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The Half Life
From the author of Florence Adler Swims Forever and The House Is on Fire, a novel set on a remote Italian island, about a navy wife’s reckoning with power, love, and the price of staying silent in the Atomic Age.
When twenty-three-year-old Eileen O’Malley meets charismatic naval officer Paul Archer in a Charleston department store, she doesn’t expect to fall so hard, so fast. But Paul is funny and ambitious, and soon, Eileen’s got a ring on her finger and is following him to the tiny, sun-drenched Mediterranean island of La Maddalena, where Paul will be heading up Radiological Controls aboard a submarine tender.
In La Maddalena, Eileen joins a makeshift community of Navy wives, who are hell bent on making the island feel a little more like home. But for Eileen, whose brother died in Vietnam, home is a loaded word, and as she settles into life on the island—taking Italian lessons and learning to make culurgiones—she begins to love the place for all the ways it is not like where she comes from.
Still, it doesn’t take long for Eileen to be confronted with the complexities of being an American abroad. The decision to send nuclear-powered subs into the La Maddalena Archipelago was a contentious one, and the US government is doing whatever it can to ensure that the island—not to mention all of Italy—doesn’t go communist in the next election.
When Italian activists and scientists begin to sound the alarm about possible nuclear contamination in the water, the island erupts in a series of protests, made worse by the ongoing mishaps of the US Navy. Soon, Eileen’s marriage falters and her loyalties begin to shift as she is drawn into a web of secrets—and to a local journalist who forces her to imagine a life beyond the one she’s been handed.
Atmospheric, sexy, and quietly defiant, The Half Life is a story of love, complicity, and awakening—of one woman forced to choose between loyalty to her husband and country and to the Italian locals who show her the high cost of American exceptionalism.
When twenty-three-year-old Eileen O’Malley meets charismatic naval officer Paul Archer in a Charleston department store, she doesn’t expect to fall so hard, so fast. But Paul is funny and ambitious, and soon, Eileen’s got a ring on her finger and is following him to the tiny, sun-drenched Mediterranean island of La Maddalena, where Paul will be heading up Radiological Controls aboard a submarine tender.
In La Maddalena, Eileen joins a makeshift community of Navy wives, who are hell bent on making the island feel a little more like home. But for Eileen, whose brother died in Vietnam, home is a loaded word, and as she settles into life on the island—taking Italian lessons and learning to make culurgiones—she begins to love the place for all the ways it is not like where she comes from.
Still, it doesn’t take long for Eileen to be confronted with the complexities of being an American abroad. The decision to send nuclear-powered subs into the La Maddalena Archipelago was a contentious one, and the US government is doing whatever it can to ensure that the island—not to mention all of Italy—doesn’t go communist in the next election.
When Italian activists and scientists begin to sound the alarm about possible nuclear contamination in the water, the island erupts in a series of protests, made worse by the ongoing mishaps of the US Navy. Soon, Eileen’s marriage falters and her loyalties begin to shift as she is drawn into a web of secrets—and to a local journalist who forces her to imagine a life beyond the one she’s been handed.
Atmospheric, sexy, and quietly defiant, The Half Life is a story of love, complicity, and awakening—of one woman forced to choose between loyalty to her husband and country and to the Italian locals who show her the high cost of American exceptionalism.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published July 14, 2026
About the author
Rachel Beanland
4 books1,103 followersRachel Beanland is the author of the novels FLORENCE ADLER SWIMS FOREVER, THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE, and the forthcoming THE HALF LIFE, which will be released by Simon & Schuster in the summer of 2026. She earned her MFA in creative writing from Virginia Commonwealth University and lives in Richmond, Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 606 reviews
October 26, 2025
Biased;-)
June 26, 2026
THE HALF LIFE
By Rachel Beanland
A Compelling Blend of History and Heart
Set in the mid-1970s, The Half Life follows twenty-three-year-old Eileen O’Malley, who impulsively marries the charming naval officer Paul Archer and moves with him to the remote island of La Maddalena, where he oversees radiological controls aboard a U.S. Navy submarine tender. As Eileen adjusts to life overseas and becomes part of a close-knit group of Navy wives, growing concerns over the presence of nuclear submarines and the secrets surrounding them lead her to question both her marriage and where her true loyalties lie.
The characters are richly developed and feel authentic, making it easy to become invested in their friendships, marriages, and the difficult choices they face. Rachel Beanland also weaves the political and social tensions of the era throughout the story, and the historical research is evident without ever overwhelming the narrative.
