The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
One of the challenges I’ve set for myself this year is to read at least one book a month that was recommended by my readers.
The book in January was The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. Here’s a quick little conversation I had about it with the reader who recommended it, Rebecca:
Thank you for recommending The Alice Network by Kate Quinn.
What made you recommend it?
I recommended it because when you asked for recommendations, I went through my Goodreads looking for books that I had rated highly & were standalone as I wasn’t sure if you wanted to potentially start a series as part of your challenge.
This book has a dual timeline, one taking place during World War 1 and the other right after World War 2, narrated by two very different women. Did you prefer one story over the other?
I honestly don’t know whether I preferred one story line over the other as I read it in 2019. But I gave it 5 stars so I suspect I enjoyed both storylines. My review at the time was:
“Fascinating fictionalized account of a real spy network in First World War France.
The story centres around 4 women across two world wars.
Wonderful read.”
Since it’s historical fiction inspired by a real life World War 1 female spy, I have to ask: Were you aware of the real life heroine? And if so, was it before or after you read the book? (I wasn’t beforehand but went down a little bit of a rabbit hole learning about Louise de Bettignies and her compatriots as I was reading the novel.)
No, I wasn’t aware of the real-life WW1 female spy before reading. I was aware female spies existed in general but not any specific people. I would have googled them after reading but I don’t think I’ve retained much. I think there was something about a bicycle.
If you could recommend one other book, what would it be, and why?
Ha! I’ve recommended lots of books to you already. Some of which you have already read.
Afterlove by Tanya Bryne. Beautifully written love story that is not your typical romance. Explores grief and identity. This book impacted me emotionally.
All The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe. A twisty YA about the daughter of a con artist who is taken hostage in a bank heist. Read it about 2 years ago & still think about it.
Hex Appeal by Kate Johnson is a magical romantic comedy. A fun, light, entertaining read.
Chemistry of Love by Sariah Wilson is a STEM rom com with pop references. It is a sweet romance but Sariah proves that they can still have plenty of sizzle. Currently one of Amazon’s First Reads options & you can choose 2 this January.
To be honest if you like well written sweet romances with fantastic character development I’d recommend any of Sariah Wilson’s books.
Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney would be a good read for October. Set at Halloween. Thriller with twists. Some actually surprised me (they rarely do because the way my brain works & the amount of books/films etc I’ve consumed my brain tends to race ahead & can usually see what’s coming. )
My current read is Little Face by Sophie Hannah. It’s about a married couple who can’t agree whether the baby in their home is their daughter, Florence, or not. The mother, Alice, goes out alone for the 1st time after the birth, 2 weeks ago. Comes home to find the door open, her husband asleep and when checks the crib, she is convinced the baby inside is not Florence. The father disagrees and thinks the mother has gone mad.
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