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The Alice Network

by Kate Quinn (Goodreads Author)

4.34 · Rating Details · 2,627 Ratings · 511 Reviews

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, Americ ...more

Paperback, 503 pages

Published June 6th 2017 by William Morrow Paperbacks

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Community Reviews

(showing 1-30)

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Jun 12, 2017 Diane S ☔ rated it really liked it

In the last several years women from many different walks of life and ethnicities, and their integral contributions to the arts and science are being uncovered, recognized and brought to mainstream attention in books and movies. The Alice network, operating in France, is another such contribution, taking place during the first world war and was a spy network consisting of women. Women who put themselves in grave danger to collect information that the allies could use to defeat Germany.

I enjoyed ...more

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Jul 09, 2017 Jennifer Masterson rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audio, historical-fiction, 2017

"The Alice Network" was a nice escape for me. I enjoyed one part of the book but not the other. There are two storylines going on. I absolutely loved the story in 1915 but the story in 1947 was just OK for me. I didn't like the character of Charley nor that storyline. I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction so maybe it's just me. A lot of people loved this book.

I listened to the audio version. The narrator was very good. No problems there.

WWI storyline - 5 Stars
WWII storyline- 2.5 Stars

If you e ...more

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Jun 23, 2017 Lori rated it really liked it · review of another edition

i could not put this down! From the first chapter I was hooked. Memorable characters and an engrossing story. Glad that the bulk of the story focused on WWI rather than WWII... also, loved that it was based on actual people & events. 4.5 stars.

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Nov 16, 2016 Erin rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historic-fiction-1900s

Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....

Do you know what happens when one of your favorite authors leaves her usual stomping grounds and tackles your favorite period of world history? First, you geek out like the nerd you are. Then worry sets in and you start to psyche yourself out over whether or not the novel will live up to your inflated expectations. After that, you vacillate back and forth between the two. This continues until you actually get opportunity to Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....

Do you know what happens when one of your favorite authors leaves her usual stomping grounds and tackles your favorite period of world history? First, you geek out like the nerd you are. Then worry sets in and you start to psyche yourself out over whether or not the novel will live up to your inflated expectations. After that, you vacillate back and forth between the two. This continues until you actually get opportunity to read the book and are put out of your misery. I know because that’s exactly what happened when I discovered Kate Quinn was writing about World War II.

It was horrible. The highs and lows of my anticipation put Tim Curry to shame, but I was offered an unexpected reprieve in the form of a simple blue ARC. My copy lacked the author’s notes and the attractive jacket, but the story was there and that was all I needed. I inhaled the book in single sitting and then, just because I could, I read it again. I didn’t take notes on the first pass which is unusual for me. I intended to, but my infamous notebook was actually blank when I finished the final page and looking back, I’m glad I didn’t write my review then and there as my thoughts on my first read were remarkably different than those on my second.

Quinn’s signature humor was abundant, but the rhythms of The Alice Network are very different than those of her earlier works. I was confused by that on my first pass, but I grew a deep appreciation for it on my second. I loved the characters, Eve, Lili, and Finn had me rolling on floor more often than I care to admit, but the thematic ideas Quinn played with over the course of the novel felt larger and more comprehensive than anything I’d seen from her before.

I was tickled by the appearance of a Legonda LG6, but the car itself was a superficial detail that could have been dropped into any story. The fabric of the narrative, however, speaks to a much deeper understanding of the period than the car and/or cover description suggests. Half the narrative takes place during World War I while the other unfolds just after World War II. Anyone who has studied the politics will tell you the two conflicts are intrinsically related, but as a fan of war era fiction, I can attest that few authors attempt to illustrate the relationship in a single narrative. Though she avoids deep diving into the political side of things, Quinn treats the two wars as continuing chapters in the lives and experiences of her cast and while I’m not sure every reader will appreciate the subtle nuance, I was personally very impressed with the thematic parallel.