There is romance, and some scenes may be more intimate than some readers prefer. Since I don’t usually gravitate toward romance, I was pleasantly surprised that it felt like a natural part of Eileen’s journey of self-discovery rather than overshadowing the story.
Beanland’s writing is vivid and atmospheric, bringing both Navy life and the beautiful 1970s Italian island setting to life. The tone is reflective and emotionally layered, with a steady pace that allows Eileen’s personal growth and the moral complexities of the story to unfold naturally.
I really enjoyed The House Is on Fire, and The Half Life was another satisfying read. It started a little slowly for me, but before long I was completely drawn into this beautifully crafted story. I’ll definitely be looking forward to whatever Rachel Beanland writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advance review copy. The Half Life publishes July 14, 2026.
By Rachel Beanland
A Compelling Blend of History and Heart
Set in the mid-1970s, The Half Life follows twenty-three-year-old Eileen O’Malley, who impulsively marries the charming naval officer Paul Archer and moves with him to the remote island of La Maddalena, where he oversees radiological controls aboard a U.S. Navy submarine tender. As Eileen adjusts to life overseas and becomes part of a close-knit group of Navy wives, growing concerns over the presence of nuclear submarines and the secrets surrounding them lead her to question both her marriage and where her true loyalties lie.
The characters are richly developed and feel authentic, making it easy to become invested in their friendships, marriages, and the difficult choices they face. Rachel Beanland also weaves the political and social tensions of the era throughout the story, and the historical research is evident without ever overwhelming the narrative.
There is romance, and some scenes may be more intimate than some readers prefer. Since I don’t usually gravitate toward romance, I was pleasantly surprised that it felt like a natural part of Eileen’s journey of self-discovery rather than overshadowing the story.
Beanland’s writing is vivid and atmospheric, bringing both Navy life and the beautiful 1970s Italian island setting to life. The tone is reflective and emotionally layered, with a steady pace that allows Eileen’s personal growth and the moral complexities of the story to unfold naturally.
I really enjoyed The House Is on Fire, and The Half Life was another satisfying read. It started a little slowly for me, but before long I was completely drawn into this beautifully crafted story. I’ll definitely be looking forward to whatever Rachel Beanland writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advance review copy. The Half Life publishes July 14, 2026.
July 29, 2026
4⭐️ I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel set in Italy on the island of LA Maddalena in the 1970’s. The author spent some there as a child when her father was stationed there while in the Navy, lending an authenticity to the narrative.
Eileen O’Malley is grieving the loss of her brother in Vietnam when she meets handsome Paul Archer a naval officer. After a whirlwind romance they marry and relocate to Paul’s new duty assignment in Italy. Eileen becomes caught up in helping Teo and a research group dig into fallout from the nuclear subs.
Full of very well researched facts about the US nuclear sub program of the times, I was engrossed in learning so much I did not know. The setting is perfect for the unrest of the times and the area. The characters are very well developed and their lives are brought to life with their marriages, friendships, and struggles.
Perfect ending and a great epilogue!
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 14, 2026
"A novel set on a remote Italian island about a navy wife’s reckoning with power, love, and the price of staying silent in the Atomic Age."
Eileen O'Malley is twenty-three when she meets Paul Archer, a charismatic Navy lieutenant. When Paul is ordered to head up the Radiological Controls on a submarine tender in La Maddalena, an Italian island off the coast of Sardinia, the two rush to get married. Before she knows it, Eileen is part of the Navy wives club. She takes Italian lessons from a local woman who is an activist and meets some scientists who are testing the waters around the sub. Eileen learns that there are two sides to the story. She and Paul begin to see things differently. Eileen has to question where her loyalty to husband and country lie versus what she thinks is right.
I absolutely loved this novel. It was immersive, atmospheric and thought-provoking. It explores complicity, the Italian political landscape in the 1970s, as well as Navy life, and coming of age. The Half Life refers to several things in the novel including nuclear compounds as well as living two lives, neither of them fully. A person needs to be fully committed to something or it is a half life. Brilliant concept. I didn't always agree with Eileen's choices but understood them and had compassion for her. Highly recommend adding this to your TBR.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon Books and Rachel Beanland for the gifted advance reader's copy and finished copy. All opinions are my own.
