Curiouser and curiouser

Already thirty-one years into my life, and I had never read Lewis Carroll's two masterpieces, Alice in Wonderland and its sequel, Through the Looking-Glass. Fortunately, Finn5fel saw to this, and last summer gave them to me as a present in an impeccable edition.

I know I'm discovering anything new to the world here, but both AIW and TTLG present to the reader worlds as delightful as they are imaginary, filled with fantastical creatures that one can't help but fall in love with. Both Wonderland and the Looking-Glass land thrive with life, although it's not the kind of life one could assume to expect. Their impossible characters seem more real than the protagonists of many more non fantasy novels, as they are completely coherent with themselves, in a bizarre sort of way.

Carroll's prose is fluid and to the point, and even though both stories are episodically centered, as is the custom within children's literature, not even once the books fail to catch the reader's attention, however old he/she might be. Both books are filled up to the edge with songs, poetry, riddles, and the highest count of english language puns ever. Furthermore, a second reading uncovers the author's hidden satire about the inherent stupidity of the customs and demeanors of the adult world, as we, through the eyes of the innocent Alice, watch the improbable citizens of both fantasy worlds give so much importance to their surreal behavior.

In sum, a highly recommendable reading, both for young and old. I just can't wait to see what Tim Burton has done with the franchise.