand each character's coping mechanisms and driving forces. The writing flows well and is gripping, but the ending felt abrupt and left me feeling unfulfilled.
I felt easily pulled into the story of the Adler family. But, the author is so honest in her telling of events that I expected a rawer resolution, where I could properly, through Fannie. The entire book is building up not only to . A nice ending where everyone is at peace is expected for an easy, beach read, but after getting to know these characters so deeply, I thought the author would have given us more than that.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I felt easily pulled into the story of the Adler family. But, the author is so honest in her telling of events that I expected a rawer resolution, where I could properly
Spoiler
grieve Florence myselfSpoiler
the birth of Ruby, but to the moment where Fannie is finally told the truth*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Florence Adler Swims Forever is not the book I expected based on its description. I won't spoil why but know that it isn't a bad thing - the surprising twist that comes early in the book sets the stage for a compelling and rich family saga.
Based on the true story of the author's family, the novel is set during the summer of 1934 in Atlantic City and told from alternating POVs of various members of the Adler family, the young German woman they've taken in and a family friend. Their lives are all affected by a tragedy that befalls the family, whether they know it or not, and as the description notes, the book "explores how far we will go in order to protect our love ones." It also addresses many social issues of the time, from the role of women to the prejudice Jews experienced in the U.S. as well as the persecution they were under in Europe. There are aspects of the plot that felt implausible, but when you read the author's note at the end and realize they really happened, you can't help but be amazed at the strength it took for her family to persevere.
Despite being a different story than I was anticipating, I truly enjoyed this book and the characters in it. It's a quiet, character-driven novel with a lot of heart and a work of historical fiction that feels fresh. Each of the Adlers stole a piece of my heart and Beanland's love for her family comes through in the wonderful world, story and characters she created.
Thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Based on the true story of the author's family, the novel is set during the summer of 1934 in Atlantic City and told from alternating POVs of various members of the Adler family, the young German woman they've taken in and a family friend. Their lives are all affected by a tragedy that befalls the family, whether they know it or not, and as the description notes, the book "explores how far we will go in order to protect our love ones." It also addresses many social issues of the time, from the role of women to the prejudice Jews experienced in the U.S. as well as the persecution they were under in Europe. There are aspects of the plot that felt implausible, but when you read the author's note at the end and realize they really happened, you can't help but be amazed at the strength it took for her family to persevere.
Despite being a different story than I was anticipating, I truly enjoyed this book and the characters in it. It's a quiet, character-driven novel with a lot of heart and a work of historical fiction that feels fresh. Each of the Adlers stole a piece of my heart and Beanland's love for her family comes through in the wonderful world, story and characters she created.
Thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.