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All Afternoon
Not yet published
Expected 21 Apr 26
River Ridge, New Jersey, 1978:
As feminism takes root in this tight-knit Jewish community, women are opening businesses, rethinking their marriages, and challenging their synagogue’s long-standing rules.
Not Marilyn Weisfeld.
Once a promising writer, Marilyn gave up her literary dreams twenty years ago when she married Jerry, a self-important professor of economics. Now, she’s too busy raising children, braiding challahs, and entertaining her husband’s insufferable colleagues to think about what else her life might have held… until the night an old friend comes to dinner.
When bestselling author Henry Goldfarb asks for Marilyn’s feedback on his new novel, something long buried inside her stirs back to life. And when he encourages her to write again, she starts sneaking into Manhattan every week to see him. In long afternoons of shared stories, easy laughter, and soul-baring conversations, Marilyn catches glimpses of a more fulfilling life she could be living – if only she can find the courage to reach for it.
But change always comes at a cost. And as Marilyn’s feelings for Henry begin to blur boundaries and test loyalties, the tidy existence she has woven so carefully in River Ridge begins to unravel. Caught between the comfort of old rhythms and the thrill of new possibilities, she will have to decide exactly what price she’s willing to pay to live bravely, authentically, and without regret.
Warmhearted, funny, and relatable, All Afternoon is a powerful debut about the quiet ache of losing yourself and the courageous work of finding your way back.
As feminism takes root in this tight-knit Jewish community, women are opening businesses, rethinking their marriages, and challenging their synagogue’s long-standing rules.
Not Marilyn Weisfeld.
Once a promising writer, Marilyn gave up her literary dreams twenty years ago when she married Jerry, a self-important professor of economics. Now, she’s too busy raising children, braiding challahs, and entertaining her husband’s insufferable colleagues to think about what else her life might have held… until the night an old friend comes to dinner.
When bestselling author Henry Goldfarb asks for Marilyn’s feedback on his new novel, something long buried inside her stirs back to life. And when he encourages her to write again, she starts sneaking into Manhattan every week to see him. In long afternoons of shared stories, easy laughter, and soul-baring conversations, Marilyn catches glimpses of a more fulfilling life she could be living – if only she can find the courage to reach for it.
But change always comes at a cost. And as Marilyn’s feelings for Henry begin to blur boundaries and test loyalties, the tidy existence she has woven so carefully in River Ridge begins to unravel. Caught between the comfort of old rhythms and the thrill of new possibilities, she will have to decide exactly what price she’s willing to pay to live bravely, authentically, and without regret.
Warmhearted, funny, and relatable, All Afternoon is a powerful debut about the quiet ache of losing yourself and the courageous work of finding your way back.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 21, 2026
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 24, 2025
What a delightful debut novel from the extremely talented Susan Kleinman. I stretched out the reading of this book because I wanted it to last. Loved the protagonist Marilyn and routed for her until the very last page. Her husband Jerry was perfectly detestable. The references to life in the 1970s brought me right back to my childhood. Marilyn made the hard choices that were so much more difficult in the 70s. She’s a truly relatable character and I so enjoyed following her journey. Highly recommend!
January 12, 2026
We follow Marilyn, a modern orthodox Jewish woman, 39 in the late 70s set in NJ. As a good wife and mother she is the perfect homemaker to her husband Jerry and four daughters.
She slowly starts to rediscover her own wants, needs and ambitions. An author friend Henry opens her eyes to new possibilities. She is mostly overlooked and undervalued, but you really root for her. Unhappy with her marriage, but unable to leave because of social pressure and a lack of funds.
I found it a pity that Jerry has no redeemable qualities. I wish there was a glimpse of why she married him, and stayed married to him.
The relationship between her and her sister Bernice is so beautiful and supportive.
The book is very tender, melancholy but still witty and gives a beautiful vignette into what it is like to be a homemaker.
I really enjoyed reading this book and commend Kleinman on writing a book about Jewish joy.
