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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
A tragic accident. A family. A secret. Atlantic City in the summer of 1934.
This exquisitely-written story follows a Jewish American family through the summer of 1934 after a young woman named Florence Adler drowns while training to swim the English Channel. Through the perspectives of Florence’s mother, father, sister, niece, brother-in-law, an Atlantic City lifeguard, and a young German girl living with the family, we are given a window into the world of this incredibly colorful, flawed, and fascinating family as they agree to keep Florence’s death a secret in order to protect someone they love.
This book is completely stunning in a deliciously old-school sort of way. Rachel Beanland’s writing is so seasoned and lived-in and natural that it is almost unbelievable that this novel is her debut. I was fortunate enough to meet Rachel at an event with @simonandschuster back in March (only a week and a half before quarantine - WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE
This exquisitely-written story follows a Jewish American family through the summer of 1934 after a young woman named Florence Adler drowns while training to swim the English Channel. Through the perspectives of Florence’s mother, father, sister, niece, brother-in-law, an Atlantic City lifeguard, and a young German girl living with the family, we are given a window into the world of this incredibly colorful, flawed, and fascinating family as they agree to keep Florence’s death a secret in order to protect someone they love.
This book is completely stunning in a deliciously old-school sort of way. Rachel Beanland’s writing is so seasoned and lived-in and natural that it is almost unbelievable that this novel is her debut. I was fortunate enough to meet Rachel at an event with @simonandschuster back in March (only a week and a half before quarantine - WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Florence Adler Swims Forever is a snapshot in a very specific place and time— Jewish Atlantic City in the years just preceding the Holocaust. Told from the perspective of characters that were close to the titular character, each chapter reveals an important detail about the relationships that form the heart of this novel. What’s striking about this novel is how much our ideas of death and grief have changed from the early 20th century to now. I enjoyed this book despite the inherent sadness in the plot. Some characters were more strongly drawn than others but overall, I could relate to each of them, even Isaac, the “villain.”
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I loved this story and this family. Set on the eve of World War II, this is a gentle book of secret-keeping and lies that obfuscate an important truth: that sometimes, lies are important when the goal is to protect those we love. This debut author has written a page-turner and the fact that the story is actually based on a true family story is remarkable. You can almost smell the Atlantic City salt air and glimpse the mirage of Florence swimming out to sea with confident breast strokes.
As a mother this one hit me with all the feels. Love stories where they make you think about what would you do if you were in the situation or how would you react. Really enjoyed how this story gave you the point of view from all the characters to give you an idea how each handled the situation differently. Also once again reinforced the importance of a good strong mom who's job is to maintain the family structure.
This family drama starts off with an exciting jolt and keeps going strong unveiling small family secrets along the way. A great read that's hard to put down.
This July release was one my most anticipated books of summer and it did not disappoint! Florence Adler Swims Forever follows three generations of the Adler family through the summer of 1934 as they are forced to make heartbreaking decisions for the future of their family.
What I Loved:
▪️This novel had such a strong sense of place. The 1930s Atlantic City setting felt fresh, and wistfully indicative of summer.
▪️The distinct voices of the Adler family. Each chapter is told through a different perspective. This brought a richness to the story and I’m always here for a big cast of characters when done well!
▪️Themes of family secrets, deception, greed, and grief
▪️Truly human characters who grieve in ALL different ways
Please Be Aware:
▪️This is a story of loss. Specific triggers (that are spoilers) are at the end of this review.
This would make a fantastic book club read! So many, “what would you do,” moments to discuss.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What I Loved:
▪️This novel had such a strong sense of place. The 1930s Atlantic City setting felt fresh, and wistfully indicative of summer.
▪️The distinct voices of the Adler family. Each chapter is told through a different perspective. This brought a richness to the story and I’m always here for a big cast of characters when done well!
▪️Themes of family secrets, deception, greed, and grief
▪️Truly human characters who grieve in ALL different ways
Please Be Aware:
▪️This is a story of loss. Specific triggers (that are spoilers) are at the end of this review.
This would make a fantastic book club read! So many, “what would you do,” moments to discuss.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.5/5 loved this one! And the authors notes was so interesting to read
emotional
slow-paced
dark
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes