Through The Looking Glass And What Alice Found There: With Fifty Illustrations : Book Review

"Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There" is a charming and whimsical novel penned by the renowned author Lewis Carroll. Serving as a sequel to the widely celebrated "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," it recounts Alice's extraordinary expedition into another magical realm. In this enthralling tale, Alice steps through a looking-glass into a fantastical world where talking flowers, chess pieces, and her transformation into a queen await her. As she navigates through this peculiar domain, Alice learns invaluable life lessons about the power of imagination, self-belief, and the nature of existence.

Carroll's writing style in this book is just as enchanting as in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." His prose is brimming with clever wordplay, puns, and riddles that keep readers captivated throughout. Although it is primarily regarded as a children's book, "Through the Looking-Glass" encompasses deeper themes that resonate with readers of all ages. Carroll ingeniously employs elements of fantasy to explore the realms of logic, perception, and the nature of reality.

One of the most captivating aspects of this book is the diverse and eccentric cast of characters that Alice encounters throughout her journey. From the mischievous Cheshire Cat to the peculiar and philosophical Humpty Dumpty, each character brings their own unique charm and eccentricity to the narrative. The chess motif interwoven throughout the story adds an intriguing layer of depth, with Alice's progress mirroring the steps of a chess game.

Another standout feature of this book is Carroll's exceptional ability to create vivid and imaginative settings. Each chapter presents Alice with a different and awe-inspiring landscape, be it a garden inhabited by talking flowers or a forest teeming with animated playing cards. Through Carroll's masterful and descriptive writing, these worlds come alive, immersing the reader in Alice's fantastical adventure.

Ultimately, "Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There" is a delightful continuation of Alice's whimsical odyssey. Lewis Carroll's imaginative storytelling, clever wordplay, and unforgettable characters make this book a timeless classic that continues to enchant readers of all ages.

What are readers saying?

Lewis Carroll's "Through The Looking Glass And What Alice Found There" has garnered a range of responses from readers. The book has been praised for Carroll's imaginative and whimsical writing style, with many finding it a delightful continuation of Alice's adventures in Wonderland. The vivid and fantastical world created by Carroll, along with his clever wordplay and nonsensical elements, were appreciated by readers. The memorable characters encountered by Alice throughout her journey were especially enjoyed.

However, some readers felt that the book fell short when compared to its predecessor, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." They found the plot confusing and less engaging, lacking the clear narrative structure they enjoyed in the first book. The nonsensical elements sometimes made it difficult to follow the overall story, according to these readers.

Some reviewers also mentioned that Carroll's writing style, while charming, may not appeal to all readers. They found the language and tone outdated and archaic, which they felt made the book less accessible to modern audiences. On the other hand, some readers appreciated the vintage feel of the book, considering it added to the whimsical atmosphere.

Despite these mixed opinions, many readers still found "Through The Looking Glass And What Alice Found There" to be a worthwhile read. They believed it offered valuable lessons about growing up and the importance of imagination. Overall, while some reviewers had reservations about the book, it managed to captivate and entertain a significant number of readers with its imaginative storytelling and memorable characters. The book's ability to enchant and provide lessons made it a compelling choice for many readers, despite the differing views.