I thought this was spectacularly charming and a welcome return to the nonsense and whimsy of Wonderland. Alyce (with a Y) receives an invitation (actually a noitativni) and falls into the lake, where somehow she can breathe and discovers herself at a tea party with much broken crockery and no sugar!
Alyce is set a mission to stop a war between the Sun King and Queen of the Moon. Their war has taken all the stars from the sky and the constant changing between night and day is making everyone unsettled.
She must find “The time being” to help her set the war to end but cannot find this being. Instead she meets some very familiar characters- the Cheshire Cat, The Butcher, Baker and Candlestick maker and most importantly, a charming fox who endeavours to help her on her journey.
While the familiarity of Wonderland was present, it was also a delightful reimagining of this classic. Alyce has her own journey through, different to that of the original Alice, who happens to be known to Alyce.
Whether there is a moral, metaphor or special meaning is up for each reader to decide but I think this is a rather special story. Alyce and Alice are grieving, the war has just ended and this provides them with an opportunity to re-connect since their loss.
It was perfectly written, in my opinion!
My Shelves Are Full 