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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
This book was quite different from what I expected, especially after reading the inside cover. I was looking forward to reading about Florence's experience swimming the English Channel but was highly disappointed when soon after the book begins, Florence drowns. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the book, which was based on a real woman, Florence Lowenthal, who grew up in Atlantic City. In the author's notes, you learn that in fact, the character of Florence was based on the author's great-great aunt. Taking place in the summer of 1934, the story follows the lives of Florence's family including her sister and brother-in-law (Fannie & Isaac), her niece (Gussie), a former possible boyfriend (Stuart), and her parents (Joseph & Esther). While there are some minor sub-plots, your attention is driven by the highly charged family dynamics as Florence's family keeps her death a secret from Fannie. Fannie, on bedrest due to a high risk pregnancy, lost a baby the year before and her family is worried that learning of Florence's death could cause problems. Compounding the emotional tension is that the Adler's are a Jewish family and they have agreed for Anna, who is a nineteen year old emigrate from Germany, to live with them. Again, not the story I expected but entertaining nonetheless.
I loved this book! One of my favorites of the year.
[b:Florence Adler Swims Forever|52762595|Florence Adler Swims Forever|Rachel Beanland|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1596221605l/52762595._SY75_.jpg|70225093]
There are things we observe after losing someone we love. The material things left behind that meant so much and no mean nothing at all. Florence's drawer filled with her swimsuits is just that thing.
Lovely story and even more lovely now that I know it is based on Ms. Beanland's family. Poignant, thoughtful, delightful. Just everything you want in a story such as this.
There are things we observe after losing someone we love. The material things left behind that meant so much and no mean nothing at all. Florence's drawer filled with her swimsuits is just that thing.
Lovely story and even more lovely now that I know it is based on Ms. Beanland's family. Poignant, thoughtful, delightful. Just everything you want in a story such as this.
“This, she realized, was what it felt like to grow old. Eventually people felt so weighed down by the yoke of their own bad decisions that they could scarcely move.”
3.5 Stars**
This was a nice summer read, honestly nothing spectacular so it’s not something that I would highly recommend. I had to put myself on a reading schedule in order to finish the book on time for my book club meeting *face palm*.
Following Florence Adler’s tragic death in Atlantic City the summer of 1934 as she is training to swim the English Channel, her family is left to pick up the pieces. The family is drawn into a web of lies and secrets as they try to keep the death from Florence’s pregnant older sister, Fannie.
I had a hard time really connecting with the characters in this book, I found Esther and Isaac to be very unlikable. There was also a lack of plot, there was no clear climax to the plot and the whole revolution being left out of the book. This made it a very frustrating read, making me feel like I read it all for nothing. The “web” of lies and secrets that sells the book as more thrilling is severely lacking with one or two actual events that took me by surprise, which might even be too strong of a word.
I gave it three and a half stars for both the historical details as the book does follow a Jewish family in the summer of 1934 and the notion that it was based on a true story of the author’s family.
3.5 Stars**
This was a nice summer read, honestly nothing spectacular so it’s not something that I would highly recommend. I had to put myself on a reading schedule in order to finish the book on time for my book club meeting *face palm*.
Following Florence Adler’s tragic death in Atlantic City the summer of 1934 as she is training to swim the English Channel, her family is left to pick up the pieces. The family is drawn into a web of lies and secrets as they try to keep the death from Florence’s pregnant older sister, Fannie.
I had a hard time really connecting with the characters in this book, I found Esther and Isaac to be very unlikable. There was also a lack of plot, there was no clear climax to the plot and the whole revolution being left out of the book. This made it a very frustrating read, making me feel like I read it all for nothing. The “web” of lies and secrets that sells the book as more thrilling is severely lacking with one or two actual events that took me by surprise, which might even be too strong of a word.
I gave it three and a half stars for both the historical details as the book does follow a Jewish family in the summer of 1934 and the notion that it was based on a true story of the author’s family.
4.5 This story was brilliantly written and interesting throughout. All the characters were wonderfully drawn as each chapter focuses on a different characters point of view. The setting and time period add to the strength of the storytelling. The themes of family and loss are accompanied by the larger tragedy of the beginnings of the Third Reich and how that is affecting the character Anna and her family. It left me in awe and after I read the author's note, I was wrecked, but in a good way.
I absolutely loved this book. I wish it could have gone on for a few more chapters.
sad
slow-paced
A but slow in the middle, but otherwise a good story line w compelling characters.
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
I enjoyed the historical setting of this novel and the character interactions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Miscarriage
I loved this book. I had to follow the characters , I couldn’t stop until I reached the end. There were plenty of one liners that tugged at my heart strings.
This story is based on true life experiences which is shown in both style and text. A rewarding read.
This story is based on true life experiences which is shown in both style and text. A rewarding read.