Alice's Island: A Novel

Written by Daniel Sánchez Arévalo

Narrated by Cassandra Campbell

A happily married woman's perfect life shatters when her husband turns up dead hundreds of miles away from where he should have been, and she suddenly discovers that there was a part of him she knew nothing about.

Alice Dupont’s perfect marriage was a perfect lie. When her husband, Chris, dies in a car accident, far from where he should have been, Alice’s life falls apart. After the police close the case, she is left with more questions than answers. While learning to cope with her loss and her new identity as a single mother of two, Alice becomes obsessed with unraveling the mystery surrounding her husband’s death and decides to start her own investigation. Retracing her husband's last known whereabouts, she soon discovers clues that lead her to a small island near Nantucket.

As she insinuates herself into the lives of the island’s inhabitants in an effort to discover what they knew about her husband, Alice finds herself increasingly involved in their private lives and comes to a disturbing realization: she has been transformed into a person she no longer recognizes.

In seeking an answer to what her husband was doing before he died, Alice discovers not only a side of him she never knew, but sides of her own character she has never explored. Part mystery, part moving family drama, part psychological page-turner, Alice’s Island is a novel whose vivid characters hold the reader rapt right up until the final page.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Apr 16, 2019
• ISBN: 9781508286042

Daniel Sánchez Arévalo

Daniel Sánchez Arévalo is a writer, screenwriter, and film director. He began his career as a film director after completing a master’s degree in film at Columbia University on a Fulbright scholarship. Alice’s Island is his third novel, and the first to be published in English.

Reviews for Alice's Island

[Anelena · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

"The Island of Alice" had been on my "someday I’ll get to it" list for a long time, and being a Planeta Prize winner, what can I say, I approached it with more caution.
Well, I finished it a few days ago and I still don’t know if I liked it or not ?.
The beginning of the novel hooked me; it's an original story, but as I progressed, it became very slow for me. There are no dialogues; the protagonist narrates everything to us (and when I say everything, I mean everything): her life, the life of all the island's inhabitants, the investigation of "the lie or mystery," her paranoia and thoughts, meanderings that neither freshen nor resolve anything in the reading.
You can tell it’s written by a film director ?️? because it feels more like a movie script than a novel itself.
My final feeling is that the author wanted to touch on all themes at once (drama, romance, humor, mystery...) and ends up constructing a story that's too long and not very believable.
It’s not a bad read, but it doesn't make it into my favorites. (Translated from Spanish)

[Rockjas 666 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

He reminded me of Yoda from Star Wars. But no, he wasn't from a galaxy far, far away, nor was he a former Russian KGB agent. He was Spanish. From Málaga. His name was Antonio, like Antonio Banderas, also from Málaga, he pointed out. The orange he was eating was from Valencia, because according to him, oranges from Florida and California were "a piece of crap compared to Spanish ones." The Crisis (yes, in capital letters) had made him emigrate from his own country in search of the promised land. That and the fact that a week after being fired from the security company he worked at, his wife got involved with his boss. It took him a long time to discover it and he thought, "I wish someone had helped me like I’m helping people now." That’s when the idea for the spy shop came to him. "In Spain there are also very good spies and a lot of crooks. Spies are information thieves. And that’s very well done in Spain. If something can be stolen, steal it. If no one is looking, you take it, even if you don't need it. It's called Spanish picaresque." I didn't get this entire biographical summary from him in our first meeting. This is a very brief recap of all the stories he told me during my multiple subsequent visits. (Translated from Spanish)

[MariaMoldes · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Sovereign nonsense...
It's like reading a Saturday afternoon telefilm from Antena3, but without the 2-hour nap.
I repeat: a nonsense that makes me think that (at times) literary awards, and their respective finalists, are at least questionable.
Well... on to another one, I hope it's better.