Eileen O'Malley is twenty-three when she meets Paul Archer, a charismatic Navy lieutenant. When Paul is ordered to head up the Radiological Controls on a submarine tender in La Maddalena, an Italian island off the coast of Sardinia, the two rush to get married. Before she knows it, Eileen is part of the Navy wives club. She takes Italian lessons from a local woman who is an activist and meets some scientists who are testing the waters around the sub. Eileen learns that there are two sides to the story. She and Paul begin to see things differently. Eileen has to question where her loyalty to husband and country lie versus what she thinks is right.
I absolutely loved this novel. It was immersive, atmospheric and thought-provoking. It explores complicity, the Italian political landscape in the 1970s, as well as Navy life, and coming of age. The Half Life refers to several things in the novel including nuclear compounds as well as living two lives, neither of them fully. A person needs to be fully committed to something or it is a half life. Brilliant concept. I didn't always agree with Eileen's choices but understood them and had compassion for her. Highly recommend adding this to your TBR.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon Books and Rachel Beanland for the gifted advance reader's copy and finished copy. All opinions are my own.
September 3, 2026
The Half Life is Rachel Beanland’s latest novel, and it’s her best, hands down. My thanks go to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the invitation to read and review. This book is available to the public now.
Our story takes place in the 1960s and ‘70s. Eileen Archer is a young bride; her husband Paul is an officer in the U.S. Navy. Immediately following their wedding, they are transported to La Maddalena, an island in Italy where American nuclear subs are kept and serviced. La Maddalena is a beautiful place, and they settle in quickly. The Naval wives organize to support each other with acclimation and in coping with their spouses' extended absences.
But the island’s full-time residents are not happy hosts. The Navy isn’t sharing readings regarding nuclear waste that spills into the island’s water, and the testing is too costly to be done independently on the same timeline as what the U.S. government can do. And although the wives are advised to steer clear of the protests that occur with increasing frequency, Eileen is curious. She learns Italian, does some digging, and is perplexed as to why this information isn’t shared. Surely the islanders have a right to know, and since the Navy says the readouts show that their practices are safe, why not just give them the information?
Once she begins conversing with an Italian journalist, a greater problem presents itself. She’s falling for him, and she’s falling hard!
Beanland is formidably talented at developing her characters, and Eileen becomes nearly corporeal for me by the conclusion of this mesmerizing story. In addition, her research is first rate, both in terms of La Maddelena, where she lived for a time, and in terms of U.S. culture and the way that women were treated and expected to behave during this period. She never resorts to cheap, pop cultural references, always preferring to dig deeper, and it enhances the quality of this story. Readers are advised not to skip her notes at the end.
Because I was running late, I checked out the audio version from Seattle Bibliocommons and used it to supplement my reading. Reader Andi Arndt is pitch perfect and makes my reading experience even better.
Highly recommended to those that enjoy excellent historical fiction.
Our story takes place in the 1960s and ‘70s. Eileen Archer is a young bride; her husband Paul is an officer in the U.S. Navy. Immediately following their wedding, they are transported to La Maddalena, an island in Italy where American nuclear subs are kept and serviced. La Maddalena is a beautiful place, and they settle in quickly. The Naval wives organize to support each other with acclimation and in coping with their spouses' extended absences.
But the island’s full-time residents are not happy hosts. The Navy isn’t sharing readings regarding nuclear waste that spills into the island’s water, and the testing is too costly to be done independently on the same timeline as what the U.S. government can do. And although the wives are advised to steer clear of the protests that occur with increasing frequency, Eileen is curious. She learns Italian, does some digging, and is perplexed as to why this information isn’t shared. Surely the islanders have a right to know, and since the Navy says the readouts show that their practices are safe, why not just give them the information?
Once she begins conversing with an Italian journalist, a greater problem presents itself. She’s falling for him, and she’s falling hard!
Beanland is formidably talented at developing her characters, and Eileen becomes nearly corporeal for me by the conclusion of this mesmerizing story. In addition, her research is first rate, both in terms of La Maddelena, where she lived for a time, and in terms of U.S. culture and the way that women were treated and expected to behave during this period. She never resorts to cheap, pop cultural references, always preferring to dig deeper, and it enhances the quality of this story. Readers are advised not to skip her notes at the end.
Because I was running late, I checked out the audio version from Seattle Bibliocommons and used it to supplement my reading. Reader Andi Arndt is pitch perfect and makes my reading experience even better.
Highly recommended to those that enjoy excellent historical fiction.
