Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
34(34%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
33(33%)
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0(0%)
1 stars
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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LOVE-lighted eyes, that will not start
At frown of rage or malice!
Uplifted brow, undaunted heart
Ready to dine on raspberry-tart
Along with fairy Alice!



Happy blabbering nonsense, puzzling riddles, surreal phantasms, a profound love for tea, talking rabbits, invisible fairies and a perfect understanding of how the world looks through the eyes of a child. These are the essential ingredients that make up Carroll's writing. His works are a unique blend of the absurd and the wonderful, captivating readers of all ages.



No author has ever since made such magnificent wordplay and used such a heavy amount of absurdity as Lewis Carroll has - in all of his writing. The tale of Alice's fall into Wonderland is a prime example of how a child's imagination knows no boundaries. It takes the reader on a wild adventure filled with strange creatures and impossible situations. The lesser known story of Sylvie and Bruno is perhaps even stranger, as it combines the real world with fairies and a certain feeling of daydreams. It blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, creating a world that is both familiar and yet completely different.



But oh, Carroll's poetry! His poems are so silly, whimsical and funny; filled with important morales, sincere philosophy and meaningless nonsense. They are a joy to read aloud, as the rhymes flow beautifully in a joyous rhythm. They have the power to transport the reader to a world of pure imagination, where anything is possible.



I have met so many people who have claimed to never fully understand "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". But that is perhaps the point. Carroll's fanciful stories, miniature rhymes and bizarre characters aren't meant to be understood or overanalyzed. The magic of Carroll's writing lies in his way of comprehending the children's world and the illogical logic of childish imagination. No question marks are needed. We should simply embrace the absurdity and let ourselves be carried away by the wonder of it all.

July 15,2025
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How am I supposed to explain all this? I swear Lewis Carroll must have been on drugs. If you asked me to fabricate something as insanely wild as this, I wouldn't even come close.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass are precisely as I recalled the films. They are both insane and brilliant simultaneously.

It was the Sylvie & Bruno books that took me the longest to get through. At times, I truly had no idea what was happening. The basic premise is that the narrator goes about his normal life, but then he falls into an "eerie" state (similar to the place between being awake and dreaming) where he encounters fairy children. However, the fairy children sometimes turn into real children, and I just don't understand. What was that all about?

Overall, I did enjoy Carroll's poetry. It's silly and fun.

All right, in the end, I skimmed through the stuff because it included a lot of math and some instructions on how to play card games. I suppose every anthology needs those random bits at the end.

Honestly, I don't believe I finished this monstrous book. Although I have been attempting to read it for the past seven months.
July 15,2025
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It's a strange thing, these stories.

"Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There" are among the more popular writings of Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll.

They are definitely written for children, yet I don't think children of this day and age would enjoy them as much. There's a great deal of mention of poetry, song, and verse that only a child from 18th century England would understand. But it's very enjoyable either way. Perhaps it's best to read the stories to the children and act them out. After all, they are meant to be fun, not as a commentary or anything.

A lot of people don't understand this author's work, and I think it can be best explained like this: imagine you're with a group of children and you've asked them to help you create a story. Just a silly story where anything can occur. So you come up with a character to follow, which the children name. And then you think of a place where he or she can be going, and they want the character to ride a tyrannosaurus rex into a river of melted chocolate, and then the t-rex becomes a peanut butter and jelly sandwich because she's hungry. And then she becomes the Queen of Ice Cream and Marshmallow Land! That's kind of what's happening with these stories. They're utter nonsense and fun, and it wouldn't surprise me at all to learn that Mr. Dodgson wrote Alice word for word on a boring afternoon with the help of some children he knew.

The "Sylvie and Bruno" stories are a bit similar to the "Alice" stories, but the main difference is the narrator. I think he's either dying really slowly (he mentions he has a heart problem at the beginning of the story) or he has narcolepsy. Because he is constantly going to fairyland with Sylvie and Bruno or he's in the present with his mopey doctor friend who can't get the girl of his dreams. It's hard to follow at first, but now it's just sort of strange. But I still found those stories interesting because of all their oddities.

Unfortunately, I couldn't bring myself to read any further. It just became too much. Maybe I will finish it another day.
July 15,2025
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Lewis Carroll is a well-known author, and this collection comprehensively gathers his diverse works.