Happy reading (Translated from Spanish)

[Pili T · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I wouldn’t know how to rate this novel. Sometimes surreal, somewhat paranoid, funny at times, and a bit maddening. I have read reviews of all kinds; I suppose it all depends on what you’re looking for in a book. If you seek entertainment, then the truth is that it has been an entertaining read. (Translated from Spanish)

[martagtorres · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Well, I've got about 200 pages left... Too much content that I still haven't needed for the conclusion of the book. The story? It's a bit all over the place, but nonetheless, it gets 3 stars because it has kept me entertained. (Translated from Spanish)

[MCCK · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Question one: is it necessary to write a lengthy manuscript to qualify for the Planeta Prize? Question two: who are the selectors of the books that reach the final stages? Regarding the second question, I would like to inform the well-known publishing house that on this simple page they can find, among my reviewer colleagues, people with a culture and literary level that would greatly elevate the quality, which is quite poor, of the books that are reaching the finals. It’s a suggestion, and by the way, they might save some salaries. As for question one, since I am a bit of a masochist, I have been dedicating part of my reading to the books that competed for this prize. Except for a few, the quality of most is frankly depressing. This is the case with The Island of Alice, a nonsensical novel where absurd and impossible things happen, with unbelievable stories and characters that are flawed in every way. And, in addition, all of that is told in over 600 endless pages (on my iPad). I give it two stars because the first hundred pages were promising. It is true that the story of the husband who dies in an accident, leading to the discovery of his double life, has been used a lot, but the approach was interesting. However, it was a false promise. The other five hundred pages were an endless fiasco. (Translated from Spanish)

[nataliariass · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When I started reading this book, I expected it to lean more towards the crime and suspense genre, but the beautiful emotional twist that surprised me made me like it even more. Without a doubt, a gorgeous story. (Translated from Spanish)

[Torposoplo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I would give it a higher rating if it weren't sooooo slow. It constantly feels like nothing is moving forward and that it is never-ending.

A somewhat peculiar and unsettling story of overcoming loss. A conclusion that fits well (without revealing too much), although it feels a bit antiseptic and confusing.

There are subplots, particularly one specific one, where I got very lost (not sure if it's due to sleep), but despite having so many pages that contribute nothing, it is poorly explained… or it's a mistake because the book was "rewritten" three times and fragments that don't correspond have remained, I don't know. I can't figure out what it's about, what happens, how or why.

In summary, a beautiful story but with a constant tedious feeling of no progression. (Translated from Spanish)

[NONE2008 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It makes you enjoy a great journey. (Translated from Spanish)

[AneroLorenA · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Everything happens for a reason.
Few things are random.

Read it and you will find out. (Translated from Spanish)

[Twy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I kept this book on my shelf for a long time and I’m glad I finally got into it, even though my rating is average.

It is by no means one of the best books I’ve read; the literary quality sometimes shines by its absence. There are moments when the chapters become overly explanatory and the story slows down. Additionally, in novels of this genre, I am particularly drawn to reading things that could align with reality. In the case of Alice Gould and all the history that underlies it, I find it too convoluted, seeming somewhat fictional.

Still, I consider it a very enjoyable book to read, undoubtedly entertaining and with touches of humor that will make you smile. I like the way it has managed to make me empathize with all the characters, giving me the feeling of having known them for a long time, as well as feeling the tension palpable at some points in the story where everything seemed to be falling apart.

The ending, although it doesn't present much action, is a beautiful conclusion that invites reflection. I consider The Island of Alice to be a mix of good and bad, so I invite you to read this story and form your own opinion, as it is a book that has generated a large number of reviews of all kinds. (Translated from Spanish)

[MariaOlga - Lectoraapasionada · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

May 16, 2018

Gripping and captivating ? (Translated from Spanish)

[Beabargar · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Alice receives a call in the early morning to inform her that her husband has died in a traffic accident; at this moment, her life collapses, even more so when she discovers that the accident happened far from where he should have been.

Alice begins to investigate; all her leads lead to Robin Island, an idyllic island, and she decides to go there to uncover what her husband was hiding from her. What was Chris doing on the island?

They say there are books that seem to be written for you... Well, this was not my case; I found the story too slow and linear, with too many descriptions, and the plot didn't surprise me at all. In fact, it was quite an effort to finish it, and when I did, I was left feeling the same. But it’s entertaining at times, and the island is beautiful. (Translated from Spanish)

[juanny2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's an entertaining book that keeps you guessing where it will take you... I would have liked a ending that better matched the intrigue. (Translated from Spanish)

[jarabetica · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

June 2020 book 46
First of all, I must say that the book grabs you from the very first pages, making you empathize with the protagonist from minute one—who wouldn't? Alice, pregnant and with a small daughter, receives a call stating that her husband has had an accident in a location opposite to where he had told her just hours before he was. Apparently, it's a marriage without any hint of crisis and in good health.
It is also true that the book is too long; it goes around in circles time and again without getting anywhere, and incredible, nonsensical situations occur. However, it’s curious because at the same time you are reading and noticing these flaws, you are intrigued to know how it ends.
I agree with other reviews that the ending felt weak and too happy-happy. (Translated from Spanish)

[✨Jan Rguez ✨ · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Alice Williams, a woman in her thirties, with a young daughter, another on the way, and Chris, a good husband, had a happy home. At least that's what she thought until one ordinary day she receives a call in the early morning informing her that he has died in a tragic accident. How could he die, right?
After finding out that the accident occurred in a place unfamiliar to her, she immediately goes into Alert mode! Without thinking (literally), she runs to the location where they told her the accident happened, forgetting that she left her daughter alone at home. On top of that, she has to drive at night nearly asleep, seven months pregnant, adrenaline and sensitivity at an all-time high, with a thousand questions and doubts about what happened.

Upon arriving and learning some things, observing others, she begins to question her husband's loyalty, who at this point starts to feel like a complete stranger. It is at this point that an insatiable hunger to resolve her doubts arises, and she becomes so obsessed with it that she takes it to the extreme. She moves to where the events occurred and after some time manages to make "friends," and taking advantage of her artistic skills, she gifts one of them a painting with a hidden camera to watch her from her home - suspicious? Obviously! - She becomes almost a spy or a crazy person or a bit of both...

What happened to the little girl she left forgotten at home? Was this a trap to kidnap her? Has Alice achieved her goal without being discovered? Was her beloved Chris really who she thought he was...?

>>Opinions<<

- rating 4.5

- I devoured this book and it devoured me; I enjoyed it more than I thought I would…

- Phrase: Don’t just look at life. Taste it! (Translated from Spanish)

[Marieta64 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very original the development of the story. I couldn't stop reading. (Translated from Spanish)

[Pilix · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book, it keeps you hooked. (Translated from Spanish)

[CGESPINAR · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A wonderful story of overcoming challenges, even though sometimes you feel like you’re not making progress. But in the end, you start discovering things until you reach the conclusion. (Translated from Spanish)

[Juan J. Guzmán · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good narration, although in my opinion it falls a bit short from a literary point of view, with a touch of light humor. The protagonist finds herself personally involved in a secret investigation, while simultaneously struggling with her own world and that of those around her, her ghosts, ultimately becoming the all-seeing eye. The story captivates you and keeps you on edge. (Translated from Spanish)

[KonyM · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great novel! It hooks you like a drug and has a super original story! Highly recommended! (Translated from Spanish)

[Mhely · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A beautiful story full of intrigue. (Translated from Spanish)

[kizzton · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Impossible to stop reading once you start. Super addictive. The ending perhaps I was expecting something with more punch but it wasn't bad at all. (Translated from Spanish)

[Fosca · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The idea conveyed throughout the book is good, although the protagonist spends more than half the book fixating on the same obsession. I found it a bit repetitive, but the ending is very well done. (Translated from Spanish)

[Maria 1970 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I found it very tedious to read. (Translated from Spanish)

[March Delgado · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked the book because it gradually takes you by the hand through the well-thought-out plot. But I find the ending to be very light. To end like that, it could have been done in 50 pages. I don't think it lives up to the praises it received. I wouldn't read it again. (Translated from Spanish)

[Makaxac · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Simply brilliant, it hooks you from the very first moment. You can't stop reading. (Translated from Spanish)

[Marta2211 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Totally addictive (Translated from Spanish)

[Raquelguti1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful book that hooks you from the beginning. (Translated from Spanish)

[scarChferSerrano · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The Island of Alice, a work by Daniel Sánchez Arévalo. A book that was recommended to me before Christmas. To be honest, I read the synopsis and found it quite interesting. But once I started reading it, my opinion changed.
Firstly, regarding the edition from the publisher "Booket," it leaves much to be desired. The font is very small and turning each page becomes a true odyssey.
As for the work itself, it could have been finished in half the pages. It stretches too much over events and secondary characters.
Overall, in my humble opinion, "The Island of Alice" is just another book that has passed through my life without leaving a mark. (Translated from Spanish)