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The Alice Network: A Novel
The Alice Network: A Novel
The Alice Network: A Novel
Audiobook15 hours

The Alice Network: A Novel

Written by Kate Quinn

Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld

4.5/5

()

About this audiobook

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.

Editor's Note

All the feels…

Set in post-WWII Europe, “The Alice Network” brings together two women from different generations and backgrounds. With espionage, scandal, redemption, and rage-provoking examples of at least five ‘isms,’ the story has a bingability score equivalent to “Game of Thrones: Season One.” In other words, get ready to stay up all night reading and feel all the feelings.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherHarperAudio
Release dateJun 6, 2017
ISBN9780062676603
The Alice Network: A Novel
Author

Kate Quinn

Kate Quinn is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. A native of Southern California, she attended Boston University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in classical voice. A lifelong history buff, she has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga and two books set in the Italian Renaissance before turning to the 20th century with The Alice Network, The Huntress, and The Rose Code. All have been translated into multiple languages. She and her husband now live in California with three black rescue dogs.

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Reviews for The Alice Network

4.5/5

5,042 ratings361 reviews

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  • 4/5
    Based on a true story about the queen of spies, we learn firsthand what the heroine of the story must do to gain information. The writing and the pace are a bit lacking, but the story is very good.
  • 4/5
    An incredible story about female spies in Europe during World War I. Eve wanted to contribute to the war effort so she agreed to be in the Alice Network. The book flips back and forth from her days in the war (1915-1919) and her life after World War II (1947), when she met Charlie St. Clair who was looking for her cousin Rose.It was a difficult book to read because the details were so stark and hurtful that I couldn't forget between the readings. Eve stayed with me day after day and I cried for her.The best thing is that the author appends an epilogue which was a way to tie up the lives. But the author's note was necessary for me to keep these characters in mind, knowing that there were fictional ones and true ones. These women were incredible and deserved to be remembered, even if in fiction.
  • 5/5
    Wow, just realized as I'm going to write this review that this book was 516 pages. I knew it was lengthy (good $$ value, if it's good!), but it does not seem like I actually read that many pages. Even better - I was mesmerized.I was so into this book. These women were phenomenal in how and what they did. And, the author did a great job depicting every scene. I really felt like I was there. My hands would sweat right along with the characters, hoping upon hope that they did not get caught. The characters - Eve cracked me up. She did not take any crap from anyone while on the road with Charlie and Finn. She was on a mission and she was going to make it happen. A crusty character who can really talk anyone into doing anything. I know this is a good book. Over Memorial Day weekend I had several people ask me what good book I've read lately and . . . this one took the prize. It is a story that has and will remained with me and the fact that it is based on a true story only makes it that much better!Thanks to William Morrow and Edelweiss for their approvals so that I could read the e-galley and provide this honest, unbiased review.
  • 5/5
    This book was perfection from beginning to end. Charlie St. Clair is looking for her cousin Rose who disappeared during WWII. Her only clue is the name of Eve Gardiner, a mysterious individual who, it turns out, was a spy during WWI and whose story is told in the chapter's opposite Charlie's. I loved the back and forth between WWI and the aftermath of WWII, in otherwords, the stories of Eve and Charlie. I loved Finn, Eve's man of all work, as he proved to be the tie between Charlie and Eve, as neither of them saw eye-to-eye until they realized just how similar their lives really were. It's hard to do a review of this book without giving away all the juicy details of the plot, as it turns out to be a mysterious and suspenseful story. But I would recommend this book to everyone. Just be prepared to be left shocked and awed.
  • 4/5
    Well-written book that draws in the reader. I will post my full review soon!
  • 4/5
    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.
  • 4/5
    *I received this book through a GoodReads Giveaway.*Beyond Mata Hari, I had no idea that there were real women who spied during World War I, who actually collected effective intelligence behind German lines. This book places a fictional young woman in a German-occupied city and in the position to learn German secrets, but at a cost that still haunts her thirty years later, when another young woman seeks her out to help track down a cousin missing after another world war and begins a journey which slowly unravels the past. This was a great book with a compelling story, good characters, and interesting history.
  • 5/5
    Loved this story from the first paragraph to the last. It revolves around three characters who become unlikely friends and allies in seeking out and quenching their nightmares from their individual experiences in the world wars, of which one character's started in WWI and the other two in WWII. Kate Quinn interweaves the characters and their stories seamlessly. And as with most stories on WWII I pick up, it shows yet another angle of how people were affected and took charge, in an effort to help their fellow allies.
  • 5/5
    I thought this was an amazing story. I've read a lot of books dealing with WWI and WWII but not really a telling in such depths as this book is in dealing with the spies and spy networks.The sacrifices these men and in this book the women who put their lives on the line everyday to outwit the enemy. Really scary stuff.I felt the tension,the fear,the tears and the exhilaration with the passing on of vital information. This book ties the story of Eve and Charlie and pulls you right into the story as well. Or it did for me.Great writing and a terrific book.
  • 4/5
