Review: "Alice and Oliver" by Charles Bock

As the name implies, this is the story of Alice and Oliver. They are two, 30 something adults, living in New York. They seem to have their life in order; they own their apartment, have a six month old daughter that they adore and although not wealthy, both have careers they love. Then the unthinkable happens, Alice is diagnosed with cancer and has to fight for her life through numerous chemotherapies and a bone marrow transplant. Oliver is left to deal with the insurance companies, trying to get Alice the treatment she needs. He has to juggle his job, taking care of their daughter and being there for Alice. The stress pushes him to use some questionable coping mechanisms that threaten their marriage.

Mr. Bock’s character development of both Alice and Oliver is masterful. Alice’s appeal grows throughout the story. Her courage and faith that she will survive to see her daughter grow up is unshakeable. She depends on this to get her through the worst that cancer and Oliver (can) throw at her. Although some of Oliver’s actions are despicable, his character is also developed in such a way that you hate the way he manages the pressure, but you are forced to admire his fortitude and his love for Alice is apparent.

This was not an easy story to read. Cancer is a very intense subject. The characters themselves and their fortitude make it worthwhile to pick up. The plot also keeps you turning pages, hoping for the best. This is definitely a book for mature readers.

I requested and received this book for review from Net Galley.