Title: Once upon a Wonderland
Author: D J Stoneham
Publisher: National Library of Finland
Genre: Fantasy
First Publication: 2023
Language: English
Book Summary: Once upon a Wonderland by D J Stoneham
“Fee-fi-fo-fum!” boomed the ogre.
“Why do you keep quoting Shakespeare’s King Lear?” asked Alice. “And while we’re on the subject, why can you only smell the blood of Englishmen? Why not other nationalities? Or English women come to that?”
A poltergeist in tattered leotards, a grumpy carnivore that is more interested in Gaston than Belle and a psychotic arsonist. These are not the Rumpelstiltskin, Beast and Cinderella that Alice knew and loved as a girl. Nevertheless, she needs to get them and other fairy tale characters out of Wonderland if she’s to mend Time and return home. And rescue Jack, the feathered boy she’s in love with.
Alice’s quest is not helped by charges of treason, the advances of a dashing mediaeval estate agent and the fact that she is growing younger by the hour. And then there is the Queen of Hearts and her cohorts to contend with.
Alice’s humorous journey is peppered with surreal events, gritty wordplay and the sinister backstories to popular fairy tales, making this stand-alone Wonderland story a must for younger and older adults alike.
Book Review: Once upon a Wonderland by D J Stoneham
Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of retellings of literary classics, since they provide a new perspective on well-known tales. These adaptations may vary from being exact recreations of the original work to being creative reimaginings that breathe new life into the familiar characters and settings of the original story. Retellings give you the opportunity to experience the original narrative in a whole new way, whether you’ve always loved it or have only recently discovered it. With so many retellings accessible, readers may explore diverse viewpoints, alternate endings, and even totally new universes built on the core of a classic narrative.
Once Upon a Wonderland by D J Stoneham is a delightful reimagination of the beloved fairy tale of Alice in Wonderland. In this book, the author has taken a classic story and brought it into the modern era with an extended cast of characters and a new storyline that is sure to keep readers engaged. The book takes readers on a magical journey through the whimsical world of Wonderland, where oddity is the norm and danger lurks around every corner. With Stoneham’s vivid imagination and unique style of scene-setting and descriptiveness of character encounters, the book is a gripping adventure for young and old alike.
Once Upon A Wonderland by DJ Stoneham is a tantalizing tale that transports readers to a world of fantasy and intrigue. The characters are richly drawn, each with their own unique quirks and idiosyncrasies that make them feel like real people. Stoneham’s writing style is masterful, with vivid descriptions that bring Wonderland to life in all its surreal glory. And while the story may be whimsical and fanciful, it also deals with weighty themes like mental health and personal growth, adding a layer of depth and meaning to the narrative.
Alice, the heroine of the story, is no longer the wide-eyed, naive girl we first met in Lewis Carroll’s classic. Instead, she’s a college graduate with a fierce sense of independence and a willingness to stand up for herself. Her journey through Wonderland is a journey of self-discovery, as she learns to confront her fears and face the challenges that lie ahead. Along the way, she encounters a host of characters, both friend and foe, each with their own motivations and desires.
Stoneham’s writing style is a perfect fit for the fantastical world of Wonderland. His descriptions are lush and evocative, painting a picture of a world that’s both beautiful and strange. He imbues each character with a distinct personality, making them feel like living, breathing beings rather than mere caricatures. And his use of language is both playful and poetic, capturing the whimsy and wonder of Carroll’s original while adding his own unique touch.
Perhaps most impressive, though, is the way Stoneham weaves themes of mental health throughout the story. Alice’s journey through Wonderland is a metaphor for her own inner struggles, as she learns to confront her fears and doubts and emerge stronger on the other side. Stoneham’s portrayal of mental health issues is sensitive and nuanced, and he treats his characters with compassion and understanding. In all, Once Upon A Wonderland is a delightful and engaging read, a worthy addition to the Alice in Wonderland canon. With its richly drawn characters, masterful writing, and weighty themes, it’s a book that will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.
