The Evolution of Alice

by David Alexander Robertson

Peopled with unforgettable characters and told from multiple points of view, this is a novel where spirits are alive, forgiveness is possible, and love is the only thing that matters.

Alice is a single mother raising her three young daughters on the rez where she grew up. Life has never been easy, but she's managed to get by with the support of her best friend, Gideon, and her family. When an unthinkable loss occurs, Alice is forced to confront truths that will challenge her belief in herself and the world she thought she knew.

The Evolution of Alice  is the kaleidoscopic story of one woman’s place within the web of community. 

Genres: Indigenous, Fiction, Canada, Book Club, Audiobook, Contemporary

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2014

About the author

DAVID A. ROBERTSON is a two-time winner of the Governor General's Literary Award, has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, as well as the Writer's Union of Canada Freedom to Read award. He has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate. He was honoured with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Manitoba for outstanding contributions in the arts and distinguished achievements in 2023. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Evolution of Alice was an emotional story. Alice has a difficult life. She is a single mother raising three daughters, Grace, Kathy and Jane, on the reservation she grew up on. A tragic accident changes everything and Jane has to figure out how to move forward. She ends up avoiding her daughters and smoking cigarettes. Jane’s best friend Gideon is the girls’ surrogate uncle. Jane changes from the accident which effects Gideon’s relationship with the girls.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Andrew White Martin and Olivia Lucas. Both narrated did a good job.

I enjoyed the book, but it didn't leave a lasting impression on me like I thought it would. I still recommend this for anyone looking for a unique and emotional story.

Thank you NetGalley and HWP Audio/ECW Press Audio for The Evolution of Alice.

[Elyse Walters · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book taught me about a mother's love & strength for her children in ways I can't remember reading
With thread-bare living conditions --Alice never lets her personal pain, ( emotional traumas), spill over to her children.

The beginning of this book is fully engaging, heartfelt, and personal.
Alice's friend Gideon is telling the story. He's a phenomenal friend to Alice and her 3 young girls. Gideon is a 'mensch'. A Mensch is a Jewish word we call 'THE BEST' of Jewish men!

The book takes a fast turn --and we have two major problems with this novel.
1) THE ACCIDENT ---I'll come back to this and explain soon.
and
2) The story 'after' the accident almost felt like an entire different book for awhile ---(the flow of the intimacy which was in the beginning of this story was lost).

About THE ACCIDENT:
One of the MOST grimmest/sad moments I've EVER read (which got worse by description of the suffering). Reading about the 'suffering' of a child added NOTHING to the story. Did I really need to know a small child had extended suffering all night long?

Its one thing to write about a horrific accident ---(write a book which deals with dark, difficult, important subjects, (this book had many DARK SUBJECTS ALREADY), --but I don't think we need to 'expand' on *children*'s suffering when it makes NO POINT to the story.

For this purpose alone --I can't recommend this book to my friends. I won't. I'm deeply sorry if I've hurt somebody's feelings. I have MUCH respect for authors -- I care deeply.
Yet --I care too much for my friends. I have several close friends whom this book would hurt ---(who have already suffered enough --have lost kids -- and I don't think THIS is the book which they would find inspiring to lift their spirits)

It didn't for me!

I'm deeply sorry for giving this low review --when clearly this book topic was courageous.

The narrative was pretty good --It had its graceful moments -- but overall, that one scene alone 'still' hurts ME too much. I felt angry from it --(and not angry in a good -book discussion way) ---
More in --I just want to tell the author himself ---couldn't you see that? Could you really not see how much that would hurt? WHAT was the purpose?

To 'drive' a reader to hurt intentionally is not kind. I love to feel ALL the range of emotions in a novel--yet I like it to be authentic --and have a purpose with the story.

Given I wrote such a personal (still hurting) review --I want to extend my hand/heart also to the author -Its not comfortable for me to write this type of review.

I'm not a writer --(I don't know how authors do it anyway) -- I wish the author and his family much happiness and good health --and success in all areas of his and their lives.

[Jenna (Falling Letters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted 5 January 2016 at Falling Letters.

The province-wide On the Same Page programme encourages everyone in the province to read and discuss a book at the same time. Readers voted this year for The Evolution of Alice.The programme includes "author appearances and special events", though unfortunately I won't be able to attend any. I decided to read this book because 1)the summary + reviews on the back enticed me, 2) it's the novel debut of a local Indigenous author whose graphic novels I previously studied and 3)I've never participated in On the Same Page.