I freely admit that some portions of the narrative are slower than others. In terms of tension, Quinn’s work can’t be compared to spy novels like Code Name Verity, but the personal journeys and conflicts faced by each character offer a different sort of intrigue. There are moments, carefully scattered throughout the story, that leave one on edge of their seat, but it is the characters and how they are shaped by their experiences that captivates the imagination.

Would I recommend the book? Whole-heartedly and without hesitation. I expected this novel to be well-written and I expected an exhaustive level of research to be evidenced in the final product. Quinn delivered on both, but she also managed level of creativity, depth and authentic human emotion that caught me entirely off guard. ...more

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Jun 11, 2017 Dem rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: war

An interesting and entertaining read about 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. The chapters alternate between Charlie’s story in 1947 and Eve’s story in 1915 and I really enjoyed Eve's story the most.

The Alice Network was new to me and I was really interested in reading a historical fiction book about this time in history and how women became spy's and put themselve ...more

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Apr 16, 2017 Purple Country Girl (Sandy) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorite, historical-fiction, goodreads-giveaway, fiction, france, paperback, arc

I won a copy of The Alice Network in a Goodreads Giveaway.

I loved The Alice Network. It is by far the best book I’ve read this year, maybe even in the last few years. I was fully invested in the wonderful characters and the fantastic story from the beginning. I love books set in WWI and WWII and The Alice Network takes places during the former and shortly after the latter. A bonus is that much of the book takes place in the French countryside.

In 1947, Charlie St. Clair is a nineteen year old Ame I won a copy of The Alice Network in a Goodreads Giveaway.

I loved The Alice Network. It is by far the best book I’ve read this year, maybe even in the last few years. I was fully invested in the wonderful characters and the fantastic story from the beginning. I love books set in WWI and WWII and The Alice Network takes places during the former and shortly after the latter. A bonus is that much of the book takes place in the French countryside.

In 1947, Charlie St. Clair is a nineteen year old American college student with a very big problem: she is unmarried and pregnant. Her parents decide that the “problem” needs to be taken care of permanently which results in Charlie and her mother traveling to a clinic in Switzerland. After they have docked in Southampton, England, awaiting the second leg of their journey, Charlie sneaks away from her mother and takes a train to London because she has a secret mission: to find her French cousin, Rose, who disappeared during WWII while living in Nazi-occupied France. Charlie adores Rose and, growing up, they were as close as sisters. Having lost her brother and with her parents close to disowning her, Charlie is desperate to find Rose. She has managed to uncover a lead but it’s just an address and a name: 10 Hampson Street, Pimlico, London. Evelyn Gardiner. But who is this Evelyn Gardiner and what help can she possibly offer Charlie?

Evelyn (Eve) Gardiner, it turns out, is a Luger-toting, middle-aged woman with grotesquely disfigured hands, a horrible attitude and a terrible stutter - and a drinking problem. Initially dismissive of Charlie’s desperate search for Rose, Eve’s interest is piqued at the mention of the last place Rose was known to have worked as well as a man’s name: a restaurant called Le Lethe and a Monsieur Rene. Eve decides Charlie can stay the night but she wants her gone first thing in the morning. The next morning, however, Eve has changed her mind and she agrees to help Charlie - for a price. Joining them on their journey to France to find Rose is Finn, a young Scotsman who works for and looks out for Eve. They pile into his Lagonda and their entertaining road trip begins but will Charlie and Eve find what they are looking for?

The chapters alternate between Charlie’s story in 1947 and Eve’s story in 1915. In Eve’s back story, we learn that while working as a “file girl” in a law office, she is approached by Captain Cecil Aylmer Cameron to become a spy for the Crown. He’s been in and out of the law office for a few weeks and has noticed that Eve is as cool as a cucumber under pressure and that she’s good at seeming innocent but she can tell lies with the best of them, and she is also fluent in French and German. Qualities they are looking for in a good spy. Eve readily agrees to join this group of spies called the Alice Network where she will be trained by Lili, the network’s charismatic leader. Eve is about to embark on a journey that is exciting but also very dangerous - and it will change her life forever.

