the alice network summary

• Eve Gardiner: A young American woman in 1947, searching for her long-lost aunt, a mysterious figure from the past.
• Liliane “Lily” de Kerouac: A French woman who served as a spy for the Alice Network during World War I, known for her courage and resourcefulness.
• Charlie St. Clair: A British woman who is a member of the Alice Network, and plays a key part in helping Lily’s mission.
• Madeleine: A significant figure from Lily’s past, whose secrets play a pivotal role in the narrative.

In 1947, Eve Gardiner, a young woman grappling with personal tragedy and a broken engagement, stumbles upon a cryptic message hinting at the whereabouts of her Aunt Isabelle, a woman who vanished during World War I. Driven by curiosity and a desperate need for connection, Eve embarks on a journey to uncover Isabelle’s past. Her search leads her to the Alice Network, a secret organization of female spies operating behind enemy lines during the Great War, which is now practically a historical footnote. This leads her to Liliane, who served in the organization as a young woman.

The novel then shifts to 1915, immersing us in the world of Liliane de Kerouac, a young Frenchwoman recruited into the Alice Network by the enigmatic “Alice.” Initially reluctant, Liliane quickly proves to be a valuable asset, using her wits and bravery to aid the Allied forces. We witness her courageous actions behind enemy lines, navigating perilous missions and enduring profound losses. Her association with Charlie St. Clair further complicates matters, testing friendships and revealing betrayals. Lily’s actions during WWI are filled with danger and heartbreak as she fights for survival and struggles with the moral ambiguities inherent in espionage. Her experiences are filled with courage, loss, and the constant threat of exposure.

As Eve pieces together the fragmented history of the Alice Network, she finds herself increasingly drawn into Liliane’s past, uncovering shocking secrets and uncovering a web of deception that extends far beyond the battlefields of World War I. We see the impact of war on the women involved and the psychological burden they carry. The reader understands the enduring trauma of warfare alongside the strength of the bonds formed between the women.

Eve’s search for her aunt ultimately intertwines with Liliane’s story, revealing a hidden connection between them and a larger conspiracy that threatens to unravel everything. The novel cleverly interweaves the past and the present, showing how the actions of one generation can have a profound impact on the next. Through their experiences and struggles, the story highlights the strength of resilience and the importance of uncovering one’s identity and purpose. As the mystery unfolds, Eve must confront her own personal demons while coming to terms with the sacrifices made by the women of the Alice Network and how their actions impacted the trajectory of history. The book leaves the reader with an understanding of the cost of war and how that cost affects not only soldiers on the battlefield, but also civilians, spies, and the women at home.

• Female Empowerment: The novel celebrates the bravery and resilience of women in a time when they were largely excluded from positions of power.
• Secrets and Betrayal: The central plot revolves around uncovering hidden truths and the devastating consequences of betrayal within the spy network.
• Friendship and Loyalty: The strong bonds formed between the women of the Alice Network, despite the hardships they face, are a central theme.
• The Impact of War: The novel vividly portrays the physical and psychological toll of war, highlighting the lasting effects on those who fought and their loved ones.
• Identity and Self-Discovery: Both Eve and Liliane undergo significant personal transformations as they confront their pasts and discover their true identities.