Who Would Like This Book:
If you love dark, twisted reimaginings of classic stories and aren't afraid of a little (okay, a lot) of grit, Christina Henry's 'Alice' might be just your cup of (very black) tea. This story is packed with atmospheric world-building, clever nods to Lewis Carroll’s original, and features a fully developed, deeply flawed heroine. Fans of horror, dark fantasy, and those who appreciate broken protagonists fighting their way through nightmare landscapes will find a lot to dig into here. If 'Alice in Wonderland' had grown up, watched some crime noir, and faced its deepest traumas, this would be it.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This book is definitely not for everyone. If you’re sensitive to repeated themes of violence (including sexual violence and abuse), or if you prefer your fairy tales light and whimsical, you’ll want to steer clear. Some readers found the darkness overwhelming, character development too distant, or the plot and final confrontation a little rushed. If you’re looking for a faithful retelling or want to relive Carroll’s quirky charm, this may not hit the right notes for you.
About:
In "Alice" by Christina Henry, readers are taken on a dark and twisted journey through a reimagined version of the classic Alice in Wonderland tale. The story follows Alice, who escapes from a mental hospital with her companion Hatcher, seeking revenge on the Jabberwocky while navigating a dangerous and eerie Old City. The book delves into themes of violence, madness, and revenge, with a writing style that captures the horror and suspense of the twisted world created by the author.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include graphic violence, sexual violence, trauma, mental illness, and abuse, making the book unsuitable for sensitive readers.
From The Publisher:
From the national bestselling author of The Mermaid comes a mind-bending novel inspired by the twisted and wondrous works of Lewis Carroll…
In a warren of crumbling buildings and desperate people called the Old City, there stands a hospital with cinderblock walls which echo the screams of the poor souls inside.
In the hospital, there is a woman. Her hair, once blond, hangs in tangles down her back. She doesn't remember why she's in such a terrible place. Just a tea party long ago, and long ears, and blood…
Then, one night, a fire at the hospital gives the woman a chance to escape, tumbling out of the hole that imprisoned her, leaving her free to uncover the truth about what happened to her all those years ago.
Only something else has escaped with her. Something dark. Something powerful. And to find the truth, she will have to track this beast to the very heart of the Old City, where the rabbit waits for his Alice.
Ratings (33)
Incredible (6) | |
Loved It (18) | |
Liked It (2) | |
It Was OK (4) | |
Did Not Like (1) | |
Hated It (2) |
Reader Stats (95):
Read It (34) | |
Currently Reading (2) | |
Want To Read (51) | |
Not Interested (8) |
2 comment(s)
I loved this book! Yes, the mentions of rape and the description of the way that girls were manhandled was disturbing, but it added to the plot in a significant way. It's sadly a part of life whether or not we choose to acknowledge that and do something about it, or simply live ignorantly. I loved how each of the characters in Alice in Wonderland showed up- even the Walrus! Even though most of the characters are evil, other than maybe Chesire, definitely Alice, and (I have mixed feelings about this one) Hatcher. I also loved that Hatcher gave me "Queen of Hearts mixed with the Mad Hatter" vibes. And we love a good character arc, which is so evident throughout Alice's (and Hatchers!) journey.
Shallow and humorless, relying on the rape and torture of women to create the "dark" fantasy.
What can you read after
Alice?
About the Author:
Christina Henry is the author of The Mermaid, Lost Boy, Alice, Red Queen, and the national bestselling Black Wings series featuring Agent of Death Madeline Black and her popcorn-loving gargoyle, Beezle.
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