Beth Adelman, a Bronx native, writes about New Yorkers. In spring 2026, Adelman published her first novel, Three Lives in New York, about a tumultuous day at a company whose president is involved in a kickback scheme. The three--a reclusive bookkeeper, a blunt vice president, and the former debutante become company president, undergo changes, great and small by the end of the day. Adelman has enjoyed reading from the novel at the Hudson Valley Writers Center and at the New York Society Library, and welcomes opportunities for more readings.
Kirkus Reviews published a review of the book in July 2026, saying, "Excellent...Adelman’s novel is gentle and empathetic and never shies away from the pain and suffering that its characters face. Its dialogue is its greatest strength, bringing each character to vivid life." The review was featured in the October 1, 2026, Kirkus Review magazine.
Adelman's short stories have been published in Bodega, WORK, Woven Tale Press, Brilliant Corners, the Jewish Literary Journal, Jewish Fiction.net and the Literary Bronx, which also published her essay on the poet Naomi Replansky.
After teaching writing at NYU, Adelman worked as an academic editor and grant proposal writer. As grants manager for Fordham University, she assisted faculty in the preparation of complex proposals to federal and state agencies and private foundations.
Adelman is interested in the convergence of personal lives and politics, and reads almost obsessively--trying not to despair--about our current political situation. When there is time and the weather is favorable, she enjoys biking, visiting Wave Hill and the Botanical Gardens. A follower of classical music, jazz, and Latin music, she has seen the Buena Vista Social Club four times, taking friends and family along. She is working on her second novel, about jazz musicians trying to make a life for themselves in late 1990's New York City.
- Adelman's novel, Three Lives in New York is available through her website, Bethadelmanfiction.com, and through The Corner Bookstore in Manhattan, by email at [email protected] .
