Book Review: What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
Life can often feel like a whirlwind, and navigating the myriad challenges of adulthood sometimes leads us to moments of reflection that we might otherwise overlook. Enter Liane Moriarty’s What Alice Forgot, a novel that grabbed my attention when I finally decided to dive into her body of work after years of hearing about her popularity. Reading it during Mother’s Day week felt even more serendipitous, weaving a richer context into the themes of memory, loss, and rekindled connections.
At its heart, What Alice Forgot is a beautifully crafted exploration of the chaos that often obscures our most cherished relationships. Alice, a woman on the brink of her fortieth birthday, finds herself waking up with a shocking case of amnesia—she believes it’s 1998, fully unaware of the tumultuous changes and heartaches of the past decade. The contrast between her lost memories and the life she’s unknowingly built creates a palpable tension that Moriarty skillfully unravels. As Alice grapples with her sudden disorientation, we, too, are pulled into her confusion—what happened to her marriage with Nick? Where did her aspirations go? The suspense is both relatable and heartbreaking.
Moriarty deftly juggles multiple perspectives, particularly through Alice’s relationships with her sister, Elisabeth, and their adopted grandmother. The narrative highlights the reality that we often lose sight of ourselves as responsibilities and outside pressures creep in. The underlying theme of rediscovering one’s self while confronting missed opportunities resonates deeply—how many of us have pondered what we might change if given a chance to revisit our past?
The whimsy embedded in this otherwise serious plot made it even more appealing. Moriarty’s writing style is engaging, and her pacing thoughtfully balanced; I often found myself savoring each chapter. The gentle wit sprinkled throughout the narrative made the heavy themes more digestible, turning poignant moments into reflections that linger long after the last page. Alice’s journey is not just about reclaiming lost memories but about recognizing the value of love and family. It prompts us to reflect on our choices—are we genuinely happy with who we’ve become?
A standout moment for me was when Alice finally faces her reality, leading to a cathartic mix of regret and hope. “Sometimes, you need to forget who you were to find out who you truly are,” the narrative suggests, and this sentiment rang true as I contemplated my own life choices. It’s a gentle reminder that even amid chaos, second chances exist and growth often comes from unexpected places.
For readers who enjoy character-driven narratives and have ever felt the weight of past decisions, What Alice Forgot offers both comfort and insight. Moriarty’s ability to wrap complex emotions in a relatable story means this book has the power to resonate with anyone striving to find balance in family, friends, and self.
In summary, What Alice Forgot earns a solid 4 stars for its unique premise, engaging storytelling, and heartfelt exploration of life’s most essential connections. I’m excited to continue diving into Liane Moriarty’s works, and I encourage anyone looking for a meaningful, reflective read to pick this one up. It may just inspire you to reconnect with what truly matters.