08 Feb Book Review: What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

I recently picked up What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty, intrigued by its premise of memory loss and self-rediscovery. As someone who enjoys character-driven narratives that delve into personal growth and relationships, I was eager to see how Alice’s journey would unfold.

What’s it about?

Alice Love is a 39-year-old woman living in Sydney, Australia. One day, during a spin class at the gym, she falls off her bike, hits her head, and loses consciousness. When she wakes up, Alice believes she is 29, newly married to her husband, Nick, and pregnant with their first child. In reality, a decade has passed, and Alice is now a mother of three, in the midst of a contentious divorce with Nick. She has also become estranged from her sister, Elisabeth, and has taken on a more assertive and sometimes abrasive personality.

As Alice navigates this unfamiliar life, she is shocked to discover the person she has become. She doesn’t recognize her renovated home, her children’s personalities, or the strained relationships she now has with family and friends. Determined to reconcile her 29-year-old self with her 39-year-old reality, Alice embarks on a journey to understand the choices and events that led to her current situation.

Throughout the novel, Alice grapples with themes of identity, memory, and the complexities of relationships. She must decide whether to accept the life she has built over the past decade or to make changes that align with the person she believes herself to be. The story also delves into the lives of those around her, including Elisabeth’s struggles with infertility and the impact of Alice’s transformation on her family dynamics.

What This Chick Thinks

Diving into What Alice Forgot, I was immediately captivated by Moriarty’s engaging writing style. The premise of losing a decade of memories is both intriguing and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect on how much they—and their relationships—can change over time.

Alice’s character is well-developed, and her confusion and emotional turmoil are portrayed realistically. I found myself empathizing with her as she tried to piece together her life and understand the person she had become. The contrast between her younger, more optimistic self and her older, more jaded persona serves as a poignant commentary on how life’s challenges can alter one’s outlook.

The supporting characters add depth to the narrative, particularly Elisabeth, whose journal entries provide insight into her own struggles and her relationship with Alice. However, some readers might find these interludes distracting from the main storyline. Additionally, while the novel offers a satisfying exploration of personal growth and forgiveness, certain plot developments, especially towards the end, may feel a bit rushed or predictable.

Final Thoughts

What Alice Forgot is a compelling read that blends humor, emotion, and introspection. Liane Moriarty crafts a narrative that encourages readers to consider the importance of memory, the evolution of self, and the value of relationships. I’d rate it an 8 out of 10 for its engaging premise and relatable characters.

Try it if you like:

• “Remember Me?” by Sophie Kinsella
  A lighthearted novel about a woman who wakes up with amnesia and discovers she’s living a life she doesn’t recognize.
• “The Husband’s Secret” by Liane Moriarty
  Another thought-provoking story by Moriarty that delves into the secrets that can unravel relationships and self-identity.
• “Before I Go to Sleep” by S.J. Watson
  A psychological thriller about a woman with amnesia who must piece together her life each day anew.