Both stories are vivid and beautifully-written. Charlie and Eve are fantastic characters, very realistic and unique. Finn is also wonderfully drawn and quite appealing. The French setting is magnificently depicted and the research is impeccable and everything fits together perfectly. The period detail is top-notch: you can see, smell and feel all the things Quinn describes in both time periods. There is humor but there is also heartbreak and horror. Quinn does an amazing job bringing her characters and their stories to life and, learning that the Alice Network was an actual network of spies, makes me appreciate and love The Alice Network even more. I highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction set in WWI and WWII and historical fiction in general. ...more

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May 17, 2017 Christie«SHBBblogger» rated it it was amazing

Shelves: top-shelf-quality, big-girl-panties-read, broken-heroine, snarky-heroine, advanced-copy, heroine-worship, epic-all-time-read, june2017, historical, revenge-is-sweet

Title: The Alice Network
Series: Standalone
Author: Kate Quinn
Release date: June 6, 2017
Cliffhanger: No
HEA(view spoiler)

The Alice Network is one of the most brilliant and inspired books I have ever read. Yes, those are some tall words, but I say that with no hesitation or second thought. I feel like it's an impossible feat to sit here and adequately explain all of the reasons why you ~~should~~ NEED TO READ THIS.

Let's get this straight right from the start. This is not for the ...more

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Apr 16, 2017 Monica rated it it was amazing

Shelves: first-reads

This novel is the reason why I love history! Charlie is a pregnant unwed mother after World War II. She is struggling with the loss of her brother, her dear cousin is missing and she does not know what to do about her "little problem." Instead of taking care of her little problem like her parents want her to, Charlie goes to England to meet up with Eve. Charlie believes Eve might know what happened to Rose, her missing cousin. The story then alternates back in time to when Eve was a spy in Franc ...more

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Jan 12, 2017 Stephanie Thornton rated it it was amazing

I'm a fan of all of Kate Quinn's books, but I'm downright gobsmacked by the genius that is The Alice Network.

Set in both 1947 and 1915, Charlie St. Clair and Eve Gardiner's lives are a giant interconnected jigsaw puzzle, the pieces brilliantly linked together over the course of two world wars. My jaw dropped several times as new parallels were teased out between these women's lives. I ended up truly loving both women, but it was Eve, the stuttering secretary-turned-spy who really stole the show ...more

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Jun 13, 2017 Carole (Carole's Random Life in Books) rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs-to-review, edelweiss, arc-not-yet-released, historical-fiction, 2017

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

This was an excellent novel. I found myself really getting hooked by this book more and more as I read. I knew that I wanted to read this book as soon as I read the summary. Historical fiction that focuses on female spies during World War I was just too interesting to pass up. It did take me a little bit to really get into the story but once I did there was no looking back. I am so glad that I decided to pick up this wonderful book.

T This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

This was an excellent novel. I found myself really getting hooked by this book more and more as I read. I knew that I wanted to read this book as soon as I read the summary. Historical fiction that focuses on female spies during World War I was just too interesting to pass up. It did take me a little bit to really get into the story but once I did there was no looking back. I am so glad that I decided to pick up this wonderful book.

This book is told in two different timelines. The first timeline is in 1947 just a few years after World War II and the second timeline takes place during World War I in 1915. So many times when a book is laid out in this manner, I find myself enjoying one timeline more than the other. That was not the case at all with this book. The shifts between the time periods flowed remarkably well. There was never a time where I wished the book would stay in either timeline a little longer. I was really very equally interested in both times and I thought that the way they worked together was flawless.