June 17, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the advance copy. The Half Life tells the story of Eileen O'Malley set during the 1970's. After tragedy strikes her family Eileen accepts a hasty proposal in order to stay with Paul, who seems like a life line to escape the sorrow and quietness at home. Eileen becomes a Navy wife in La Maddalena, Italy. Beanland describes life on this tiny archipelago and the intricacies of being an American, along with the US Navy's tenuous presence with their submarine tender and base, in great detail. This made the first half of the book an interesting, albeit slower read. The second half of the book, however, I was caught up in the struggles Eileen was facing, and an extreme loathing of her husband, Paul. The ending was touching and bittersweet.
February 24, 2026
I loved this novel. Learning about the Navy and submarines was interesting to me. I was an army brat and wife so I could relate to the women bonding together, moving, lending closet, and having children in another country.
I loved the mention of Baylor as I live in Texas.
Thank you to the publisher for giving me an ARC.
No matter what service women and families lean on each other as their spouses are gone for extended periods. Some parts were hard to read about, but no spoilers.
Author notes are a MUST READ!
I loved the mention of Baylor as I live in Texas.
Thank you to the publisher for giving me an ARC.
No matter what service women and families lean on each other as their spouses are gone for extended periods. Some parts were hard to read about, but no spoilers.
Author notes are a MUST READ!
July 14, 2026
Eileen meets a Navy officer named Paul. They quickly fall in love, get married, and move to Italy for Paul’s work as a submariner. The true reasons for the American presence are explored, as well as possible nuclear contamination of the water. At the same time, Eileen and Paul’s marriage is on unsteady ground.
I loved the inspiration for the author to write the novel, and her notes at the end are not to be missed. It was fascinating how she reconciled her childhood understanding of that time and place with how the locals may have felt, as well as the historical importance. The exploration of American exceptionalism is a timely and important message. Rachel Beanland puts so much care and research into her stories, and they deliver every time.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
I loved the inspiration for the author to write the novel, and her notes at the end are not to be missed. It was fascinating how she reconciled her childhood understanding of that time and place with how the locals may have felt, as well as the historical importance. The exploration of American exceptionalism is a timely and important message. Rachel Beanland puts so much care and research into her stories, and they deliver every time.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
August 3, 2026
half-life (def.) The amount of time it takes for half the atoms in a radioactive substance to disintegrate, such as radioactive waste discharged by nuclear submarines.
2.5 stars.
This fictional story takes readers to the city of La Maddalena on the island of Sardinia off the coast of Italy during the 1970s. The storyline weaves around the lives of the Navy wives of the men that worked the jobs that were connected to the U.S. Navy nuclear submarines that were docked at La Maddalena.
Starting with her whirlwind marriage to a young naval officer, Eileen O'Malley/Archer packs up her things and with her southern charm and naivety in tow she follows her new husband from Charleston, S.C. to La Maddalena, Italy.
While the political situation in Italy heats up and the fears of the local population grow surrounding the radiation safety in and around the nuclear submarines, the newlyweds face ups and downs of their own.
I really enjoyed this author's previous book, The House Is on Fire, and I was eager to read this one. However, I ended up being sorely disappointed. It ultimately became too difficult for me to overcome my dislike of the main character, Eileen. She was a naive, self centered, ungrateful, unfaithful, immature, gossipy woman. The parts of the story about the nuclear subs were engaging, but that was all overshadowed by Eileen's sexual escapades and spiral into infidelity.
Unfortunately, this is not a book that I will be recommending. I do encourage those who are interested in this book to check out the reviews of others who may have seen this book differently than I did.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars.
This fictional story takes readers to the city of La Maddalena on the island of Sardinia off the coast of Italy during the 1970s. The storyline weaves around the lives of the Navy wives of the men that worked the jobs that were connected to the U.S. Navy nuclear submarines that were docked at La Maddalena.
Starting with her whirlwind marriage to a young naval officer, Eileen O'Malley/Archer packs up her things and with her southern charm and naivety in tow she follows her new husband from Charleston, S.C. to La Maddalena, Italy.
While the political situation in Italy heats up and the fears of the local population grow surrounding the radiation safety in and around the nuclear submarines, the newlyweds face ups and downs of their own.
I really enjoyed this author's previous book, The House Is on Fire, and I was eager to read this one. However, I ended up being sorely disappointed. It ultimately became too difficult for me to overcome my dislike of the main character, Eileen. She was a naive, self centered, ungrateful, unfaithful, immature, gossipy woman. The parts of the story about the nuclear subs were engaging, but that was all overshadowed by Eileen's sexual escapades and spiral into infidelity.