Though the story pivots around an awful death and follows a family's sorrows, I found the tale ultimately satisfying and uplifting because of its deeply realistic characters. They endure tragedy, yet remain decent human beings. No nasty or vicious people populate this story when you might expect them. That's not to say everyone is on their best behaviour at all times...only to say that here is a story about not about vile monsters or permanently shattered souls, but about real people realizing their flaws and their troubles and trying to do better.

The local setting injected a layer of reality to the story for me. I have an awkward prejudice against books explicitly set in my home area. I assume they'll be boring and I feel weird when locations are specified. However, I appreciated the local setting in this story. I liked Robertson's references to places I could recognize from context alone. For example, I know the city is where I live, I walk past the coffee shop across the street from the big department store on my way to university, and I can picture the bridge a woman prepared to leap from. Instead of thinking "Ugh, this is weird, I know that place" like I do when places are explicitly stated, I thought "Hey, I know where that is!" as I put together the cues to create a location in my mind. Having to recreate these familiar places made me feel more connected to the story and the characters' experiences.

I also appreciate that Robertson has written an Indigenous story that isn't solely about Indigenous issues. This book can be read as a universal tale that could teach us something about empathy. Indigenous people are not always 'other'; we are all the same people. This makes the story highly relevant for my fellow citizens. (Last year an 'infamous' article was published about how my city is the most racist in the country for its attitude toward Indigenous peoples.) I don't want to disvalue the differences between Indigenous and White experiences. However, I think in my province's case, at this time, we may be better served in recognizing our similarities rather than allowing ourselves to become disenchanted when we perceive stereotypical differences.

Gideon's first person narration about Alice comprises the bulk of the tale, shifting to third person about halfway through. Robertson intersperses vignettes and some longer chapters from other perspectives. Often these alternative chapters added another perspective to Gideon's. My favourites were the chapters about Edward, who sees Kathy on the highway when she tries to run away, and Harvey, who briefly connects with Alice in the city. A few of the vignettes felt too disjointed from the main story, such as the boy who discovers his Cree heritage.

Finally, I found Gideon's voice, and Robertson's prose in general, soothing. It was very easy for me to read this book in a day. On the back of the book, Alison Gilmour describes Robertson's voice as "immediate, unflinching, and emotionally generous." I would "unpretentious" and "articulate", though those words seem to fall short of what I'm trying to invoke! Perhaps this passage captures it, a little bit.

[Gideon speaks to Alice as she swings.] It was a long conversation to have that way, but as I heard more and more I wasn't about to ask her to come down from the tire swing. Up there, she was safe, and the girls were safe and that was that. After she told me everything, she stopped pumping her legs, and after a few minutes her swinging settled into a light rocking. made our visit a lot easier. I saw her struggling with it a bit, her brain that is. So I decided to say something all Elder-like to her. I pointed to an old dirt road just about 20 yards to our right. It was pretty much grown over with grass, you could hardly see it, but it was still a road. It went right through the field, right up to the distant tree line, and got tinier and tinier on its way. "You know, my grandpa used to tell me that all the roads around here just lead us right back home," I said. I wasn't even sure what the connection was, and after I'd said it I kind of felt dumb about it. I tried to figure what I was getting at, for Alice and for me, so I added, "But, I don't know, maybe he was wrong, maybe roads take us where we're s'posed to be." (21)

The Bottom Line: A worthy selection for the province-wide book club. In The Evolution of Alice, Robertson has penned a vivid and moving story about Indigenous experiences that has relevancy for all readers.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a wonderful book. Told simply by very compelling characters, the story is sad, quiet, powerful. Highly recommended.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best books I have read in a long time. I picked this up on a whim from the library and I am so glad I did.

This story follows Alice and her children living on the rez, with stories of other characters intersecting with Alice's life. When the unspeakable happens, Alice finds herself on the brink of breakdown trying to find a place where she can be happy again. Her friend Gideon is always there but can this friendship be enough to bring her back?

Heartbreaking, beautiful, well-written and full of character development, this is one book I am so very glad I picked up.

[Leanne Fournier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robertson has written an intricate story that is more beautiful because of its forthright simplicity. The pain of unbearable loss isn't screamed from the rooftops but embedded in every day, every action that follows. I cried on one page and then laughed on the next as the imperfections, confusions and clear voices of the story's main characters came shining through. This story is about loss. But it's also about survival and the healing that can only happen when we find our way home.

[Joleen Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very powerful read from a local Winnipeg author. I always enjoy reading books that are about Winnipeg and the people of Winnipeg/Manitoba and David does a great job a writing about about this. My favourite character was Gideon's grandfather and his sage advice. A great, powerful and emotional read.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every sentence and every character in this novel enhances the whole. The Evolution of Alice is devastating -- sad and beautiful -- and wholly absorbing.

