Alice Through the Looking-glass: And What Alice Found There

Having just finished Through the Looking-Glass, I find myself reflecting on how it compares to its predecessor, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. While the first book captured my imagination, I have to admit that this sequel didn’t quite measure up for me. At times, I felt like I was slogging through certain parts, missing the effortless whimsy that made the first book so engaging. One of my fondest childhood memories is watching the Disney adaptation of Alice in Wonderland with my grandmother. Interestingly, that movie is a blend of both Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. Perhaps that’s why I held such high expectations for this book—it’s a classic, after all. Despite its moments of brilliance, Through the Looking-Glass felt more like a patchwork of clever ideas rather than a cohesive narrative. That said, the book still has its charms, particularly when reading the part of Humpty Dumpty. I couldn’t help but imagine him speaking with the voice of Danny DeVito, which added a layer of humor and personality that I truly enjoyed. It’s moments like these that remind me why this story continues to be a staple of children’s literature. Overall, while Through the Looking-Glass is still a good read, especially for fans of classic children’s stories, it didn’t quite capture the magic of its predecessor for me. I’d give it 3 out of 5 stars.