The Book Lisp with Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna

Episode: "What Alice Forgot" Full Discussion

Release Date: March 24, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Book Lisp, hosts Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna delve deep into their full review of "What Alice Forgot" by Leanne Moriarty. This episode marks their fourth weekly installment, where they move beyond initial impressions to thoroughly dissect the novel's intricate plot, character dynamics, and underlying themes.

Overview of "What Alice Forgot"

Sarah Colonna kicks off the discussion by expressing her excitement about the book being John’s pick for the month. She mentions that after "What Alice Forgot," they'll transition to "Then She Was Gone" by Lisa Jewell for April, highlighting its complexity and appeal.

[01:10] Sarah Colonna: "I am very excited because I did love this book. This was John's pick, and as you know, we switch off monthly."

Jon Ryan adds that he had previously read "Then She Was Gone" and plans to reread it, underscoring its "crazy" nature.

[01:32] Jon Ryan: "I've already read it before. I'm going to read it again. But it, from what I remember, it was a crazy book."

Initial Impressions and Structure

Sarah points out the unique structure of their podcast, emphasizing how they avoid spoilers until the fourth week when they finally break down the full book. This approach builds anticipation and ensures that listeners have a comprehensive understanding before delving into detailed discussions.

[00:07] Sarah Colonna: "This is the week that we actually break down the full book. We don't give any spoilers up until this point."

Deep Dive into the Plot and Characters

Jon Ryan begins the detailed analysis by summarizing the book's premise: Alice Kinnon forgets ten years of her life after an accident, waking up to a life she barely recognizes.

[06:05] Jon Ryan: "She falls down, hits her head at spin class, and she's forgotten 10 years. ... her world has completely changed in those 10 years."

Sarah and Jon explore Alice's realization of how much she has changed and the impact on her relationships, especially with her husband Nick and sister Libby. They discuss the deterioration of Alice and Nick's marriage, highlighting the subtle cracks that turned into significant fractures over time.

[08:11] Sarah Colonna: "I think you assume Nick's going to be to blame kind of at the beginning in some way."

[10:11] Jon Ryan: "Nick is still the frumpy, pissed off dad ... why is that such a negative that they're working so much?"

Themes of Memory and Identity

The hosts delve into how memory shapes identity and relationships. Jon notes that as Alice regains her memories, she confronts the person she used to be and the changes that led to her estrangement from friends and family.

[26:33] Jon Ryan: "Her memories and herself formed by those 10 years was back. It was that her true self that was formed by those 10 years was back."

Sarah adds that Alice's journey is about reinvention and understanding the consequences of her actions over the past decade.

[30:04] Sarah Colonna: "I think that's the whole point. ... she saw how she pushed everyone away, including her husband."

Character Dynamics and Development

Jon and Sarah analyze the supporting characters, particularly focusing on Libby and her struggles with infertility, which adds another layer of complexity to the family dynamics.

[19:46] Sarah Colonna: "And she ended up having a reason about the family heirloom. But she even went back and went: I didn't even like it. I thought it was ugly."

They also discuss Franny's role in providing perspective through her letters to a therapist, which helps in understanding the fragmented relationships in the story.

[21:26] Jon Ryan: "Jeremy?"

[21:27] Sarah Colonna: "I appreciated all of those because ... it added to letting you understand."

Notable Plot Twists and Endings

The episode touches on the significant plot twist where Alice decides to return to her married life with Nick after initially resisting. Jon expresses mixed feelings about the ending, appreciating the closure but questioning whether it places the onus solely on Alice for their reconciliation.

[25:30] Sarah Colonna: "But I did like it. Was it the romantic in you that liked it or what?"

[30:15] Jon Ryan: "I would say ... she's able to take those 10 years and kind of put them into perspective and then make it work back with Nick."

Themes of Communication and Misunderstanding

A critical discussion point revolves around the lack of communication between Alice and Nick, which contributed to their marital issues. The hosts emphasize the importance of effective communication in maintaining relationships.

[19:46] Sarah Colonna: "If you would have communicated certain things better with me, we probably wouldn't be here."

[24:54] Jon Ryan: "It would be a lie. Young Alice was a fool. ... Young Alice hadn't experienced 10 years of living right."

Cultural References and Language Differences

Towards the end, Jon and Sarah lightheartedly discuss Australian slang and cultural references present in the book, highlighting the subtle differences between Australian and North American English.

[48:37] Jon Ryan: "My favorite one is a tosser. Look at a tosser."

[52:07] Sarah Colonna: "I just want to interrupt with my favorite reference. IGA ..."

Conclusion and Ratings

Wrapping up, both hosts share their ratings for the book. Jon Ryan gives it an 11 out of 12, appreciating the depth and complexity of the narrative despite some frustrations with character developments. Sarah Colonna rates it 5 out of 5, commending the character journeys and overall storytelling.

[53:59] Jon Ryan: "I loved it. I loved it. I'm gonna go 11 out of 12. Beer."

[54:19] Sarah Colonna: "Five out of five. Tito's."

Final Thoughts

Sarah concludes by reiterating their next month's pick, "Then She Was Gone" by Lisa Jewell, and encourages listeners to support their Patreon for additional content. Jon adds final remarks, ensuring listeners are informed about upcoming discussions and engagements.

[55:53] Sarah Colonna: "We'll get ready for your pick next month."

[56:09] Jon Ryan: "The Fall Risk. ... Here’s the short story for Patreon, for April."

Key Takeaways

• Memory and Identity: The novel explores how memories shape one's sense of self and impact relationships.

• Communication: Effective communication is vital in maintaining healthy relationships, as highlighted by Alice and Nick's strained marriage.

• Character Development: Alice's journey of rediscovery contrasts with Libby's struggles with infertility, showcasing different facets of personal growth and challenges.

• Cultural Nuances: The inclusion of Australian slang adds authenticity to the setting, providing listeners with a glimpse into cultural differences.

Notable Quotes

• Sarah Colonna ([01:10]): "I am very excited because I did love this book. This was John's pick..."

• Jon Ryan ([06:05]): "She falls down, hits her head at spin class, and she's forgotten 10 years."

• Jon Ryan ([26:33]): "Her memories and herself formed by those 10 years was back."

• Jon Ryan ([53:59]): "I loved it. I loved it. I'm gonna go 11 out of 12. Beer."

• Sarah Colonna ([54:17]): "Five out of five. Tito's."

This comprehensive discussion by Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna offers listeners an in-depth understanding of "What Alice Forgot", touching upon its narrative structure, character complexities, and thematic richness. Whether you're familiar with the book or considering reading it, this episode provides valuable insights and thoughtful analysis.