The characters in this book were amazing. Charlie is the first character that makes an appearance and she is the focus of the 1947 timeline. She is young but very smart and I thought she had a lot of spunk. Eve is really the star of this book. She is the character that brings the two timelines together. She is the focus of the 1915 time period and her character plays a very important role in 1947. I think that seeing the changes in her over time really added a lot to the story. I also really enjoyed Finn, Lili, and Violette. Everyone in this story plays an important role and each of the characters felt very realistic.

I loved that this book really made me feel for the characters. This story is set during two very rough periods of time historically. There were points in the story that I really felt the character's fear, uncertainty, and frustrations. Some parts of the book were heartbreaking and terrifying. I also liked that the book took a positive turn and ended with hope. There is even a bit of romance that really worked well for me.

I would highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction. This story took a subject that I knew very little about and brought it to life. I am completely impressed by this book and will be checking out other novels written by Kate Quinn soon.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from William Morrow Paperbacks via Edelweiss.

Initial Thoughts
This was a great book. The dual timelines worked together perfectly and each period told a very interesting story. The characters were wonderful and the story was exciting. Definitely a book worth picking up. ...more

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May 08, 2017 Dorie rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery-thriller, literature, netgalley-feedback

I really loved this book. I hadn't read anything about women spies during WWI, lots about WWII, so this was unique. The characters were great, well described with lots of depth of understanding of what it was to be them.

I think this is one of the best historical fiction novels I have read this year. I will write a longer review and post to social media soon. I just wanted to get this posted so you will all still have time to request it!

There are so many great characters it's hard to say who my ...more

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Jun 07, 2017 Cora ☕ Tea Party Princess rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, war, 2017-read

5 Words: War, family, secrets, lies, spies.

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I picked this up but I do know that I absolutely loved it.

I loved how adventurous the whole story felt. It is split between two times and two characters, and even at the start I pretty much knew how it would ultimately pan out - but this didn't affect my enjoyment and I kept reading on hoping that I'd get the ending I hoped for.

My favourite character was probably Eve, just because of the journey she went on. The Ev ...more

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Mar 08, 2017 Stephanie Dray rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, french-history, american-history, 20th-century

“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!

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May 22, 2017 Stephanie (Bookfever. ❤) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, adult, owned-physical-books, historical-fiction, review-copy, edelweiss, favorite-authors, 2017-publication, world-war-i

I've only read the author's books set in ancient Rome so I was a tiny bit sceptical about her newest book that alternates between World War I and 1947. I haven't actually read a lot of books that are set in these times. But then I started the book and ended up being hooked from page one and now it's my favorite book of 2017. Kate Quinn just never disappoints.

In 1915 Eve Gardiner enters the Crown's service during World War I as a spy and is send to France. And in 1947, Charlie St. Clair who's pre ...more

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Apr 10, 2017 Renee Rosen rated it it was amazing

Review coming!

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Jul 03, 2017 Sonja Arlow rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: recommended, historical-fiction, 2017-read

3 stars

“There are two kinds of flowers when it comes to women,” Eve said. “The kind that sit safe in a beautiful vase, or the kind that survive in any conditions . . . even in evil

Kate Quinn never disappoints, she does her homework when writing historical fiction even if her delivery leans more towards the romance genre.

I found the whole concept a spy network consisting of women fascinating and subsequently found Eve’s part of the story very well done. I must admit that It took me a while to ge ...more

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Jul 19, 2017 Angela M rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: edelweiss-reviews

Review to follow

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Jul 13, 2017 Pamela Sparkman rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: my-favorites

I have things to say about this book. Prepare thyself.

