57 pages • 1 hour read
Florence Adler Swims Forever
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Atlantic City, New Jersey • 1930s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Rachel Beanland's 2020 historical fiction novel Florence Adler Swims Forever, Florence Adler drowns while training to swim the English Channel, prompting her family to keep her death a secret from her bed-ridden, pregnant sister, Fannie, to protect her fragile health. Throughout the summer of 1934, the Adler family navigates private grief, the Great Depression, and the rise of Hitler's power, while grappling with themes of gender expectations and the costs and benefits of secrecy. The text discusses antisemitism, infant loss, loss of children, and racism.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Emotional
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
26,724 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Rachel Beanland's Florence Adler Swims Forever is praised for its poignant storytelling, well-drawn characters, and historical richness, set in 1930s Atlantic City. Critics applaud its emotional depth and the portrayal of family dynamics, though some find the pacing uneven. The novel’s ability to evoke empathy and capture the era's essence stands out.
Who Should Read Florence Adler Swims Forever?
Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland is perfect for readers who appreciate historically rich, character-driven narratives such as The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. They enjoy immersive family dramas and layered storytelling set against the backdrop of significant historical events.
26,724 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
336
Novel • Fiction
Atlantic City, New Jersey • 1930s
2020
Adult
18+ years
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