Unfortunately, this is not a book that I will be recommending. I do encourage those who are interested in this book to check out the reviews of others who may have seen this book differently than I did.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2026
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC! Having enjoyed this author’s previous work, I was thrilled to dive into this latest release.
The story follows twenty-three-year-old Eileen O’Malley, who falls fast for Paul Archer, a charismatic naval officer. Soon, she finds herself trading her life in the States for the sun-drenched, yet politically charged, island of La Maddalena. While the "Navy wife" community tries to recreate home, Eileen—still grappling with the loss of her brother in Vietnam—finds herself falling in love with Italy for everything it isn't.
What I Loved:
• Eileen is a fantastic protagonist. Her journey of self-discovery and learning to advocate for herself felt incredibly authentic to the young woman’s experience. In addition, I admired her willingness to question the status quo—rather than accepting the placating answers she was given, she went out of her way to understand the political and environmental reality of the island.
• I wasn't familiar with this specific time period or the nuclear tensions in the Mediterranean, but the author’s lived experience in the area shines through, making the setting feel vivid and grounded.
The only reason this wasn't a full 5-star read for me was the pacing. It had a bit of a slow start, and a few chapters felt tangential to the main plot, which occasionally pulled me out of the momentum. Overall, a beautiful exploration of loyalty, secrets, and finding one's own voice.
The story follows twenty-three-year-old Eileen O’Malley, who falls fast for Paul Archer, a charismatic naval officer. Soon, she finds herself trading her life in the States for the sun-drenched, yet politically charged, island of La Maddalena. While the "Navy wife" community tries to recreate home, Eileen—still grappling with the loss of her brother in Vietnam—finds herself falling in love with Italy for everything it isn't.
What I Loved:
• Eileen is a fantastic protagonist. Her journey of self-discovery and learning to advocate for herself felt incredibly authentic to the young woman’s experience. In addition, I admired her willingness to question the status quo—rather than accepting the placating answers she was given, she went out of her way to understand the political and environmental reality of the island.
• I wasn't familiar with this specific time period or the nuclear tensions in the Mediterranean, but the author’s lived experience in the area shines through, making the setting feel vivid and grounded.
The only reason this wasn't a full 5-star read for me was the pacing. It had a bit of a slow start, and a few chapters felt tangential to the main plot, which occasionally pulled me out of the momentum. Overall, a beautiful exploration of loyalty, secrets, and finding one's own voice.
Did Not Finish
June 8, 2026DNFing at 100 pages. I am so incredibly bored. And if a book is almost 500 pages, I’ve got to have some kind of interest/intrigue to keep going. If I see a lot of reviews of other readers I trust loving it, I might pick it back up again, but DNF for now.
Thank you Simon Books for the gifted ARC!!
Thank you Simon Books for the gifted ARC!!
September 23, 2026
The story is set during an interesting time period - during the Cold War and amidst the American drive to spread democracy and rid Italy of communism. It was eye-opening (for me) to learn about US nuclear subs in Italy (off the coast of La Maddalena) in the 1970s (The Nuclear Propulsion Program) and the resistance of some Italians to the US presence and questions around the safety of the nuclear subs.
I found the first-person POV very effective in immersing the reader in the main character’s (Eileen, a US navy wife) mind.
The character-driven plot unfolded slowly, focusing on Eileen’s relationships with the other navy wives, the locals, and her relationship with her husband. The author did a great job of describing the island setting and culture and it felt very authentic to the time and place.
I do think the story could have been condensed and been shorter (it’s almost 500 pages).
Readers of character-driven Cold War historical fiction should check this one out.
I found the first-person POV very effective in immersing the reader in the main character’s (Eileen, a US navy wife) mind.
The character-driven plot unfolded slowly, focusing on Eileen’s relationships with the other navy wives, the locals, and her relationship with her husband. The author did a great job of describing the island setting and culture and it felt very authentic to the time and place.
I do think the story could have been condensed and been shorter (it’s almost 500 pages).
Readers of character-driven Cold War historical fiction should check this one out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love this author from one of her novels I read before, so I had a feeling I would enjoy this book and I did! This book did not disappoint, and I learned things about our navy and submarines, that I probably would still have no idea about had I not read this novel.
This book follows a young woman named Eileen, who meets a young man named Paul, and they begin a relationship as young adults. Paul finds out he is being shipped to Italy as part of his service to the navy, and he asks Eileen to marry him so that she may accompany him. Eileen agrees, and they move to Italy to start a life together.
