Ace , Marvel, Spy : A Novel of Alice Marble | By Jenni L Walsh

My thoughts

Unlike my other reviews, I will share my general thoughts on the writing rather than critiquing the story or the characters. Alice Marble was a real person, and even though this is a fictional tale based on her autobiography, it is still about real people.

Firstly, if not for Ace, Marvel, Spy, I would have never been introduced to this marvelous sportsperson. She seemed to have led an extraordinary life—one that might seem stranger than fiction.

I enjoyed the non-linear approach to storytelling. It kept me hooked and made me want to know more about Alice and how she overcame each obstacle that came her way. It was a fascinating journey of an underdog who eventually conquered the grass court. The sacrifices she made and the pain she endured to become this remarkable tennis player—who is still talked about decades after her passing—are truly inspirational.

However, throughout the story, it felt like the writer was holding back from diving deep into the psyche of the protagonist. While I understand this might stem from respect for the real person, when taking a fictional approach, there should be enough room for artistic liberties. The challenges Alice faced often felt external rather than internal. We got a detailed account of the physical hardships she endured, but certain incidents that might have left deeper emotional scars were never fully explored—they were simply brushed aside as the story moved on.

Of course, this is based on a real story, but it wouldn’t have taken much to show how she tackled the emotional challenges life threw at her.

Overall, I enjoyed reading about this Wonder Woman who had a larger-than-life personality—perhaps even more than she let on. If you’re interested in learning about Alice Marble’s life but don’t want to read her autobiography, this book is a great alternative.

About the Author 

Disclaimer : I received an e-Book from Wunderkind PR in exchange for an honest review.