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.

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.

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

- Florence Adler Swims Forever was inspired by the true story of Rachel Beanland's great-great-aunt, who tragically drowned off the coast of Atlantic City in the 1920s. 
- The novel won the National Jewish Book Award for Debut Fiction in 2020, highlighting its critical acclaim and cultural significance.
- Florence Adler Swims Forever explores themes of family, grief, and resilience, serving as a tribute to the author's family history and Jewish heritage.

**Gussie**  
Fannie and Isaac’s young daughter, who is living with her grandparents while her mother is in the hospital, experiences the world with naïve but observant clarity.

**Esther**  
The matriarch of the family, she is the wife of Joseph and mother of Fannie and Florence, juggling the challenges and secrets within her family while managing a successful bakery business with her husband.

**Joseph**  
A Hungarian Jewish immigrant and patriarch of the family, he is married to Esther and works to balance family and business responsibilities after starting a successful bakery.

**Isaac**  
Fannie’s husband and Gussie’s father, he faces personal struggles and insecurities stemming from his past and his dependence on the family bakery for employment.

**Fannie**  
Florence’s sister and Gussie’s mother, she is navigating her own challenges during pregnancy while dealing with her husband Isaac’s emotional distance.

**Stuart**  
Florence’s swim coach and romantic interest of Anna, who distances himself from his wealthy, prejudiced family to support the Adler family during a difficult time.

**Anna**  
The daughter of Joseph’s former fiancée, she assists the Adler family during their time of grief and becomes close to Stuart amidst rising tensions in her home country.

Rachel Beanland

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Part 1: “June 1934”

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Part 2: “July 1934”

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Part 3: “August 1934”

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