As soon as they get to Italy they find that many Italian citizens are not happy that the Americans are there with their submarines due to possible nuclear materials getting into their waters there. Paul happens to be someone on the subs that deals with radiolgical materials and contamination possibilities, and in the end this causes more issues in their relationship than they initially want to admit to, although they end up realizing pretty quickly that they may not be meant to be after all. As Eileen meets more Italians and finds out more about why they are really upset, she starts to realize that Paul and the US Navy may not be as innocent as they try to portray to the public.
Overall this book flowed well, and I really enjoyed the story. I learned a lot about the US Navy, the way that service members wives come together, the issues we've had in the past with subs, as well as information on nuclear exposure. I plan to read more from this author as she comes out with things, because I truly enjoy the flow of the stories that she creates.
This book follows a young woman named Eileen, who meets a young man named Paul, and they begin a relationship as young adults. Paul finds out he is being shipped to Italy as part of his service to the navy, and he asks Eileen to marry him so that she may accompany him. Eileen agrees, and they move to Italy to start a life together.
As soon as they get to Italy they find that many Italian citizens are not happy that the Americans are there with their submarines due to possible nuclear materials getting into their waters there. Paul happens to be someone on the subs that deals with radiolgical materials and contamination possibilities, and in the end this causes more issues in their relationship than they initially want to admit to, although they end up realizing pretty quickly that they may not be meant to be after all. As Eileen meets more Italians and finds out more about why they are really upset, she starts to realize that Paul and the US Navy may not be as innocent as they try to portray to the public.
Overall this book flowed well, and I really enjoyed the story. I learned a lot about the US Navy, the way that service members wives come together, the issues we've had in the past with subs, as well as information on nuclear exposure. I plan to read more from this author as she comes out with things, because I truly enjoy the flow of the stories that she creates.
July 14, 2026
This premise of this book was intriguing to me. After visiting Italy earlier this year, I was excited to read a historical book based on this country.
Sadly, this book was a huge miss for me. The book started out strong with our FMC, Eileen O'Malley. Her brother was recently killed fighting in Vietnam and her parents and Eileen are struggling to find their new normal. Eileen is working in a local department store when she meets naval office, Paul Archer. A whirlwind romance begins as Paul finds out he is being deployed to Mediterranean island of La Maddalena, where Paul will be heading up Radiological Controls aboard a submarine tender.
Paul and Eileen's arrival in Italy and on the island was enjoyable until it wasn't. After this it began to read like a history book. It became too detailed and was mind numbing. The non-history parts of the books could not outweigh the drudgery of the details that Beanland included. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres but this was not for me.
Thank you Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sadly, this book was a huge miss for me. The book started out strong with our FMC, Eileen O'Malley. Her brother was recently killed fighting in Vietnam and her parents and Eileen are struggling to find their new normal. Eileen is working in a local department store when she meets naval office, Paul Archer. A whirlwind romance begins as Paul finds out he is being deployed to Mediterranean island of La Maddalena, where Paul will be heading up Radiological Controls aboard a submarine tender.
Paul and Eileen's arrival in Italy and on the island was enjoyable until it wasn't. After this it began to read like a history book. It became too detailed and was mind numbing. The non-history parts of the books could not outweigh the drudgery of the details that Beanland included. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres but this was not for me.
Thank you Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read
May 11, 2026DNF @ 50%
May 12, 2026
3.75 rounded up to 4. I love a fresh historical fiction that explores lesser known history and complex situations. Similar to her sophomore novel The House is On Fire, Rachel Beanland creates an engaging narrative in a specific time and setting in The Half Life, this time exploring the U.S. naval submarine operations in La Maddalena, Sardinia, Italy in the 1970s.
This coming of age story explores themes of loyalty, complicity, and the complexities of challenging a system of beliefs. As Eileen navigates early marriage, living abroad and becoming a “navy wife” she wrestles with the narrative she’s being given regarding the American presence in La Maddalena and the impact of their nuclear powered subs.
With an atmospheric setting and slow building, engaging narrative, I had a hard time putting this book down, especially near the end. Eileen is a flawed, likable character and I loved seeing her ask hard questions and challenge the American narrative she had been given. However, I have a difficult time rooting for characters actively choosing to cheat. A struggling marriage is zero excuse; normalizing and justifying infidelity is the biggest turn off for me as a reader.
