29 May Book Review of Ace, Marvel, Spy
Book Review: Ace, Marvel, Spy by Jenni Walsh
I can’t help but feel a thrill of excitement every time I stumble upon a historical figure whose life is as astonishing as a comic book plot. So when I came across Jenni Walsh’s Ace, Marvel, Spy, the story of Alice Marble—a tennis champion, comic writer, and World War II spy—I was hooked instantly. How could I not be? This amalgamation of athletic talent, creative genius, and wartime intrigue seemed to promise a fabulous adventure. Yet, while the premise sparkled with potential, the execution left me yearning for more.
From the outset, Walsh introduces us to Alice Marble—a woman whose accomplishments span beyond tennis, into uncharted territories of espionage. The title, I must point out, is a tad misleading. While Marble penned comics that weren’t under the Marvel banner but rather in the Wonder Woman family of DC Comics, the charm of the wordplay is undeniable. The “marvel” in the title embodies a sense of astonishment and wonder that closely ties to Marble’s incredible life. However, it serves almost as a red herring for vigilant readers craving more substance.
Throughout the novel, Walsh intertwines two timelines: Alice’s rise to tennis greatness and her post-tennis life filled with secret missions. However, I found the pacing uneven, particularly in the first half. Though the themes of resilience, identity, and the duality of public and private life are compelling, the storytelling felt disjointed. Walsh relies heavily on Marble’s memoir, and while it’s a fascinating basis for the narrative, I can’t help but feel that a touch of fiction would have smoothed out the edges. Moreover, elements—such as Marble’s comic writing—seemed like missed opportunities to enrich the storyline. As Walsh writes about Alice creating comics on courageous women, I wished these narratives intersected more thoughtfully with the espionage threads.
A poignant line that resonated with me was, “It’s funny, in tennis, love means nothing. But in life, love is everything.” It encapsulates the essence of Marble’s journey, showcasing how personal struggles can shape one’s resilience. Walsh skillfully captures the spirit of the era, showcasing vibrant vernacular that reveals Alice’s character, yet occasionally slips into anachronistic phrases that distract from the authenticity.
The second half certainly picked up steam, and I found myself invested, particularly in Chapter 20, where Alice’s life reality becomes palpably raw. It was here that I connected with her deeply, feeling her trials and triumphs flow in sync with the tennis metaphor of “40-Love.” Such moments illuminated the significance of life’s pivotal moments—the ones where every shot determines the outcome of the game.
In conclusion, while Ace, Marvel, Spy may not stand as a definitive must-read, it offers a unique glimpse into a lesser-known historical figure. I recommend it to fans of historical fiction and tennis lovers alike. If you’re curious about the unlikely intersections of sports, art, and history, you might find joy in Alice Marble’s extraordinary exploits. However, if your historical fiction palate is selective, you might want to explore other options first. Nevertheless, this read left me pondering how many remarkable stories like Alice’s are yet to be uncovered, and perhaps someone should dig deeper into her espionage adventures—after all, we could all use a little more wonder in our lives.
[Content Advisory: no swearing; a couple of closed-door bedroom scenes]
