I have this book on my Kindle and I’ve been trying to get to it. My work friend recommended it and now I’m just going to have to make it happen! It’s the Winner of the 2020 National Jewish Book Award for Debut Fiction and a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice.
Here’s the blurb from Goodreads:
“Over the course of one summer that begins with a shocking tragedy, three generations of the Adler family grapple with heartbreak, romance, and the weight of family secrets.
Every summer, Esther and Joseph Adler rent their house out to vacationers escaping to “America’s Playground” and move into the small apartment above their bakery. This is the apartment where they raised their two daughters, Fannie and Florence. Now Florence has returned from college, determined to spend the summer training to swim the English Channel, and Fannie, pregnant again after recently losing a baby, is on bedrest for the duration of her pregnancy. After Joseph insists they take in a mysterious young woman whom he recently helped emigrate from Nazi Germany, the apartment is bursting at the seams.
When tragedy strikes, Esther makes the shocking decision to hide the truth—at least until Fannie’s baby is born—and pulls the family into an elaborate web of secret-keeping and lies, bringing long-buried tensions to the surface that reveal how quickly the act of protecting those we love can turn into betrayal after tragedy.”
In case you don’t know, “America’s Playground” refers to Atlantic City. (I wouldn’t have known that unless my work friend had told me.)
I like historical fiction and stories about secrets. It seems to have an original twist to it too. What do you think? Would you read it?
Thanks for visiting – come back soon!
I was a competitive swimmer as a youth and college student, so I’d definitely read it just to experience the swim chapters.
Sounds intriguing. I am currently buried in Bookclub books so will wait for your full review! 😀
Hi Donna – I know that feeling! Thanks for the visit 🙂
Interesting! Thanks for stopping by – I’m catching up on my comments and I see that you also commented on my review, so I’ll see you over there 🙂
I had no idea “America’s Playground” referred to Atlantic City. I’ve been to AC, not sure I agree with that…lol! Thanks for the review, Barbara.
I didn’t know that either, Jill and I’m a Jersey Girl! Didn’t spend much time in AC though. Thanks for the visit!
I’ve not heard of this book but will put on my tbr list. Great review
Hi Alison – thanks – I just finished reading it and liked it. Hope you also enjoy it when you get a chance to read it.
I didn’t like this book. I don’t remember my exact objections, but I do remember I wrote a post about the main “premise” of the book
I just finished reading it. I thought it was pretty good, but a little flat at times. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I didn’t like the overall premise about lying to the daughter. I thought the characters were somewhat stock as well
Thanks for your great review, Barbara. This book sounds intriguing, so I’ll add it to my list.
Hi Lauren – thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy reading it when you get to it!
It’s interesting how much drama comes from secrets. I use them in my books too. It’s a good lesson for real life. The book sounds fascinating, Barb, and I wouldn’t have known that it was Atlantic City either. 🙂 I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts about it.
Hi Diana – yes, I love when secrets are built into books. And of course, real life has plenty of those. I just finished reading it and posted a review. I thought it was pretty good! Thanks for the visit 🙂
Just make it happen! Good attitude! I find I’m always giving preference to physical books over the kindle.
I love historical stuff. This sounds good. 🙂
I’ll put it on my kindle. 😉 Kidding!
Hi Betsy – well I made it happen and I’m glad! It was an interesting book! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed the book. I’m currently, happily, down a Malcolm Gladwell rabbit hole.
Oh yes, I have not read any of his books, but I’ve talked to people who are big fans. 🙂
I listen to speeches of his on YouTube while I brush my teeth and get ready for bed every night. Such fascinating stuff.
Okay now I’m going to have to look into that!
🙂 Easy enough to find his talks, and easy enough to listen and learn while you do something else. I’m offering you a preemptive You’re welcome. 😉
I’ll take it!
I’ve read it, and thought it was terrific! The characters are really interesting, and I loved the setting and the time period. Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Hi Lisa – just finished it. I enjoyed it, especially the second half. I enjoyed the tension in Joseph and Isaac’s arrangement and the AC setting. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I wouldn’t have know what America’s playground referred to either, but it sounds like an interesting book!
Hi Ann – I just finished it! I thought it was pretty good! I was raised in New Jersey, so I was attracted to it for that reason, plus I like historical fiction. I also found out that it’s based on a true family story. Thanks for stopping by – hope you are doing well!