I’d recommend this to lovers of atmospheric historical fiction who love reading about the lesser known moments of history. Thank you to Net Galley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC in exchange for an honest review, pub date is July 15,2026!
This coming of age story explores themes of loyalty, complicity, and the complexities of challenging a system of beliefs. As Eileen navigates early marriage, living abroad and becoming a “navy wife” she wrestles with the narrative she’s being given regarding the American presence in La Maddalena and the impact of their nuclear powered subs.
With an atmospheric setting and slow building, engaging narrative, I had a hard time putting this book down, especially near the end. Eileen is a flawed, likable character and I loved seeing her ask hard questions and challenge the American narrative she had been given. However, I have a difficult time rooting for characters actively choosing to cheat. A struggling marriage is zero excuse; normalizing and justifying infidelity is the biggest turn off for me as a reader.
I’d recommend this to lovers of atmospheric historical fiction who love reading about the lesser known moments of history. Thank you to Net Galley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC in exchange for an honest review, pub date is July 15,2026!
April 4, 2026
I went into this expecting well-written historical fiction that felt personal. This book delivered.
As a ~Navy wife~ this hit close (almost TOO close) to home. You can tell the story is rooted in lived experience. I loved how thoughtfully the book explores the complicated paradox of military life all while immersing you in such a vivid setting.
The pacing was a bit of a struggle at times, but I think it perfectly depicts the setting and circumstances. Overall, a meaningful, engaging read that I think will resonate deeply with the right audience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC!!
As a ~Navy wife~ this hit close (almost TOO close) to home. You can tell the story is rooted in lived experience. I loved how thoughtfully the book explores the complicated paradox of military life all while immersing you in such a vivid setting.
The pacing was a bit of a struggle at times, but I think it perfectly depicts the setting and circumstances. Overall, a meaningful, engaging read that I think will resonate deeply with the right audience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC!!
July 26, 2026
After having read and enjoyed Rachel Beanland’s first two novels, I was happy to receive a copy of The Half Life, her latest book.
to be continued…
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an eARC for review.
to be continued…
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an eARC for review.
July 21, 2026
The Half Life is simply a marvel. Eileen O'Malley is looking back on a fraught time in her life in the early 1970s when she moved to the island of Sardinia where her husband, a Navy Officer, was involved in the maintenance and repair of nuclear submarines stationed off the coast of an even smaller island. Eileen meets and marries Paul Archer very quickly - mostly to escape from the small sad life she is leading in America. What follows is a two year adventure in romance, sexual discovery, Italian politics, feminism, and a harsh lesson the personal and environmental impact of American military influence abroad. We know Eileen made it through this youthful crisis but Beanland withholds - to great narrative effect - the identify of the person to whom Eileen is recounting her story. Beanland knows of what she writes, having lived on the same island as a Navy family in the eighties but she does a masterful job in recreating what it must have been like a decade earlier. Highly recommend. Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the DRC.
July 30, 2026
The Half Life is the kind of story I like best—a novel that takes me to a place I’ve never been (in this case a place I’ve never heard of), that teaches me about something I’ve never truly heard of or understood, that is populated with characters who are growing and changing through the course of the book. Set at a Naval Air Station on the archipelago of La Madellana in Italy in 1974, this is the story of a young Navy wife who wants to support her new husband, but who, while trying to embrace her new home, finds her loyalties to both her country and her husband shifting. There are so many elements to this novel, from a faltering marriage, to the possible dangers to a community from the nuclear submarine docked at the navy base, to the complicated friendships and relationships of both Americans and Italians, to a young woman awakening to the complexities, challenges and possibilities of living her best life. This book is truly about home, loving it and protecting it at all costs, as well as finding one’s place in the world.
May 14, 2026
Absolutely loved this time capsule of a book. 1970s Italy and the unrest around the US nuclear submarines in the region.
July 24, 2026
2.4 stars for this story about a self-centered, self-involved, cheating wife who has a political and sexual awakening while she and her naval officer husband are stationed on La Maddalena Island off the coast of Italy. This turgid book with its unlikeable and disconnected characters had me desperately longing for a swift and merciful ending.
July 22, 2026
A fascinating story of a young Navy wife stationed in La Maddalena Italy in the mid-1970s.
It explores life in a foreign country as a military spouse, international relations, and the impact of nuclear activity, as well as finding community while finding yourself.
Definitely stay for the author's notes and acknowledgements. Andi Arndt's narration is excellent.
Thank you Simon & Schuster Audio and Libro.fm for the advance listener copy.
