The Alice Network by Kate Quinn is one of the best historical fiction/espionage novels I have ever read. The book follows two women in different times of war: Eve, a spy under the code name Alice during the first world war, and an American girl who, just following World War II, gets sent to Europe for an abortion after she became pregnant outside of wedlock. Charlie, the American girl, has her own purpose for Europe though. Her cousin went missing during the war and Charlie is intent on finding her. When Charlie finds Eve on her quest, Eve has to work through her trauma, a task that, while not easy, may give them answers they didn’t even know they were looking for.
This novel seriously blew my mind with how well it covered so many women’s issues so subtly while having one of the best plots and layout of any historical fiction book I’ve read. I was constantly enthralled in the story and cried multiple times because of the intense way the author gets you to connect with the characters. While this novel does get dark at times, especially when Eve recounts her time as a spy, the book has many instances where you’re cheering the characters on. That said, because of the mature themes in the book, I wouldn’t recommend it for those under 15, as it is definitely an adult novel. One of my favorite parts of this book is the personal journey that Charlie makes. In the adventure Europe takes them on, Charlie develops so much as a person and learns how to separate herself from her family and upbringing. Overall, I highly recommend reading this if you are a fan of espionage or historical fiction, you will not regret it.Review written by Ada, Grade 10