In an enthralling new historical novel from national bestselling author Kate Quinn, two women-a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947-are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption. 1947. In the chaotic aftermath of World War II, American college girl Charlie St. Clair is pregnant, unmarried, and on the verge of being thrown out of her very proper family. She's also nursing a desperate hope that her beloved cousin Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France during the war, might still be alive. So when Charlie's parents banish her to Europe to have her "little problem" taken care of, Charlie breaks free and heads to London, determined to find out what happened to the cousin she loves like a sister. 1915. A year into the Great War, Eve Gardiner burns to join the fight against the Germans and unexpectedly gets her chance when she's recruited to work as a spy. Sent into enemy-occupied France, she's trained by the mesmerizing Lili, the "Queen of Spies", who manages a vast network of secret agents right under the enemy's nose.
Thirty years later, haunted by the betrayal that ultimately tore apart the Alice Network, Eve spends her days drunk and secluded in her crumbling London house. Until a young American barges in uttering a name Eve hasn't heard in decades, and launches them both on a mission to find the truth...no matter where it leads. "Both funny and heartbreaking, this epic journey of two courageous women is an unforgettable tale of little-known wartime glory and sacrifice. Quinn knocks it out of the park with this spectacular book!"-Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of America's First Daughter
I had been on a role with historical fiction books and movies set in or with a connection with World War II. The Alice Network came highly recommended to me by several people especially ones had also read (or had knowledge of) Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. I add The Alice Network to my TBR pile and immediately put a hold on it at my library, but when I saw it at Barnes & Noble on the “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” table, I snatched up a copy because I just couldn’t wait ANY longer.
I liked The Alice Network. I didn’t love it. But admittedly, it had a high bar to leap as I had recently seen Dunkirk and re-read Code Name Verity (and cried like a baby AGAIN—Kiss me, Hardy!). I was still chasing that same emotional resonance that I felt while watching Dunkirk and re-reading “Verity” when I bought The Alice Network.
What I Like About The Alice Network
I like the history of women spies. The lengths the women went through to gather intel and pass messages never failed to amaze me. While “Verity” covered the torture that happens to a capture spy, The Alice Network reveals the dangers, the stress of being discovered, and the tactics used to pass messages. It was marveling and heart-breaking. I will never think of Baudelaire in the same way again.
What I Dislike about The Alice Network
Compared to Eve’s story (WWI spy), Charlie’s parallel story felt flat for me. I wanted to care about her quest to find Rose, but Charlie struck me as self-centered and self-involved. Her connection to Eve seemed flimsy. Also Charlie’s story is predictable at best. It doesn’t not have the layers or intrigue that Eve’s story has. The hurt and damage in Charlie’s life lies on the surface and is somewhat easily solved; while Eve’s hurt and damage is soul deep and life-long.
Is The Alice Network Worth Your Time?
Yes, if you are a fan of historical fiction. If you are drawn to strong women overcoming seemingly impossible odds, The Alice Network is right up your alley. And if you like learning about silent pockets of history, I would definitely encourage you to give The Alice Network a shot.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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22 October, 2017:
Finished reading
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22 October, 2017:
Reviewed