It explores life in a foreign country as a military spouse, international relations, and the impact of nuclear activity, as well as finding community while finding yourself.
Definitely stay for the author's notes and acknowledgements. Andi Arndt's narration is excellent.
Thank you Simon & Schuster Audio and Libro.fm for the advance listener copy.
September 17, 2026
i was just not understanding the purpose of the book & it fell flat in so many ways for me
it just did not do anything for me
it just did not do anything for me
August 2, 2026
One of those books that is easy and fun to binge at midnight-ask me how I know. Page turner and short chapters that are easy to feed. Historical fiction readers are going to love this! Researched well with side personal stories that keep the reader interested.
July 20, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Rachel Beanland. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!
Eileen is still mourning the death of her brother in Vietnam when she meets Paul, a Navy officer. Soon afterwards, he gets orders to report to the Mediterranean island of La Maddalena, where Paul will be heading up Radiological Controls aboard a submarine tender. Rather than be separated, they quickly marry and Eileen finds herself newly married in a country where she doesn't speak the language and the rules for a Navy wife are long. She soon becomes involved in the local politics and meets an Italian journalist, who awakens her in many ways.
I really enjoyed this look at a woman in the 1970s who is just on the cusp of figuring out who she is. I couldn't help but relate it to my mom who got married quickly when my dad was being sent to France in the late 1950s. The pressure on being perfect in a situation where you don't know the language or culture had to be so difficult. Eileen was a strong woman, trying to keep her marriage going, but discovering that there's a big world out there. Beautifully written and a personal story (be sure and read the author's note), it was told in the form of a written letter to a person unknown until the very end of the book. That person may have learned more than she wanted to! Very entertaining and informative as only the best historical fiction is.
Eileen is still mourning the death of her brother in Vietnam when she meets Paul, a Navy officer. Soon afterwards, he gets orders to report to the Mediterranean island of La Maddalena, where Paul will be heading up Radiological Controls aboard a submarine tender. Rather than be separated, they quickly marry and Eileen finds herself newly married in a country where she doesn't speak the language and the rules for a Navy wife are long. She soon becomes involved in the local politics and meets an Italian journalist, who awakens her in many ways.
I really enjoyed this look at a woman in the 1970s who is just on the cusp of figuring out who she is. I couldn't help but relate it to my mom who got married quickly when my dad was being sent to France in the late 1950s. The pressure on being perfect in a situation where you don't know the language or culture had to be so difficult. Eileen was a strong woman, trying to keep her marriage going, but discovering that there's a big world out there. Beautifully written and a personal story (be sure and read the author's note), it was told in the form of a written letter to a person unknown until the very end of the book. That person may have learned more than she wanted to! Very entertaining and informative as only the best historical fiction is.
July 22, 2026
3.5 stars. After losing her brother in the Vietnam War, Eileen O’Malley falls into a whirlwind marriage with Navy officer Paul Archer and follows him to a small Italian island during the Cold War. What starts as a fresh beginning quickly turns into military secrets, a crumbling marriage, suspicious illnesses, and Eileen realizing she may have built an entire life around someone else’s choices.
This had grief, government cover-ups, complicated relationships, and plenty of people choosing loyalty over honesty. There is one storyline I personally choose not to read about, so I did skim through those parts—I won’t spoil what it is—but overall, this was an interesting, layered story about finding your own voice when everyone around you would really prefer that you stay quiet. Pub. 7/14/26
I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This had grief, government cover-ups, complicated relationships, and plenty of people choosing loyalty over honesty. There is one storyline I personally choose not to read about, so I did skim through those parts—I won’t spoil what it is—but overall, this was an interesting, layered story about finding your own voice when everyone around you would really prefer that you stay quiet. Pub. 7/14/26
I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2026
There were times that I didn’t love this book (the main character made me cringe with some of her decision making!) but I ultimately really loved this historical fiction about a time and place I’ve never read about before: the Mediterranean in the 1970s where the US Navy had nuclear submarines amidst the Cold War and at the end of Vietnam. There was some nuclear politics, some CIA/KGB, some Vietnam, some US Navy family life, some biology, some communism and some romance. Although not perfect, I am so glad I read this, in particular for the epilogue and the authors note. Some overt metaphors and use of the Italian language to really emphasize a message at times, but I still really liked this one!
October 6, 2026
Things I support: women’s rights and wrongs
Things I don’t support: the American government
Things I don’t support: the American government
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