It includes not only classic stories like "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Sylvia and Bruno" but also numerous verses, letters, articles, and puzzles.

Regrettably, I didn't find much enjoyment in reading the majority of his work. While I liked "Alice" and some of the verses, the rest often left me feeling confused, bored, or put off by what seemed like arrogance.

Lewis Carroll had a sharp tongue and wasn't afraid to use it. His excessive fondness for children and the detailed descriptions and doting on them made me uncomfortable.

However, I'm trying to attribute this to a difference in cultures over time to avoid making unfair judgments. He was clearly an intelligent man who liked to challenge people, but the way he expressed his opinions in an aggravatingly arrogant and condescending manner has led me to have a strong dislike for him and his writing.

Perhaps with a better understanding of the historical and cultural context, I might be able to appreciate his works more fully. But for now, my initial impression remains somewhat negative.
July 15,2025
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This collection of stories was truly wonderful!!

Alice in Wonderland has long been one of my all-time favorite literature classics. However, there was one thing that I remained completely unaware of until I delved into this particular book. It was all about the events that took place AFTER Alice made her way back from the fantastical wonderland.

The stories and poems within this collection are all so incredibly whimsical. They are filled with a unique charm that transports the reader to a world of imagination and make-believe. What's more, there is also a distinct hint of dark humor interwoven throughout, adding an extra layer of depth and intrigue.

I found myself thoroughly enjoying these stories. They have a way of captivating the reader's attention and holding it firmly until the very end. It has always been one of my top favorites, and this collection only serves to solidify that status. In conclusion, this is indeed a wonderful collection that is sure to delight readers of all ages.

July 15,2025
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I have been eyeing this adorable pink & gold leatherbound edition for months.

On a whim, I finally walked into Barnes & Noble and bought it.

When I got home that same night, I finished "Alice's Adventures" in a sitting.

It is such an easy and lovable read for me; I have read it many, many times before.

Even as an adult, I still feel a kinship with Alice.

I am happy to have this on my shelf and look forward to diving into "Other Stories" within the next few months or years, whenever that mood strikes.

This beautiful edition not only adds a touch of elegance to my bookshelf but also brings back the wonderful memories of my childhood.

The story of Alice's adventures in Wonderland is truly a classic that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

I can't wait to explore the other stories in this collection and see where they will take me.

July 15,2025
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Alice In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll is a captivating tale that follows the adventures of a girl named Alice.

She finds herself unexpectedly transported into a strange and wonderful world.

The book is truly a delight to read, filled with great details that bring this fantastical world to life.

The illustrations add another layer of charm, enhancing the reader's experience.

The characters are likeable and unique, each with their own quirks and personalities.

The story is engaging and full of surprises, keeping the reader hooked from beginning to end.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good adventure or enjoys exploring imaginative worlds.

It is a classic that has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Whether you're a child or an adult, Alice In Wonderland is sure to capture your imagination and take you on a magical journey.

So, pick up a copy and let yourself be swept away into the wonderful world of Alice In Wonderland.

July 15,2025
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The only poetry that doesn't give me a headache to read is the kind that truly speaks to my soul. It has a certain rhythm and flow that draws me in and makes me forget everything else.

When I read such poetry, I feel as if I am being transported to another world, a world filled with beauty, emotions, and profound thoughts. The words seem to dance on the page, creating vivid images in my mind and evoking a range of feelings within me.

It could be a simple love poem that expresses the purity and intensity of love, or a nature poem that describes the magnificence of the natural world. Whatever the theme, this type of poetry has the power to touch my heart and make me see the world in a different light.

It is a source of inspiration and comfort for me, and I am always on the lookout for more such poetry to add to my collection. Reading it is like taking a journey into the depths of my own being, and I cherish every moment of it.
July 15,2025
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I'm truly sorry, but I just don't understand it at all! None of this makes the slightest bit of sense to me.

It can only be related to those extremely terrifying dreams where you find yourself unable to wake up, and it's definitely not a pleasant experience!

I didn't have any comprehension of the Disney animation, whether it was the live-action version or the book. I really don't understand the excessive excitement and enthusiasm surrounding it.

I firmly believe that it doesn't deserve all this hype. There are so many other things that seem far more worthy of attention and acclaim.

