Honest review of Alice in Wonderland

Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" is a timeless classic that transports readers to a whimsical world of illogical adventures. Follow Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole and encounters a cast of unforgettable characters, from the enigmatic Cheshire Cat to the tyrannical Queen of Hearts. This new edition celebrates Carroll's masterpiece with Sir John Tenniel's iconic illustrations, exquisitely reimagined. Beyond the enchanting narrative, this edition delves into the historical and literary significance of this landmark work of literary nonsense, exploring its enduring influence on art and popular culture. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to Wonderland, this enriched edition offers a captivating journey into a world of imagination and wonder.

Hardcover 8.99 USD

Paperback 4.99 USD

4.4 / 25,647 ratings

Review Alice in Wonderland

Oh, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," what a delightful journey! Reading it felt so much richer and more rewarding than watching any film adaptation could ever be. There's a certain magic in encountering Carroll's original words, a whimsicality that's captured perfectly in the language of the time. I found myself pausing often, not just to savour the descriptions, but to look up words and phrases, delving deeper into the richness of the Victorian era's vocabulary. It added another layer to the experience, making it feel like a true discovery.

I especially love that this was the original story, unfiltered and brimming with the author's unique brand of nonsense. The sheer inventiveness of the plot is just breathtaking. From the moment Alice tumbles down the rabbit hole, the story is a non-stop whirlwind of unexpected events and bizarre characters, each more captivating than the last. The Cheshire Cat's enigmatic grin, the Mad Hatter's chaotic tea party, the Queen of Hearts' volatile temper – they're all so vividly rendered, they feel like old friends even after just one reading. The chain of events is so genuinely sensational; each seemingly illogical step somehow perfectly fits within the overall nonsensical narrative.

Finding the right edition proved a bit of a quest, though! The sheer number of versions available can be overwhelming if you, like me, want to invest in a truly excellent copy just once. The AmazonClassics edition is fantastic, almost perfect. The X-Ray feature is a treat, allowing for easy access to definitions and contextual information, and the original Tenniel illustrations are beautifully presented. The typography and formatting are exquisite. However, there's one glaring issue that made me seek an alternative: the formatting of "The Mouse's Tale" poem. The original design cleverly mirrors the shape of a tail, narrowing as the story progresses. In the AmazonClassics edition, this visual element is sadly lost, becoming a simple, wavy line instead. I discovered that the "Alice in Wonderland: The Complete Collection" by Maplewood Books, while not quite as polished in its formatting, maintains the integrity of "The Mouse's Tale’s" unique visual representation. This, for me, tipped the scales. It shows respect to the author's artistic intent. I'll stick with that complete edition, and even though I really liked the Amazon Classics version, I'll be wary of their "Through the Looking-Glass" edition, fearing a similar mishap.

The overall experience is so peculiar! While the story is built from distinct, meaningful events, it's utterly surreal as a whole. If there’s an underlying meaning, it's deeply layered and perhaps only understandable to someone privy to the story's origins. One theory I've encountered suggests it was written for Carroll's young friend, and that adds a certain charm. Whatever the intention, the result is simply mesmerizing. The world of Wonderland is both fantastical and disturbingly familiar. Alice's experience of this alternate reality is remarkable; she’s not just swept along by the events – she consciously lives through them, retaining a sense of herself throughout. It's like remembering a vivid, bizarre dream, one so strange you question its reality.

Even the criticisms levelled at the book – the abrupt ending, the repetitive nature of some scenes – haven’t diminished my enjoyment. In fact, they add to its unique charm. The book is wonderfully silly, genuinely funny, and ultimately unforgettable. It's a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of a truly nonsensical, yet compelling, tale. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a bit of literary whimsy. It's a classic for a reason.

Information

• Dimensions: 6 x 0.21 x 9 inches
• Language: English
• Print length: 81
• Publication date: 2025

Book table of contents

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