[Ren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Narrators can make or break an audiobook. In this case, I think I would have gotten more from this book reading it rather than listening. The narrators have such a slow pace (maybe this was intentional?) and the female narrator pauses in odd spots. I did speed up the playback, which helped, but even so, the voices were putting me to sleep and I kept zoning out.

As for the story, it began very slowly and took awhile for me to get into. The storyline deals with a lot of hard issues - poverty, racism, teen suicide, domestic abuse and the death of a child. It held my interest more in the middle of the book but in the end, I'm not mad I listened to it, but it's not one I'll likely recommend either. Again, my opinions might be different if I had read rather than listened to this one.

Thank you HWP Audio and NetGalley for the digital audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[Sylvia McNicoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over Thomas King. Actually I read The Back of the Turtle immediately following The Evolution of Alice and enjoyed them equally. Both novels used several view point characters. In the case of Robertson's story, the many views lend an objectivity while at the same time, through Gideon, my favourite character, an emotionality. The reader gets a glimpse at a strong alternative family living on the reserve--a single mom, three daughters, and a close friend looking for more connection. It looks like a cosy life despite an abusive partner, the father, serving a sentence in prison.

Then tragedy occurs. As a writer of many books myself, I will say to the critical reviewer that we create the worst possible problems for our characters--that is what we do. But I do not feel any aspect of this pivotal shift is gratuitous. Alice wants to think there is a guardian angel for her children and the various details Robertson uses forces her to reconsider her beliefs. Robertson is clearly a writer to watch for.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set on "the rez" in Manitoba, Alice's life is filled with 3 beautiful daughters and their paper airplanes, dressing up like princesses, tea parties. Alice in a tire swing hanging from an old tree, watches them play, loves the freedom of the outdoors. Gideon, a stalwart friend that the girls call "Uncle", shares their fun times and their despair, and stands in place of their imprisoned father.

After the senseless death of Alice's youngest daughter, Grace, and the passing of Gideon's grandfather, the only father he has ever known, Alice and Gideon drift, looking for answers and a way to continue on with their lives.

A novel filled with fear and comfort and hurt and otherworldly spirits who enter their lives when most needed. A story of redemption and hope and the joy of choosing what's really important.

I read this e-book courtesy of NetGalley.

[Kimberly Westrope · Rating 4 out of 5]

The joys, the heartaches, the suffering we endure as humans, lovers, friends, parents, brothers and sisters, are what mold us into the people we become. This is a poingnant story of woman's journey. After experiencing a tragic loss, Alice, a single mother living on a reservation, loses herself to grief. But with the help of her family, friends, and mystical, spritual awakenings, she gradually learns to reclaim her life.

In the midst of pain and trials, there are always things to be thankful for. Following Alice on her journey is an emotionally moving experience. It is also captivating, enlightening, and encouraging. Definitely a recommended read.

[Carell · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the patient wisdom of an old man to his grandson and the joyful interaction of a loving mom with her 3 young daughters on the Rez (Reservation) the main characters of Robertson's story are introduced. As various incidents and characters enlighten us about their lives, we spiral down, absorbing the painful, demoralizing, difficult and hopeless choices that suck the life out of our poorest citizens, and often our indigenous people. And yet they move forward. At times using symbols of their people for magic and hope, at others, speculating maybe Christian angels have power to help. Many simple, joyful moments of reading as well as thought-provoking ones. A good book!

[Susan O'Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Robertson has done a fine job of breaking in the world of Alice, her children and her close friend Gideon after the tragic death of her youngest daughter. The isolation of life on a reservation, no matter how modern, defines community - and its struggles. "The Evolution of Alice" follows her family and Gideon has they learn their place within the family struggle as well as learning to cope with life after loss. The novel is interwoven with a sense of spirit and the power it holds. While the plot creeped along at time, it was an interesting, and thought-provoking story.

[Shawna Briseno · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was torn between three and four stars for this book. It's very beautifully written, and the language is poetic. The story is compelling, centering mostly around a single mom who loses her youngest child in a tragic accident. But that's where my struggles began. It's told from multiple perspectives, which usually works for me. However, in this case, some of those perspectives seems to have no truly significant connection to the main story. The ending also left me with too many unanswered questions to be satisfied.

[Natasha Raulerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Netgalley.

