Sunday, September 5, 2010

Fairy Tale Fridays: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Special Thanks to my Personal Faery Friend for the Button Art: Ye Olde Faery Shoppe 

This week's selection for Fairy Tale Fridays is the ultimate classic by Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.  As I mentioned last week, I decided to read the most recent version of the tale that is illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia.  The illustrations on the cover alone caught my eye and I had to experience this new take on a classic (that I have never actually read!).

Since I have never read about Alice's adventures first-hand, I really did not know what to expect beyond some faint memories around Disney's version released many years ago.  I had heard some rumors that the story is a bit weird, the author is controversial, and in the words of one of my favorite book lovers (that would be my aunt!), "The author must have been on something when he wrote this book."  Ha!

After completing the quick read this morning, I have to say that at this time, I might have to agree with the latter the most!  I was often confused and left wondering . . . "What the heck?!?"  However, amidst the chaos, a few pieces really stood out to me.

In general, I was amazed at the imagination that Carroll had!  Wow!!  It really makes me wonder what this man was like to sit down and talk with.  His story is an odd one, but filled with plenty of color and adventure.  In fact, I would go so far to say that the story was an exercise for my mind . . . just had to forget the logic at times because I don't think there was any in parts!

The very last paragraph of the story is really what sold me on the story!  I still do not "get" the majority of the story, most of it being mumble-jumble in my mind at this time . . . BUT, the ending really is what summed up the entire point to the craziness of everything in between falling through the rabbit hole and when Alice woke up.

And, last but not least, I cannot help but add my favorite quote (other than the very ending) in honor of Fairy Tale Fridays . . .
"When I used to read fairy tales, I fancied that kind of thing never happened, and now here I am in the middle of one!" (page 46)
Though I do not believe Alice's Adventures in Wonderland truly fits into the usual fairy tale genre, I do believe it is worthy that we have had it featured here on Fairy Tale Fridays!  Afterall, it is a land filled with talking creatures, kings and queens, and lots of morals!

I believe that it is now time to celebrate, have a bit of a tea party ourselves!!  With that, be watching back later today for the HUGE announcement in honor of Alice and Fairy Tale Fridays!!

What did you think of Alice's Adventures?

UPCOMING TALES:
Friday, September 10th:  Fairy Tale Flick (special post to come later today or tomorrow for details!)
Friday, September 17th:  The Three Army-Surgeons by The Brothers Grimm
Friday, September 24th:  A New, Modern Tale


4 comments:

  1. I was out of town over the weekend. I don't get Alice either, to be truthful.

    ReplyDelete
  2. carolsnotebook . . . I'm glad that I'm not alone in my confusion on this one!! I'm still trying to make sense of it!! And, I hope you had a great weekend!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think this is one that you have to read multiple times to really have it all clear up and settle in your mind. Also, I strongly recommend the annotated version. It clears up so much of the arcane vocab and such!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kristen M. . . Thanks for the tips! Maybe I will try to read it again and spend more time with it. I read it pretty quick. And, I will see if I can find the annotated version at the library to see if that will help!!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you in advance for your comments! I love to hear reader's thoughts and respond to each one within the comment section. Please feel free to subscribe to the comment feed to ensure you can fully participate in the conversations.

Comments on posts older than 14 days are first approved through comment moderation. Word verification should not be turned on, so please notify me if it randomly appears.