15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One that stays with you long after you've read it..., 12 May 2011
This review is from: Without Alice (Kindle Edition)
Being a lover of multiple viewpoint stories, Without Alice ticked all the boxes for me straight away, as it opens with three different couples in three different destinations in 1977 all anticipating impending parenthood from different perspectives.
In Part 1, we are then introduced to Jennie & Stephen (two of the offspring of the couples described above). Jennie has just had a baby of her own and although Stephen is pleased to be a father, his behaviour towards his wife is nothing less than shameful. I loathed him inside two paragraphs.
However, as you read on and discover Stephen's secret (which is some secret!) you somehow feel yourself relating to, if not fully understanding, his resentment towards his wife and his situation.
As for where Alice fits into the jigsaw puzzle, you find out fully as you continue through Part 2. I daren't expand upon her role in the story too much for fear of spoiling it for other potential readers. But what I will say is, expect the unexpected.
Without Alice is a novel which touched every emotion I possess, fuelled by the author's superb attention to detail (especially regarding any post natal feelings/ hospital experiences/midwifery procedures, etc) and sustained by the development and depth of her characters.
I look forward immensely to reading DJ Kirkby's next novel.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An enjoyable read, 2 July 2011
"Without Alice" is an engrossing story told with compassion and sincerity. It has some unexpected and heart-wrenching twists, and while in the early part of the book you may find it difficult to feel any sympathy for the lead male character, the second half may change your mind. The prologue details the circumstances around the birth in the same year of each of the three main protagonists, and gradually we learn more about the factors in their life that may govern, or at least explain their behaviour. Like other reviews have said, it's difficult to say too much about the plot without giving away major spoilers - best thing is to read it yourself!
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A compelling story, beautifully told., 7 Aug 2010
The blurb for Without Alice starts with these sentences, `Have you ever had a secret? One so important that it feels as if it will tear you in two?' Well that caught me straight away, and there's one thing for sure, Stephen really does have a secret.
I started reading this book when I'd already done seven hours editing, so my eyes were pretty sore, but I thought I'd have a peak and read the first page or two. I eventually stopped approximately half way through the book, simply because my eyes couldn't keep going and it was 1am.
Without Alice begins with a prologue telling us about three different couples in July 1977, who are all at varying stages of parenthood. We then begin with Jennie having just given birth to her son, and almost straight away you realize that her relationship with husband, Stephen, isn't a harmonious one. As much as he instinctively adores his baby son, he isn't happy with Jennie. Stephen has a secret. It's a big secret, and one that causes him heartache, as well as a crushing resentment towards his wife.
Stephen's verbal cruelty to this new mother is vicious. Jennie has enough to contend with already. She's exhausted, and trying to get to grips with the strangeness of her post-baby physique, as well as wanting to enjoy her first precious days, weeks, and months with her baby. The last thing she needs is to be made miserable by her husband.
As you read through the first half of the book, it's hard to find much about Stephen to sympathize with, but as the reality of his secret is learnt you can't help but want him to be okay. I'm still struck by that startling moment when the reader discovers more about his situation and gets to know Alice. I daren't say too much about the story from this point, because I feel it would ruin the experience for the reader, but suffice to say, this was a truly memorable story and one that I won't be able to forget in a hurry. I read the whole book in two sittings and simply couldn't put it down, well, apart from having to sleep when I reached the half way mark.
It was only as I read this book that I realized how perfect (Like Bees to Honey Author) Caroline Smailes's description was when she said, "Governed by duty, lost without love. A truly insightful narrative, controlled by a delicate hand." So true. Congratulations, Denyse, this is an excellent read.
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