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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
The Adler family is facing a series of crises in Atlantic City in 1934. Joseph and Esther don’t want to tell their daughter, Fannie, that her sister Florence drowned since Fannie is experiencing a high risk pregnancy. Joseph has sponsored Anna to save her from Hitler’s Germany, without telling Esther the whole story. Their granddaughter, Gussie, is an innocent bystander in all of this family drama. Well written and engrossing, I recommend this book, which is based loosely on the author’s family. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
I didn’t read the dust jacket before I started this book. I was immediately swept up in the story, and when I reached the end of the first chapter, I thought “Wait. What?” I sat stunned for a few minutes as I contemplated how the remaining 292 pages would play out. But eventually I started reading again, and I couldn’t stop. Each character was so perfectly unique, and their stories wove together beautifully. An absolutely enchanting book.
I don't know what I thought this was going to be about - I liked the title and when I cracked it open, it immediately placed itself in Atlantic City, which is right down the coast from our shore house - but it was a much different book than I was expecting. Something happens early on and I thought oh wow this author is really going for it. I liked it despite hating one of the characters from jump and the presence of a child narrator which I also rarely like. Fair play - there are numerous narrators, be prepared.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I really struggled with this one. It was not what I expected and felt like it ended very abruptly.
Florence Adler swims forever is such a sad title when you actually realize the real meaning behind it. A death happens in the beginning of this story and it opens up to how a family copes with it. They decide not to tell Fannie who is in a high risk pregnancy and could lose the baby if she finds out of this death. I understand what this family was trying to do but wow, I was stressed for everyone trying to hide this secret. I also think if I was in Fannie’s situation I would be so upset if my family hid from me that my sister died! Not much else happens after this event takes place so I found myself losing interest quickly. I thought the authors note explaining that this was based off her family story made this feel more surreal.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Simon & Shuster for the copy of this book!
Thank you to Netgalley and to Simon & Shuster for the copy of this book!
A notable read, probably 3.5 stars. Worthwhile for readers who enjoy historical fiction + family dramas, with its particular period details creating a certain atmosphere, and it’s many characters’ POV creating a layered story - but not quite layered enough to provide depth. Perhaps in building a novel out of many perspectives, there is not quite enough substance to the characters, squarely giving this novel a bit of an easy, pop lit, summer beach read kind of feel, like something you and your mother-in-law could both read.
emotional
slow-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
I can't remember why I put this title on hold at the library. I have a feeling I was drawn in by that beguiling burst of poppy on the cover.
Needless to say, I went into this book not knowing a thing about and I felt like that worked well for me. So with that in mind I am forgoing a summary.
I WILL TELL YOU:
-This character driven debut was exquisitely written.
- It is a story to savor, not speed through.
- The family dynamics were captivating. The decisions they made and the secrets they kept.
- The characters are inextricably linked, but each have a rich individuality. I relished each of their voices.
- Time period- 1934 Atlantic City, felt so vivid.
- The Adler family is Jewish and the author was meticulous in her descriptions of Jewish culture. I am not Jewish, but I absolutely loved the deeper look into their faith community.
I think this would make a great book club choice because there is a lot to discuss. Including the author's note at the end which explains how this story came to be. Had I read the author's note at the beginning it would have been a completely different reading experience.
Needless to say, I went into this book not knowing a thing about and I felt like that worked well for me. So with that in mind I am forgoing a summary.
I WILL TELL YOU:
-This character driven debut was exquisitely written.
- It is a story to savor, not speed through.
- The family dynamics were captivating. The decisions they made and the secrets they kept.
- The characters are inextricably linked, but each have a rich individuality. I relished each of their voices.
- Time period- 1934 Atlantic City, felt so vivid.
- The Adler family is Jewish and the author was meticulous in her descriptions of Jewish culture. I am not Jewish, but I absolutely loved the deeper look into their faith community.
I think this would make a great book club choice because there is a lot to discuss. Including the author's note at the end which explains how this story came to be. Had I read the author's note at the beginning it would have been a completely different reading experience.