REVIEW NOW POSTED

I finished this book last night and I haven't stopped thinking about it. I would like to preface this by saying that I read a lot. Probably about 3 books a week. I do work a full-time job, so for me, that's a lot. If you look at my bookshelves you may have the impression that I rate all books 4 or 5 stars. Not true. I only rate the ones I love, that leave a mark. And while I would like to write reviews for all of them, I just ...more

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Jun 09, 2017 Letty rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction

I love reading historical fiction, especially when it is set during WWI and WWII, because I end up learning a little something each time. I did not know there was an actual "Alice Network" during WWI and was extremely fascinated by Eve's story from her time as a spy in 1915 France. Kate Quinn did an excellent job in researching and writing this book. I find I now want to read those books used in her research for this book. Loved the characters from both timelines, 1915 and 1947, and overall love ...more

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Dec 15, 2016 Andrea rated it it was amazing

I loved this book! I had never read a Kate Quinn before. I'm a huge fan of WW 1 and WW 2 books and this book is exceedingly well-researched and well-written. I especially loved the strong female characters and how they intertwine.

I will definitely be recommending this book to my Book Salon and on my book review site, Great Thoughts.

I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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Jun 24, 2017 Amy Bruno rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, ebook-galley, on-my-kindle, for-review, fave-author, read-in-2017

Absolutely engrossing novel. Full review pending.

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May 14, 2017 Barb rated it really liked it

Shelves: wwi, vine, wwii, women, fictionz-of-real-people, new-in-2017, read-in-2017, spies

It's 1947 and Charlie is on her way to a clinic in Switzerland, it seems she has a little problem she needs taken care of. But instead of traveling with her mother as planned she decides to see if she can find her cousin, Rose, who hasn't been heard from since before the end of the war.

Charlie's research has led her to Eve Gardiner, a woman who might have information about the last known whereabouts of Rose. Eve is a haggard and frightening, maybe even crazy, old woman now. But back in 1915 she ...more

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Mar 27, 2017 Susan Peterson rated it it was amazing

Shelves: first-reads, giveaways

The Alice Network is a compelling story of two women, strangers, who embark on a journey on a search for truth and retribution following WWII. Charlotte St. Clair is traveling with her mother to Europe, pregnant and unmarried, to take care of her "little problem." But Charlie, as she's called, is also searching for her cousin Rose, who disappeared in 1944 in France. Charlie comes into contact with Eve Gardiner, a woman bearing scars from her past, spending most of her days alone and drunk. Along ...more

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Jun 16, 2017 Jessica rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-own

If you've been following me for awhile, then you know that I love my contemporary romances. While I love movies that follow WWI and WWII stories like Captain America, The Imitation Game, and Wonder Woman, I never gravitate towards those kind of books. When I read the synopsis for The Alice Network, though, I was very intrigued by the story of a WWI spy and I couldn't resist picking it up.

Eve Gardiner and Charlie St. Clair could not be more different in 1947. Charlie is single and pregnant and t If you've been following me for awhile, then you know that I love my contemporary romances. While I love movies that follow WWI and WWII stories like Captain America, The Imitation Game, and Wonder Woman, I never gravitate towards those kind of books. When I read the synopsis for The Alice Network, though, I was very intrigued by the story of a WWI spy and I couldn't resist picking it up.

Eve Gardiner and Charlie St. Clair could not be more different in 1947. Charlie is single and pregnant and trying to hunt down her missing cousin Rose. Eve is a crazy, drunk old lady who may be Charlie's only chance at finding her cousin. But back in 1915, Eve was a spy for the Alice Network, working on spying on the Germans in France during WWI. Eve finds herself sharing her life story with Charlie and they both embark on a journey to discover truths neither of them may be ready for.

Normally I'm skeptical about books that alternate stories/timelines because I'm scared I'll spend my time liking one more and just making it through half the chapters of the book. In this case, I absolutely loved both Charlie and Eve's stories when they were young and could not get enough of their stories. With Eve's chapters in 1915, I loved watching her become a spy and deal with the fear that she could be discovered at any moment. When Eve was older, it was so fascinating seeing how the author wove together facts that were revealed in 1947, only for us to read about them in realtime in the past chapters.

