Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Rachel Beanland for the opportunity to read and review her debut novel. 5 glowing stars for a fabulous read - I loved it!
Based on a true story from the author's own family history, and set in Atlantic City in 1934, the story opens with the drowning death of Florence Adler, a strong swimmer whose goal was to swim the English Channel. Florence's parents, Joseph and Esther, are devastated but also trying to protect their older daughter, Fannie, who is in the hospital on bedrest with a complicated pregnancy after losing a child born too early. They decide to keep Florence's death a secret from her sister which requires a monumental effort, especially from Fannie's daughter, Gussie. Told in alternating chapters from all the characters in the book, we learn all about their thoughts and secrets.
This story is all about what we will do for those we love and how a family can rise from a tragedy. But it's a fascinating look into how Jewish people were treated as they tried to come to the US to escape Hitler's persecution as well as a look into Jewish traditions, especially concerning the death rites. And how incubators were first used - I had certainly never heard that story before!
This is a definite must read - I got lost in the beautiful writing and was transported back in time. Highly recommended! I sure hope Rachel Beanland has more stories to share with us!
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