The Alice Network: A Novel

Brilliant historical novel

“The Alice Network”, weaves both World Wars and two unshakable women Eve and Charlie into a splendid work of historical fiction that is based on a true spy ring named in its title. It is a fascinating story of two unlikely friends both in pursuit of one cruel and wicked man Rene Bordelon as they search for the truth and ultimately justice with Finn, a Scottish man with his own demons forever at their side. It’s an enthralling read, the narrative is breathtaking, comedic at times, but heartbreaking. Its pace between the dual storylines is perfect and strategically placed making it a powerful novel. The reader will be a cheerleader for both Eve and Charlie, a former spy and a young lady who is a math wiz, respectively as their unification sets the stage for a great novel.It pays homage to those women who were relentless in spying for France in order to keep the Germans at arms length, foiling their plans for advancement and it was a dangerous task. One of the main themes throughout this novel is female friendships as they grow and change over the course of time. It is an emotional roller coaster. Everyone in the network suffers from emotional distress due to war and the reader can connect with all of the characters involved, they are relatable. The novel is well executed for both timelines from 1915 & 1947, and I easily felt connected to both main characters and to Finn as well.This book is well written, absolutely interesting, historically based and the pages kept on turning. Pick up “The Alice Network”, it is a wonderful read.

The story was touching and 'real' with a clever use of factual historical events intertwined with the author's creation of the fictional characters. I went to to research more information about Oradour-sur-Glane - a tragic war-time event which should never be forgotten!A really great book!

Je l'avais lu en français et souhait le relire en VO

As I finished the epilogue of this brilliant book, liberating tears immediately spilled down my cheeks!Have you ever let yourself be so caught up in a story that letting go of the characters almost hurt? Have you ever experienced a liberating cry? I hadn’t before now. I hadn’t even realised it had been building in me from the beginning of this book, but apparently it had.And boy was it good to let it out! I believe Eve deserved my cry but most of all Louise De Bettignies and all the courageous women who fought and laid down their lives for our freedom in WWI and WWII did!Now that I got that off my chest, let me tell you about this little masterpiece!This is the story of a young girl called Eve who joins the Alice Network in WWI France. This was a network of British spies that was run by a woman called Louise De Bettignies. We follow young Eve during her years in Lille as she spies on the Germans, while working for a ruthless Frenchman, René, in a local cafe! The book alternates from her story in 1915 to present day in 1947. In 1947 we meet Charlie, a 19 yr old American socialite who is encinte and searching for her missing cousin, Rose. Somehow her search leads her to the now alcohol ridden and trigger-happy Eve. While sparks fly quickly between the two stubborn women, they soon realise that they might have a common enemy! Enter Finn Kilgote, Eve’s brooding, Scottish driver, and what you get is one of the best threesome main characters I have encountered in a book!Quinn has woven a heart wrenching story of love, sacrifice, betrayal and revenge, sprinkled with her usual humour, her meticulous research and her unquenchable thirst to for demonstrating women’s bravery to the world!A must-read!

Trama muito bem escrita e gostei de ficar sabendo algo sobre o papel das mulheres na II Guerra Mundial.