While it may sound super cool to be a spy during WWI, I loved how the dangers and the dark side of spying was portrayed in Eve's story in 1915. Those dangers kept me on the edge of my seat and I was feeling scared for Eve while she gave so much of herself to prove she was a strong woman who was capable of making a difference. I loved how empowering these women were and how they tried to show how they were able, strong women in a time where women didn't have many rights or respect.

Overall, I surprisingly LOVED this book! I could not put it down and I loved how it showed two different points of two different women's lives. Eve and Charlie were fascinating and I loved following their stories. If you want an intriguing, addicting historical novel that revolves around WWI and the aftermath of WWII, you have to pick up The Alice Network. ...more

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Jun 20, 2017 Audra (Unabridged Chick) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historicals, heroine-amazing, heroine-unlikable, place-uk, place-france, place-london, era-post-wwii, era-wwi, historical-figure-fictionalized, era-1940s, dual-storylines, wartime

Everyone, this book. This book!! Plot, characters, place, era, details, drama, villains, heroines, and wonderfully compelling storytelling -- everything was there that I wanted, unfolding in that delicious way that makes me just want to skip meals and read.

The novel follows Charlie St. Clair, a pregnant college student shipped to Europe to get an abortion, who yearns to find her beloved cousin who went missing during World War II. She meets Eve Gardiner, an pistol-wielding woman with a drinking Everyone, this book. This book!! Plot, characters, place, era, details, drama, villains, heroines, and wonderfully compelling storytelling -- everything was there that I wanted, unfolding in that delicious way that makes me just want to skip meals and read.

The novel follows Charlie St. Clair, a pregnant college student shipped to Europe to get an abortion, who yearns to find her beloved cousin who went missing during World War II. She meets Eve Gardiner, an pistol-wielding woman with a drinking problem, foul attitude, and destroyed, mangled hands. In alternating chapters, we learn Eve is recruited to work as a spy during World War I, part of the famous Alice Network, and her important but dangerous work changes her life.

Normally I'm not a dual narrative fan, but Quinn sucked me in with both stories/heroines and I really can't say which was my favorite. What I loved most about this book was its depiction of female friendship and emotional relationships between women. There's a scene between Charlie and Eve in which they're doing some hardcore emotional bonding while Eve teaches Charlie how to field strip and clean a pistol (!!!). The scene was so incredible I had to stop and marvel -- never never have I read a book or seen a movie where two women are vulnerable in this manner.

Quinn's narrative style is magical; I wanted to read this book with an eye toward learning craft, but I kept getting lost in it. She manages to offer all the details one wants in a historical novel without it feeling clunky or awkward; she sketches up people in a manner that makes them clear, vibrant, and real. There isn't a wasted word, an overdrawn or rushed moment, or sloppily sketched caricature to be found. And she's funny, so funny -- which is welcome in this story because it is messed up and stressful (in the best way).

Quinn's readers are passionate fans for a reason: she tells a great story. This book runs about 528 pages and I'm pretty sure I downed it in two and a half days. I wouldn't have minded it being double the length. This is another top ten read for me this year and it left me with quite a book hangover -- so get it and prepare yourself to do nothing until you're done.

Initial Thoughts

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SO GOOD.

Forwent putting on makeup this am to finish book, and good thing, b/c I'm all damp and teary. Fabulous historical novel -- vibrant characters, strong sense of era, details and plot masterfully juggled -- with deep emotion and drama that surprised and delighted me in its depiction of women and female friendship. (Two women bonded over field stripping a pistol -- a scene I've never before seen/read, and it literally gave me pause to chew over it. So good.) Cracking good read and all that AND was fabulous to "study" as an aspiring novelist. Long review to come. ...more

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Jul 02, 2017 Kathryn Zeuthen rated it really liked it

I would give this book 4.5 stars if I could. I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. The story dragged me in and kept me wanting to know more. But the characters seemed like friends at the end which I truly love. If you love historical fiction, this book is remarkable.

