April 24th, 2009
I Heart… Alice in Wonderland
I’ve always loved the Alice stories ever since I was little. I remember having an Alice in Wonderland backpack – the kind that came with markers and you could colour on it like a colouring book. It was my pride and joy. Of course, I was first exposed to the Disney movie of Alice in Wonderland; but in about grade 4 or 5, I found that there was actually a book (and two at that) about Alice. Imagine my delight!
There’s something enchanting about the Alice stories for me, and no matter how many times I’ve read them, I always find great joy in them. In my most recent reread, I borrowed the Annotated Alice from the library, and followed along with all the math and physics theories, background information about manners of the Victorian period, and other miscellaneous information about different aspects of the story that were pointed out in the margins of the page. That’s something that I love about these two books, that no matter how many times you read them, there’s always new details you pick up on (of course, this is normally true of any good book), whether little quirks about the characters, understanding a deeper meaning to one of the numerous rhymes, or picking up on one of many ways in which Carroll mocks aspects of Victorian society.
These stories were such a huge part of my child hood – reading the books, watching the Disney film, playing “Wonderland” in the backyard with my brother – and because of that, they’ll always hold a huge place in my heart. The books definitely hold sentimental value for me, so much so, that I was almost hurt that some of the students in my Fantasy Lit. class so strongly opposed to the books.i It kind of made me wonder if perhaps the reason why I love the books so much is because they do hold that emotional attachment for me. Would I like them so much now if I hadn’t read them when I was younger? One of the main criticisms was that the Alice books were too farfetched for them. Yes, the plot-lines wander about haphazardly and in no seemingly logical order, but I think that’s part of the books’ charm. Their spontaneity and (going to do a little word invention here) “randomosity” capture the essence of childhood, and I think that’s one of the key points Carroll is trying to make in the Alice books: that the imagination is limitless and has no boundaries, much like how a child sees the world.
And now that I’ve gabbledii, an ode to one of my favourite books of all-time…
Above is one of my favourite Alice illustrations. I’m not sure what it is about it that I love so much, I just do. I’m considering having it blown up and framing it. Then I’ll have Wonderlandness in my life every day.
And then there is the gorgeous Natalie Vodianova. Using Alice in Wonderland as a spring board for a fashion photoshoot is all too common – it almost borders on cliched. But this shoot is phenomenal; it really captures the essence of the story. I wanted to include the whole thing, but I’m thinking I’ll save it for another time. It’s so wonderful that it deserves its own post.
One thing I love about the Alice books is that they have such a huge fanbase. And it’s not a scary fanbase like a lot of modern literatureiii, but a really fun and creative one. A lot of artists use Alice as an inspiration point, and I always love seeing what people come up with whether it’s an obvious Alice reference or not.
I’m curious, are there any books that hold a really special place in your heart for whatever reason? Books that you always come back to no matter how many times you’ve read them? Do share! (Can you tell this my completely un-stealthy attempt at getting book recommendations?)
(And because I’m entirely shameless… If you’re an Alice fan, join mine and Sophie‘s fanlisting for the book: here.)
- Both of the Alice books were on the syllabus. (»)
- Gushed + babbled. That’s right, I can invent portmanteaus, too. Watch out, Lewis Carroll! (»)
- I’m looking at you Twilight and Harry Potter! (»)
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Michi » 24 April 2009
I can’t believe the last time I commented here was ages ago and I suck because I haven’t even complimented you on how absolutely gorgeous your layout is! *loves*
Alice, oh, Alice. I’ve always adored Alice and it’s definitely amazing how this story just inspired so many other works of art. Natalia’s Alice in Wonderland editorial will always be one of my favorites! And those illustrations and other pictures are simply breathtaking. From all these editorials, illustrations and such, you’ll really see how much the story of Alice has influenced a lot to this day.
Also, thanks for reminding me that I haven’t even joined those fanlistings! *runs off to join now* :D
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Krissy replied on 24 April 2009...
Aw, no worries my dear. I know you’ve been insane busy with all your crazy loads of schoolwork. Very un-fun! (And thank you for the layout compliments :D)
It really is quite amazing how influential the Alice books have become, isn’t it? They’re so iconic, it’s not even funny. But hey, when it’s something as awesome (and well-loved) as Alice, it doesn’t bother me any. ;)
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