Alice Alone: A brilliant book club read from Amanda Brookfield for 2023

Alice Hatton discovers two disturbing truths on the day that her youngest child leaves home: she no longer loves her husband Peter and she is no longer considered her own person. In her fifties, Alice decides to take matters into her own hands and break all the rules. However, when she must cope with loss for the second time in as many years, she discovers what even the most apparently 'respectable' woman is capable of. Amanda Brookfield's first novel, Alice Alone, is a triumphant and liberating breaking of all the rules, and she revisits it to rediscover how she got her well-deserved reputation for writing about women's lives with humor and honesty.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 17 February 2023
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd

Alice Hatton's life takes an unexpected turn when her youngest child leaves home, revealing two disturbing truths within a short period of time. The first truth is that the empty nest cliché holds true, as Alice realizes that she no longer feels a strong connection with her husband, Peter. She begins to question her love for him and feels trapped in a monotonous and unfulfilling relationship.

In her fifties, Alice realizes that her identity is defined by her roles as a mother and a wife, rather than being a person in her own right. She feels horrified by the prospect of spending another thirty years with Peter in their suburban home in North London, and decides to take matters into her own hands.

Alice's journey is a triumphant and liberating one, as she breaks all the rules and embraces a new sense of self. She finds joy in pursuing her passions, reconnecting with old friends, and exploring new opportunities. However, when Alice faces the loss of a loved one for the second time in as many years, she discovers the depths of her resilience and the darkness that lies within even the most respectable of women.

Amanda Brookfield's novel, Alice Alone, revisits the story of Alice and delves into her emotional journey. Through her witty and honest writing, Brookfield explores the complexities of female relationships, societal expectations, and the search for personal fulfillment. The novel offers a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by women in modern society and provides a relatable and engaging narrative.

Praise for Amanda Brookfield's work has been widespread. Her novels have been described as engaging, emotionally charged, and intriguing, with a keen insight into human relationships. Michelle Gorman, bestselling author of Before I Knew You, praised Brookfield's ability to get to the heart of human connections with perceptiveness and poignancy. Patricia Scanlan, another bestselling author, praised Brookfield's writing as "gripping, moving, characters you care about, highly recommend."

Alice Alone has received numerous positive reviews from readers. One reader described the book as "a fantastic read," noting that it was "packed with suspense" and full of relatable characters. Another reader praised Brookfield's ability to create a story that "held my breath during some of the scenes."

In conclusion, Alice Alone is a powerful and thought-provoking novel by Amanda Brookfield that explores the complexities of female relationships, societal expectations, and personal fulfillment. Through her witty and honest writing, Brookfield offers a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by women in modern society and provides a relatable and engaging narrative. The novel has received widespread praise from readers and critics alike, and is a must-read for anyone who enjoys literary fiction with a touch of realism and emotion.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 236 x 160 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805497516