Florence Adler Swims Forever
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books, audiobooks |
| Website | www |
Florence Adler Swims Forever marks the first novel by American writer Rachel Beanland, released in the United States on July 7, 2020, through Simon & Schuster. The narrative centers on a family residing in Atlantic City during the era of the 1930s.
Synopsis
Esther and Joseph Adler operate a bakery beneath an apartment where they raised their two daughters. Although they have since purchased a home, they lease the apartment each summer to holiday visitors. The household becomes bustling when their daughters return: Florence, who is preparing to swim across the English Channel, and Fannie, who is expecting a child. Additionally, Joseph brings home a young Jewish woman he assisted in escaping Nazi Germany. Following Florence’s fatal swimming accident, Esther persuades the family to withhold this information from Fannie to safeguard her pregnancy, leading to familial strain and uncovering concealed truths.
Development
Beanland initiated the novel during a 2016 workshop at Virginia Commonwealth University, subsequently incorporating its initial six chapters into her Master of Fine Arts thesis.
The story’s core—concealing a child’s death from a sibling—draws inspiration from Beanland’s great-aunt Florence Lowenthal’s drowning. Beanland delved into the resilience of Florence’s mother, who hid the tragedy from her eldest daughter, contemplating potential outcomes had she disclosed it. Although initially apprehensive about her family’s response, Beanland’s mother ultimately supported the narrative after reviewing drafts.
Through workshop instructor Tom De Haven, Beanland was introduced to an agent at Janklow & Nesbit Associates. Following several revisions, the agent secured a contract with Simon & Schuster in January 2019.
Publication
Florence Adler Swims Forever became available in hardcover and digital formats on July 7, 2020, published by Simon & Schuster. An audiobook edition featuring an ensemble cast—including Jonathan Davis, Tim Paige, Carly Robins, Jonathan Todd Ross, Tara Sands, Jesse Vilinsky, Gabra Zackman, and Rachel Beanland herself—was also released by Simon & Schuster Audio.
Reception
The book garnered predominantly favorable critiques, with reviewers commending its sensitive portrayal of loss and family relationships. Critics emphasized Beanland's genuine depiction of Jewish immigrant life in America during 1934. The Jewish Book Council praised its faithful representation of a Jewish family escaping pre-war Germany. The New York Times acknowledged the novel’s emotional richness and engaging characters despite some noted shortcomings.