Alice et la Rivière Souterraine

The mysterious city feels so vivid and alive — I wonder if the author based it on real places or let imagination run wild. Did the setting come first or did it evolve during writing?

I loved trying to piece everything together, but at times I wondered if the clues were too easy or just right. What was the author’s approach to keeping young readers engaged without frustrating them?

The relationships between the characters felt so authentic and heartwarming. Did the author draw from personal experiences or observations about childhood friendships?