"In this historically relevant fantasy, Ramsay honors Lewis Carroll’s work while expanding how readers connect with Wonderland. The humor lines up perfectly with the 19th-century source material, as when the Queen of Hearts asserts: “You must slouch. Everyone slouches in my presence.” Ramsay also offers excellent philosophical bons mots, including this White Rabbit gem: “You’re supposed to be wherever you belong.” ... It’s bittersweet that in Wonderland, Alice meets the Prince of Hearts and his presence takes “away all the confusion and fear.” But she nevertheless comes to realize that “something was missing deep inside...that made Alice...Alice.” A harrowing finale closes this mostly playful narrative."
"Ramsay’s tale is steeped with mystery and suspense as well as playfulness and fantasy. Her use of fanciful language—such as describing the Queen sending a decree with: “She called for a carrier pigeon, who sent them along via snail”—gives the story a light-heartedness. The plentitude of absurdity keeps with Carroll’s original tales."
"The book is smart in its movements forward—maintaining its suspense, forwarding intriguing adventures, and even including additions like ghosts. The queen herself is a compelling villain, painted as unpredictable and surrounded by characters whom she cannot trust, including her maidservants and family. The tension around her heightens interest, particularly as cases of theft and death in the castle increase. The book’s revelations are continually surprising."
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