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Jun 19, 2017 Cynthia rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-read-in-2017

If you enjoy books about the history of either World War or spy sagas you'll most likely enjoy The Alice Network. Both heroines, Eve a spy of the First World War and Charlotte or Charlie as she likes to be called who's a not so run f the mill college student, are engaging and though this book is serious Quinn includes a wry sense of humor.

Eve and Charlie's stories pivot back and forth in time between the first War and 1947 when Charlie leaves the US in order to contact Eve who's name appears on ...more

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Jun 15, 2017 Sue rated it it was amazing

Shelves: wwii, historical-fiction

I enjoy reading books about WWII especially if they have female main characters. If you enjoyed The Nightingale or The Baker's Secret, if you enjoy historical fiction, or if you enjoy a well written book that will keep you reading long into the night, this is definitely the book for you.

The story alternates between two time periods - 1947 when Charlie first arrives on Eve's doorstep looking for her cousin and 1915 during WWI with Eve's backstory. The two main female characters are so well writt ...more

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Jun 08, 2017 Good Book Fairy rated it it was amazing

My Review: 5 stars

The Alice Network is a wonderful work of historical fiction about the ring of female spies during WW1. Once again, I am utterly amazed that I’d never heard of these brave, ambitious women who risked their lives daily, in hopes of defeating the Germans. Considering the time period, well before women’s rights had advanced, embedding the more delicate gender under the German’s noses was brilliant.

I’m familiar with Quinn’s work as a long time fan of the Empress of Rome series. Alth My Review: 5 stars

The Alice Network is a wonderful work of historical fiction about the ring of female spies during WW1. Once again, I am utterly amazed that I’d never heard of these brave, ambitious women who risked their lives daily, in hopes of defeating the Germans. Considering the time period, well before women’s rights had advanced, embedding the more delicate gender under the German’s noses was brilliant.

I’m familiar with Quinn’s work as a long time fan of the Empress of Rome series. Although those take place in the 1st century, she had no problem moving forward in time to the 20th century. Her attention to detail is spot on. I was able to read this book as a movie in my mind it was so good. I applaud her character development as well. Both the protagonists, Eve and Charlie, are flawed and emotionally scarred, yet completely realistic. How they both grew to be better people through their unusual but endearing friendship was well done. I also found it appealing that both characters had a good sense of humor amidst all the despair. Eve’s wit was dry and sarcastic while Charlie and her “little problem” made me warm to her immediately.

This book is long yet reads at a fast and steady pace. I found it refreshing to read about WW1 as it seems so much of the popular historical fiction novels focus on WW2. Knowing that so much of it came from actual history made the book come alive. I’m definitely getting tired of the dual time period books because I usually prefer one storyline to the other. Not in this book; I was happy going to both places and time periods. Learning how this spy network worked, the risks that were taken and the courage it required was astonishing. There is an informative author’s note at the end of the novel that unravels the truths versus the fictitious parts of the book. I spent hours researching the real life players and have attached a picture of the real Louise de Bettignies.

Louise de BettigniesOverall an impressive work of historical fiction that will appeal to many readers and book clubs alike. For more like this, visit www.goodbookfairy.com ...more

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Jun 07, 2017 Caryn rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-for-review, blog-tour

Full review and giveaway on my blog: http://www.thebookwhisperer.org/2017/...

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About Kate Quinn

Kate Quinn is a native of southern California. She attended Boston University, where she earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Classical Voice. A lifelong history buff, she has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga, and two books in the Italian Renaissance, before turning to the 20th century with "The Alice Network." All have been translated into multiple languages.

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Mistress of Rome (The Empress of Rome, #1)

Daughters of Rome (The Empress of Rome, #2)

Empress of the Seven Hills (The Empress of Rome, #3)

The Serpent and the Pearl (The Borgias, #1)

Lady of the Eternal City (The Empress of Rome, #4)

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“Poetry is like passion--it should not be merely pretty; it should overwhelm and bruise.” — 5 likes

“Hope was such a painful thing, far more painful than rage.” — 0 likes

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