scottishlindsay's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hoole95's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Death
mjminkowich's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
readswithrosie's review against another edition
4.0
Florence Adler Swims Forever is a work of fiction based on a true story that takes place in Atlantic City, NJ in the 1930s, during the beginning stages of Hitler’s rise to power in Germany.
Florence Adler is a 19 year old Jewish woman and avid swimmer whose goal is to swim the English Channel. In the first chapter of this book, Florence drowns in a freak accident while swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. The rest of the book follows her niece Gussie, brother in law Isaac, parents Joseph and Esther, sister Fannie, friend Stuart, and family friend Anna from Germany, as they decide how to cope with this loss.
This book is strong on character development, and really dove deep into the intricacies of each character. I also love the period of time that was portrayed- right as Hitler was coming to power in Germany, and unrest was starting.
My own family on my dad’s side came to the United States from Poland to escape Hitler and Jewish persecution, and I believe they were able to leave Poland right around the time Anna left. I felt connected to the story that Beanland wrote, as my ancestors faced the same concerns that Anna and her family did. It’s hard to read about people struggling to escape the horrors they knew were to come.
Perfect when paired with a hot mocha, cozy pillows, freshly painted toenails, and a cool morning breeze. 4.4⭐️
Florence Adler is a 19 year old Jewish woman and avid swimmer whose goal is to swim the English Channel. In the first chapter of this book, Florence drowns in a freak accident while swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. The rest of the book follows her niece Gussie, brother in law Isaac, parents Joseph and Esther, sister Fannie, friend Stuart, and family friend Anna from Germany, as they decide how to cope with this loss.
This book is strong on character development, and really dove deep into the intricacies of each character. I also love the period of time that was portrayed- right as Hitler was coming to power in Germany, and unrest was starting.
My own family on my dad’s side came to the United States from Poland to escape Hitler and Jewish persecution, and I believe they were able to leave Poland right around the time Anna left. I felt connected to the story that Beanland wrote, as my ancestors faced the same concerns that Anna and her family did. It’s hard to read about people struggling to escape the horrors they knew were to come.
Perfect when paired with a hot mocha, cozy pillows, freshly painted toenails, and a cool morning breeze. 4.4⭐️
jlynnautumn's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully written debut novel from Rachel Beanland. The last page leaves you feeling like you know the characters and have experienced something that will stick with you for the next days or weeks. I cannot wait to ready more from this author.
rochellehickey's review against another edition
4.0
While this is obviously a novel, it felt like a short story: how lives change and morph from an unexpected death. Life proceeds and it may not go in the direction you thought it would.
It’s hard to describe this novel. It feels like a coming of age novel, but the coming of age occurs for every character. It’s tragic but beautifully written.
It’s hard to describe this novel. It feels like a coming of age novel, but the coming of age occurs for every character. It’s tragic but beautifully written.
christinepro's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. It really showcases the lengths a family will go to protect those they love.
This was a debut novel from the author. I look forward to reading more from her.
This was a debut novel from the author. I look forward to reading more from her.
onewell's review against another edition
4.0
This one took me a little to get into but once I was in I loved it! Such a cute and touching story. Tragedy strikes a family in the early 1930s. Tells how the family dealt with it and came together to support (or not) each other. Felt like an easy read that was more sweet/deep than a real easy read if that makes sense