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A review by kurtwombat
Alice Isn't Dead by Joseph Fink
3.0
Translating a work from one medium to another can be tricky—even when done by the same creator. In this case the creator (Joseph Fink) of the podcast ALICE ISN'T DEAD has translated it to book form. While non-fiction podcasts still dominate the format, fictional story driven podcasts are quickly creating their own space. HOMECOMING, LIMELIGHT & WELCOME TO NIGHTVALE are other prominent fiction podcasts that have jumped mediums. The gist of ALICE is that the main character is road-tripping to find her presumed dead spouse and in the interim uncovering a dark and menacing conspiracy (kind of X Files meets Twin Peaks meets The Fugitive). The pulse of the podcast is the first-person narration telling much of the story like a recorded diary. The heart of the podcast is the actress delivering that narration: Jasika Nicole. Much of the story telling is non-linear jumping back and forth in time just applying layers to the story. What could be confusing or disjointed is held together by her voice. Some of my favorite episodes didn’t really move the story ahead but were entertaining side trips designed to add to the overall atmosphere. That is sorely lacking from the book which proceeds in a more straight-ahead fashion with a third person narrator and only the occasional nod to the personal narration. At times, the book feels like an outline for the podcast, draining the story of much of its immediacy and intimacy. Had I not heard the podcast I might like the book more—and it is really not bad—I just liked the Podcast a lot. To the book’s favor, some characters are given more room to breathe and the conclusion is less abrupt. Mostly, however, I missed the stuff the author left out and didn’t like as much what he put in their place. I listened to the podcast while driving home alone from work through winter darkness. I read the book while under the weight of winter blankets pulled up to my chin in bed. Both are prime locations to stir the imagination but I remember the drives home so much more.