Review ~ Putting Alice back together by Carol Marinelli

I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to read and review this novel for NetGalley on behalf of Harlequin UK, (Mira) who kindly provided a pre publication galley.

Paperback, 397 pages

Published March 2nd 2012 by Mira UK

Putting Alice Back Together by Carol Marinelli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I expected putting Alice back together to be light hearted chick lit, but instead found a book packed with emotional turmoil, and a life so upset by a past event that it threatens to ruin all future happiness.

Told in alternate chapters we are quickly drawn into the life of present day Alice, who at 27, with all her faults and failings is undeniably challenging. Her life is in constant melt down, and she relies heavily on drink and prescription drugs to help her make it through the day. Interspersed with adult Alice is the story of young Alice, growing up with her mum and her sisters, and who uses her talent for music as her escape from the world around her.

This is a well written and lively story, Alice is an unusual heroine, who isn’t always likeable, and yet the supporting cast of her friends and family combine to make this an intriguing page turner. When I got to the end of the novel I really cared about Alice and hoped that she would be able to move on with her life.

For me, the sign of a good story is when the characters are still in your head several days after finishing the book. Putting Alice back together is one such novel, and I look forward to reading more of this author’s work.