Winter is a great season to curl up in a ball and read a good book. With all the germs going around this year, I had more time to read than usual. While I read through a few books that were OK at best, one novel really stood out in a good way.
The book is titled The Alice Network
The novel was written by Kate Quinn and read by Saskia Maarleveld.
The novel was written by Kate Quinn and read by Saskia Maarleveld.
The unabridged version was 15 hours and 7 minutes long.
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Book Review: The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
Many books take a chapter or two to suck you in, but The Alice Network hooks you within the first few pages. This book is classified as historical fiction, but I view it more as fiction set in the past. It is a juicy, fast, and fun read, but it definitely isn't something I learned from. Learning something may not be a qualifier of historical fiction, but it's certainly an added bonus! The author did a great job developing the characters while strategically intertwining their story lines. Her writing leaves the reader intrigued chapter after chapter with new questions to be answered. Bottom line - this book is the complete and total opposite of boring!
In between their journey, the author takes us back in time to give us insight on Evelyn's past. While we got minor insight into Evelyn's childhood, her timeline was centered around her part in WW1. We quickly learn that Evelyn was a recruited spy that was stationed in France for her first stint. It is during this time that Evelyn Gardiner meets an enemy that brings Charlie to her door in the future. The author stays away from unbelievable coincidence and focuses on fate from free will. She did fate well! The reader learns of Evelyn's past as Charlie does making it an easy transition through timelines.
This is a story of justice and perseverance, but mostly of self confidence and self discovery. Every character fights an inner battle until they learn they hold the power to control their destiny. The most powerful message and main theme of the book is that you are enough. ...in a realistic way. There was no superhero strength here. It was all about the power of wits!
I would highly recommend The Alice Network by Kate Quinn.
This was a great book to fight off the Winter blues, but would also be a great choice for a Summer read. It's a book that covers two world wars with lots of feels but limited tears!
Have you read The Alice Network?
Sounds like a winner indeed. Though while wits are great, I still wouldn't mind a super power of three though haha And yeah, staying in and avoiding the germs is fine too.
ReplyDeletelol I'd take a superpower too, something that keeps me healthy and slows down the aging process.. but I don't like to read about them in my historical novels. :)
DeleteNice review.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteWe do ever so like handsome Scotsmen!
ReplyDeleteYessir, although I never met one IRL. :(
DeleteI think I have read it, but I went through a lot of WW books and get them mixed up. I've had a good run lately. I enjoyed several books in a row . . .The Giver of Stars, The Dutch House, and Meantime.
DeleteI usually skip over historical fiction, but this one intrigues me. I am adding it to my read list right now.
ReplyDelete