She slowly starts to rediscover her own wants, needs and ambitions. An author friend Henry opens her eyes to new possibilities. She is mostly overlooked and undervalued, but you really root for her. Unhappy with her marriage, but unable to leave because of social pressure and a lack of funds.
I found it a pity that Jerry has no redeemable qualities. I wish there was a glimpse of why she married him, and stayed married to him.
The relationship between her and her sister Bernice is so beautiful and supportive.
The book is very tender, melancholy but still witty and gives a beautiful vignette into what it is like to be a homemaker.
I really enjoyed reading this book and commend Kleinman on writing a book about Jewish joy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
All Afternoon by Susan Kleinman is a quietly powerful portrait of self-discovery set in the late 1970s. Through the eyes of Marilyn, a Jewish homemaker who has long lived in the shadow of her self-important husband, Kleinman captures the yearning for purpose and identity that stirs when a friend awakens long-buried ambitions. With insight, wit, and emotional honesty, All Afternoon explores the courage it takes to step out from the sidelines and claim a life that feels truly one’s own. Readers who enjoyed Marie Botswick’s The Bookclub for Troublesome Women or Catherine Newman’s Sandwichwill rejoice at this charming and captivating story of a woman rediscovering her voice. An intimate, thought-provoking novel that lingers long after the last page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The first thing you notice about Susan Kleinman’s writing is her humor. Smart and sassy, her wit is so sharp that it catches you off guard and repeatedly reminds you how much fun this author is to read. But beneath the humor in ALL AFTERNOON is a moving, incisive story of a woman asked to squeeze into a lifestyle that no longer fits. Marilyn is the matriarch of an observant Jewish family, but she’s also Every Woman – fighting within herself to be “good” even as she struggles against those who limit her. The story is fresh and compelling, and the ending is surprising and satisfying. A delightful read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the story beginning middle and end and the writing was so good. The story was authentic and somehow incredibly overlooked in literature and media especially when it comes to Jewish representation. The ending made me cry, which is really hard for a book. It was exactly what it was meant to be and not obvious but still packaged everything up nicely. I got an advanced copy and can’t wait to see it hit the shelves!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Susan Kleinman’s debut novel is one of those books you can’t put down. Set in the 1970s and steeped in Orthodox Jewish life, the main character, Marilyn, is relatable to any of us who struggle with losing our identity following marriage, children, or the passage of time. Kleinman’s writing is beautiful. She is able to bring each character to life through her literary artistry. I can’t wait to read her next novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Susan Kleinman’s, All Afternoon is a searing look at one woman’s journey to self-discovery. Set in the 1970’s at the height of the women’s movement, this fast-paced novel blends heartbreak and humor with incandescent prose, giving us an honest portrayal of a Jewish modern-orthodox marriage and family. Torn between expectation and desire, Kleinman’s protagonist takes the painful steps necessary to break out of her traditional role, and discovers the healing powers of love, passion, and art.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"From the first page, Susan Kleinman swept me into the heart of her main character, Marilyn Kagan Weisfeld. I felt Marilyn's frustration and pain as a repressed housewife in a loveless marriage, and rooted for her to break free and live life as she chooses. Kleinman's compelling story is written with great detail and emotion. "All Afternoon" is a read-in-one-afternoon book that I enjoyed immensely."
Rebecca Wolf, author of "Alive and Beating"
Rebecca Wolf, author of "Alive and Beating"
Review of advance copy received from Author
“All Afternoon” is an amazing book that gripped me right from the start. I read the book within a 24 hour period. The characters are so well developed, and I was rooting for them to have a great outcome. Ms. Kleinman’s writing draws you in. I hope to read more books by her soon. You will not be disappointed!
Review of advance copy received from Author
All Afternoon is a big-hearted, funny, and insightful story about a woman caught between a lackluster life and the pursuit of her dreams. Every woman who has ever felt the tug of war between what is expected of her and a burning desire for something more will resonate with Marilyn's journey—and be inspired to take a step towards a larger and more vibrant life of her own.
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January 1, 2026I can't wait to read it!!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews