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A review by bookrecsbyjess
Ace, Marvel, Spy: A Novel of Alice Marble by Jenni L. Walsh
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC of Ace, Marvel, Spy by Jenni L. Walsh. All opinions are my own.
This historical fiction novel follows the life of Alice Marble as she becomes a famous tennis player, goes through many hardships, and contributes to the war efforts during World War Two.
I found that this novel read a bit like a biography even though it’s historical fiction. It is based off a real person, but I liked how the author chose to tell Alice’s story.
If you enjoy tennis, I think you’ll really enjoy this book because there was quite a big focus on Alice’s career in tennis. She had some setbacks due to health and discrimination in the world of professional tennis, but she still had an amazing career.
I actually enjoyed the relationship aspects and her time as a spy the best in this story. I thought her time working for the government was very interesting and exciting compared to other parts of her life.
Alice went through a lot of hardships, and I really felt for her during every setback and loss. The relationship losses were the hardest part to read.
I enjoyed Alice as a character even if I thought she sometimes came across a bit conceited. My feelings towards her coach were mixed because she did a lot for Alice over the years, but she was also controlling and manipulative at times.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys tennis, historical fiction, or biographies.
Moderate: Child death, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Sexism, Car accident, Death of parent, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cancer, Sexual content, and Antisemitism