    May be a wee bit of a spoiler...........................A tale of two decades and two wars entwined make up this lengthy novel.World War 1 and many sides of that conflict are virtually unknown to most of us boomers,Gen Xers,millennials, and even the greatest generation.So it is true that I had no idea that there was a spy network of mostly woman that operated during WW 1.This is the tale if one such spy from that 1914-1918 conflict who was a lady spy. Part of an all female network.The other tale in the book that unites two war stories is that of infant terrible, 19 year old unwed mom, former college girl Charlotte St. Clair in 1947.She grew up sharing summers with her French cousin, Rose. Rose disappeared off the radar during the latter years of the Second World War.Charlotte thinks she may be alive and goes on a search for Rose Her sketchy research brings up the name of Eve Gardiner who happens to have been in a spy network of lady spies. This Eve has a driver, handy man, hunky Finn Kilgore.One man from Eve's past was a traitor who profited during both wars and is connected to Charlotte's cousin Rose. The horrible Rene.Lots of "daring do" as these 2 characters unite to find the bad guy, Rene catalyst in all this.While this was well written I think a bit more editing could have been done to wrap up the whole story. As with so many works of fiction I grew weary and could not wait for the ending.I am a real fan if World War Two fiction and non fiction. So before I read the real life historical facts in the back of the book I wondered why the Eve character was not utilized during WW 2 given her language skills and obvious knowledge of spy skills. It seems to me that she would have been very much an asset behind the scenes at the SOE. It could have temporarily gotten her away from her self destructive tendencies. The entire time I was reading the book I was surprised this was not where the book headed. This was a free,Early Reviewer book for me!
  • 4/5
    In 1947 Charlie St. Clair finds herself unmarried, pregnant, and searching for her cousin who has not been heard from in 3 years. The search for her cousin Rose leads to a woman named Eve who served as a British spy in France during the first world war. As Charlie, Eve, and their driver Flinn travel through France looking for Rose, we also learn more about Eve's earlier life as a spy. Charlie's search leads to a man who was Eve's informer, as well as abuser, a profiteer in both wars. Their desire for revenge as well their search lead to an unusual friendship.This is a well-told story of the effects of two world wars. The story easily alternates between 1915 and 1947. It is also a fascinating look at the unglamourous side of women's roles in intelligence gathering. There are, however, some graphic sexual and violent scenes which may bother some readers.
  • 4/5
    This was a good book. It was based on a true story about the Alice Network. It kept my interest and I had a hard time putting it down. Really enjoyed it
  • 4/5
    Usually books set in the era of World War II do not appeal to me, but I have to say that I loved Kate Quinn's "The Alice Network." Quinn brought the era to life in a way that others authors have not, and her background knowledge and research were apparent in her writing.Quinn's novel is an exciting mystery about the disappearance of a girl named Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France. After the war, her cousin Charlie St. Clair, an American with a few problems of her own, goes to Europe and decides to search for her beloved cousin. This book is exciting, with characters you grow to love as if they were your own beloved cousins. A wonderful read and highly recommended.
  • 4/5
    The Alice Network by Kate Quinn is historical fiction at its finest. Combining history, suspense, romance, and intrigue, this new novel draws you into the world of women spies in wartime. Love, loyalty, murder, and revenge move throughout this account based on true events and the real people who lived them. Women are the heroes of this story and you will admire them all by the time you finish reading. The author has researched this time period thoroughly and has written a very effective tale. I look forward to reading more of her books.
  • 5/5
    The characters were so real. The best book I have read this year.
  • 5/5
    Compelling story line! Wonderful weaving of two stories and historical facts I never knew about! The narrator brought every character to life! Highly recommended
  • 5/5
    Although the coincidence is overworked, the plot runs smoothly and the characters are entertaining. It reminds us of the grey areas in any war and the possibilities of both greatness and depravity in the human soul.
  • 5/5
    One of the best books I’ve read! I can’t stop thinking about the characters, and I was moved to tears with how it all unfolded. Now to read Kate Quinn’s other books.
  • 5/5
    A very great read! Listening draws you and keeps you engaged throughout. I would highly recommend!
  • 4/5
    I learned some history and generally enjoyed the book. The assumptions about resolution of PTSD was weak - let's hope we start getting people into the newer treatments that actually work like EMDR.
  • 5/5
    The book was extremely well written, face paced, with intriguing characters.
  • 5/5
    I really loved the narrator of this one! She made each character unique making the story really enjoyable to listen to. The story kept me on the edge of my seat and it was hard to stop listening!
  • 5/5
    Well written and thoroughly engaging historical fiction. I loved this book!
  • 4/5
    Amazing story of love & war. Was a very long tale. Got interesting the later half. I enjoyed how Charlotte matured & how Eve came to terms with her lot in life. Fascinating look into the work of female spies. Honest emotions about PTSD after war. I'm really glad I listened patiently till the end.
  • 4/5
    Excellent narrator, a whizz at accents! Mature content, listeners discretion advised.
  • 5/5
    powerful characters. beautiful story telling. rich development of time. fresh perspective on spys in wartime
  • 5/5
    Loved it from cover to end. Totally reccomend it to read.
  • 4/5
    Beautiful story!!! I really enjoyed Eve's stroyline!! I really wanted to know more about her life especially during the second world war but I still loved her story!
  • 4/5
    I loved hoe Eve grows throughout this book. The dates of conflicts are initially confusing, but understandable after awhile. Always like a strong woman capturing her tormentor in the end. So satisfying.
  • 5/5
    First time listening to a historical fiction novel and I loved it. The characters were well developed and the plot was very engaging.