The Alice Network cover art

The Alice Network

A Novel

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The Alice Network

By: Kate Quinn
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
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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.

Espionage Genre Fiction Historical Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense War & Military Fiction War Military Exciting Scary England Mystery Highlander
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The Alice Network prompted me to look in to the World War 1 spy network, until I listened to the story I would have said the first female agents were those if SOE during world War 2.
I enjoyed the story and it kept me hooked till the end. There is heartbreak and stomach churning accounts in the text and the story is an interesting, informative one that will keep you engaged.
I found the characters from the First World War far more engaging and believable, I liked them and cared about their fate the most. They were well written and rounded.
I found the post World War Two timeline lacking in comparison. The narrator's accent for Charlie grated and got on my nerves which may have added to my apathy for the character. Finn was the dependable dream man and at times it was a bit Mills and Boon. Charlie's life was the most sheltered off all the characters however in an era of depression, world wars, loss and personal tragedy she was too modern in my opinion. She seemed to have come from a totally different era and for some reason I can't quite put my finger on I cared less about her. The redeeming feature of that story line was that you do become drawn in and invested in finding out what had happened to her missing cousin. If it had not been for that Eve, Lilli and Violette could have happily had the book to themselves and in my opinion it wouldn't have been any poorer for it.
I am not sure that I would listen to the story again but I did enjoy it.

An historical eye opener

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The characters were strong and because it is told in past and present tense we see both characters at the same age yet lived totally different lives. What linked them was the cruelty which was set out by the Germans linked them in the most unusual of ways yet both their stories had me gripped.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved Eve Gardiner who narrated her own story of being a spy in war time France during the First and Second World War. Her bravery shone through yet her guilt which she carried from the First World War was slowly killing her, yet it took the friendship which was at the start grudgingly given by Charlie St Clair.. as Eve travelled through France employed by Charlie they did not realise they had one thing which connected them but it was going to take a long time before I found out what.. this is one story which had me gripped from the first word was spoken until the epilogue ... it truly is a five star read and listen..

Which scene did you most enjoy?

There was not one scene but the whole book was so well written I felt like I was an observer and this story was taken place in front of my eyes... the narrator was perfect and Saskia Maarleveld brought so much atmosphere and so much more to the storyline..

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

this is a story which needs to be told...

Any additional comments?

if you listen to one book this year make it this one

simply a wonderful book..

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Really enjoyed this audiobook. A captivating historical fiction novel which I enjoyed listening to on my way to and from work. Would thoroughly recommend.

Captivating listen

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I loved this book, it was a great story giving a small insight into woman involved in the resistance during the war.
It was beautifully preformed.

excellent

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didn't want it to end it was a brilliant story and it was read really well.

didn't want it to end brilliant

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