makmo722's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I will note that it was far more challenging to read than I expected. War is dark and the effect is has is seen clearly on every page of this book.
Graphic: Abortion, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, and War
Moderate: Alcohol, Child death, Cursing, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Suicide, Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Antisemitism
karolinaz's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Gun violence, Hate crime, Gore, Sexual content, Police brutality, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Confinement, Addiction, Abortion, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Medical trauma, Mass/school shootings, Injury/Injury detail, Child death, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Alcohol, Ableism, War, Violence, Torture, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, Murder, Genocide, Body horror, Antisemitism, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Sexual assault, Vomit, Rape, Excrement, Infidelity, Classism, Cursing, Infertility, and Misogyny
chalkletters's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It’s surprising that I’d forgotten Charlie, as she definitely undergoes the most positive character development over the course of The Alice Network, and that’s usually something I enjoy! Her evolution from obedient daughter to defiant bookkeeper certainly feels earned, though I did notice a bit more telling than showing at times, particularly towards the end.
Kate Quinn handles the plot excellently: there are moments of creeping horror, triumph and shock, and she does an excellent job of balancing the two timelines, keeping both interesting and engaging to the last. The ending is lovely, wrapping everything up and giving a sense of hope for the characters we’ve invested so much time in. Kate Quinn’s prose is consistently effective, with some really lovely moments, especially describing the flower fields in Grasse.
I don’t know if The Alice Network is something I’ll want to revisit again, but I’d definitely read more by Kate Quinn.
Moderate: Abortion, Alcohol, Death, Gaslighting, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Torture, and War
Minor: Blood, Child death, Excrement, Fire/Fire injury, Medical trauma, Murder, and Suicide