Maybe I'm just missing something, but as it stands now, I remain completely baffled by the whole phenomenon.
July 15,2025
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Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel Through the Looking-Glass are truly captivating works. These books take readers on a奇幻 journey with the curious Alice. As she follows the white rabbit down the rabbit hole, she enters a world filled with strange and wonderful creatures. From the Cheshire Cat with its mysterious grin to the Mad Hatter's tea party, every encounter is full of surprises. The vivid descriptions and imaginative plots make these books a joy to read. They not only appeal to children but also have a charm that lasts a lifetime. Whether you're a young reader experiencing the magic for the first time or an adult rediscovering the wonder, the Alice books are a must-read. They transport you to a world where anything is possible and where your imagination can run wild.

July 15,2025
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I have a complex relationship with the Disney movie and the original story.

I truly love the whimsy and magic that the Disney movie presents. The creativity and imagination on display in the animated film are truly captivating. However, it is quite obvious that the liberties taken by Disney have made the animated film vastly different from the original story.

As I delved into the story, I found that I despise it. The narrative seemed to drag on, and I struggled to stay engaged. It was a tedious read that failed to hold my attention.

Despite this, I must give 2 stars because Carroll did create a unique world that Disney was able to bring to life for me in a more engaging way. But if it weren't for Disney's interpretation, I'm not sure I would have had any interest in the story at all.

In conclusion, while I appreciate the efforts of both Carroll and Disney, my overall experience with the story was less than satisfactory.
July 15,2025
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I've re-read this book again for who knows how many times. I read it for an online class. Below are some of my write-ups.


Identity is a predominant theme in Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Or, perhaps, it would be more accurate to term it as an identity-crisis. In the initial half of the novel, two remarkable instances of such a crisis take place.


Alice undergoes multiple transformations after consuming unknown substances. The experience of being altered prompts her to ponder over her identity. "‘Who in the world am I? Ah, THAT'S the great puzzle’” (Carroll, pg 23; ch. 2). Having been changed numerous times, Alice wonders if she might actually be someone else. She contemplates this for a while but fails to find an answer. In fact, lacking an answer, she imagines that she would have to inquire of someone else. “‘Who am I then? Tell me that first, and then, if I like being that person, I'll come up: if not, I'll stay down here till I'm somebody else’” (Carroll, pg 24, ch. 2).


The theme of identity-crisis resurfaces when she encounters the caterpillar. “‘Who are YOU?' said the Caterpillar. This was not an auspicious beginning for a conversation. Alice replied, rather shyly, 'I--I hardly know, sir, just at present--at least I know who I WAS when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then'” (Carroll, pg 47; ch. 5). Alice is unable to provide an answer to the caterpillar as she believes there is a possibility that she is no longer herself.


Most people would respond with their name when asked ‘who are you’. However, this is no easy feat for Alice. She refrains from giving her name as an answer because if she has changed, she may not truly be Alice anymore. For Alice, the essence of identity is not contingent upon who you were but rather who you have become.


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Curiosity. The fact that Alice is a curious child, like most children, is what renders Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll still relevant today. Throughout the novel, there are numerous instances where Alice showcases her curiosity.


Right from the outset, we learn that Alice is “burning with curiosity” (pg 12; Ch. 1) as she chases after the white rabbit. Her curiosity is once again demonstrated when she grows unusually tall for the first time. She exclaims most famously, “curiouser and curiouser!”(pg 20; Ch. 2).


In the latter half of the novel, her curiosity is manifested through her conversation with the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle. “What a curious plan!' exclaimed Alice” (Carroll, pg 99; ch. 9). Alice is bewildered by the idea of doing lessons for ten hours one day, nine hours the next day, and so on. Her curiosity compels her to ask, “And how did you manage on the twelfth?” (Carroll, pg 99; ch. 9).


Curiosity is what drives her from one scene to the next. It is what propels the plot forward. Curiosity is a constant companion that never deserts her. Even at the conclusion of the story, she wakes up to proclaim, “Oh, I’ve had such a curious dream!” (Carroll, pg 124; ch. 12).


As the reader, a curious child is likely to contemplate all of the peculiar events. Was it truly just a dream? What would it be like to suddenly change in size? Would they be curious enough to pursue the white rabbit down the hole? What would their experience be like underground?


I believe that Alice in Wonderland is timeless because it caters to the curiosity of children.

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