In an enthralling new historical novel from national best-selling 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.
It’s 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.
It’s 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.
A two parter… American author Kate Quinn’s new historical novel “The Alice Network”, is set in two times – 1915 and 1947 – and the two stories are told in alternating chapters. The first one is told in the third person, while the second is told in the first person. That’s a tricky maneuver for the best writer, but Quinn carries off one section quite well, while doing not as well in the other. The first story is about a British spy network – the “Alice Network” -operating in German-occupied…
Outstanding and mesmerizing Outstanding and mesmerizing are the two words that first came to mind as I finished The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. This story is wonderfully written with deep, rich and complex characters. With great details along with solid writing, Ms. Quinn expertly brought this amazing story to life. This story kept me deeply engrossed with thrilling suspense, intriguing espionage and heartbreaking moments. I’m normally not a fan of historical fiction of this time period (specifically WWI and WW2),…
Buy the book. Clear your calendar. I would suggest that you make sure your calendar is clear before purchasing The Alice Network. The true story of a World War I female spy ring serves as the skeleton of this fast paced book filled with intrigue, brokenness, and courage. Two different timelines, one set in 1947, the other starting in 1915, weave together to tell at gut-wrenching, heartbreaking story of brave women determined to make a difference in the most difficult of circumstances. This book is not about perfect women, but…