This book is devastating, well written, and an enjoyable read. I love Native American stories, but like many others have said, I could have done without so many side characters. Despite that, I would recommend this book ten times over. The over all theme, struggles, and triumphs are beautiful.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book I must say. Ah when I was near the end today I couldn’t put it down. Had quite a few laughs reading this. There was a few sad moments too because of the death of her child and the abusive relationship she was in. All and all it was a good read. I’m glad to have read this and I look forward to the next.

[K.A. Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't know what to say but 'ouch.' But, like, in a good way. While the early tragedy is heartwrenching, this dark-but-hopeful story ultimately makes for a beautiful expression of relationship and healing.

[Anya Kelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robertson writes with such sensitivity a simple story about troubling, complicated situations and deep, honest emotions....such a worthwhile read. Gideon won my heart!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I am recommending it to my nieces.
It reminded me a bit of "In Search of April Raintree." Not in any way of writing style, just how it made me feel.

[Smbergin]

The Evolution of Alice is a raw and poignant story of love, loss, and the search for meaning. Alice is a single mother living on the "Rez" in Manitoba with her three young daughters. Her ex, who frequently beat her, is doing time in jail. Despite having been abused by her husband in front of her daughters, Alice has cultivated a simple and joyous life for her family. Until everything changes.

I listened to this book on audio, but would have preferred reading the written word. I found the audio confusing and the narration changes seemed out of context. Also, I was deep into the world of Alice, her daughters, and family friend Gideon when other, equally traumatic, story lines were introduced. I really liked Gideon's narration, but the sound quality of the female narrator was very poor. It could have been a problem with my download, but she had an echo and sounded like it was recorded in an elevator.

In a different headspace, I might have been able to appreciate the author's craft, but right now I couldn't enjoy reading a book so heavy with the loss of a child, physically abusive relationships, and adolescent suicide.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an audio download of The Evolution of Alice in exchange for an honest review.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start of by saying it is a fantastic story and well written! Unfortunately, I listened to it via audio book and I think that might be what "ruined" it for me. I just couldn't get into the narrators. They were very dry and didn't bring the book to life. This book is a heavy topic and it NEEDS a fantastic narrator to do the story justice! I feel like if you read a physical copy of this book you would probably rate it MUCH higher. If you're interested in the plot I'd highly suggest a physical copy so you can truly feel the impact of the story.


*Thank you to David Alexander Robertson and NetGalley for my audio copy of this in exchange for my honest review!*

[Lynda Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Evolution of Alice by Winnipeg author David Robertson was an emotionally impacting story that surprised me. The narrative drew me into the unknown world of life on a First Nations reserve in a way that got under my skin, subtly invoking one uncomfortable feeling after another. I felt deep sorrow and compassion for Alice’s tragic losses, most heartbreakingly of her baby girl, Grace. Told from multiple points of view and set in a variety of obscure places, the stories of Alice and Gideon drilled their way into my heart and lingered there for days after. This is one of the most original stories I have read in a long time, and one I will treasure for days to come.

[Lucile Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

23. The Evolution of Alice by David Robertson
Set on a western First Nations reserve, this was sad and beautiful. Alice is a single mother who adores her three girls. While the girls play in the idyllic field behind the house, Alice swings in a tire watching them. Their best family friend, Gideon, is secretly in love with Alice. When tragedy strikes, Alice withdraws and then runs to the city. Gideon, too, comes to the city. While there is an almost happy ending, Robertson stays true to life. Nice read.

[Debleigh Carpenter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this story was good, however I had a hard time getting into this book. Left a lot of unanswered questions and I’m not sure about the narrators. They were ok, not my favorite. I had a hard time following the story. I’m giving it a 🌟🌟1/2 star rating rounded up to three for Goodreads. Thank you HWP Audio, Netgalley, and David Robertson for this audio book in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting and sad story. Friends with small children might find this impossible to read. The author captures the efficient thoroughness that grief renders on a body and the everyday lives in the reservation.

[Marlana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good story but too many questions are left unanswered. Who killed the little girl? What is happening with Gideon’s ghost lady? What becomes Alice and Gideon’s relationship? Does Ryan come back in the picture? Is there a sequel to this book?

[Tillie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Evolution of Alice was a heartbreakingly real story of a mother struggling to do the best she can for her daughters in the face of an unbearable tragedy. The book faces the day to day pain felt when dealing with a life-changing tragedy head-on and follows Alice and those impacted by the tragedy as they try to recover and discover their new normal. While most novels would focus on the tragedy, the perspective of the pain and struggle in the recovery after was very heartbreakingly real.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of #TheEvolutionOfAlice

[Michell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Arlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the multiple point of view - the ways our stories interact (or almost interact) with someone else's.