Growing up, I was in love with Alice in Wonderland. Nothing made me feel better when I was sick and home from school than watching the Disney classic. The colorful cast of characters, and, of course, Alice herself, made me wish I could chase the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole and embark upon my own magical journey in the oddly fascinating world created by Lewis Carroll.
Melanie Benjamin’s Alice I Have Been introduces us to Alice Liddell Hargreaves, the inspiration for “Alice” of Alice in Wonderland fame. This intriguing novel expertly blends fact and fiction as the life of Alice—from childhood through her twilight years—beautifully unfolds. As the daughter of the dean of Christ Church, Alice and her family befriend Charles Dodgson, a shy young don who teaches mathematics at Oxford. Dodgson grows quite fond of Alice and her sisters Lorina and Edith, often spending “golden” afternoons with the girls (chaperoned, of course) in the park or on the lake, entertaining them with fanciful stories that Alice insists he must write down (which, fortunately, he did, under the pen name Lewis Carroll).
Dodgson is also somewhat of an amateur photographer and with Mrs. Liddell’s approval (with whom Alice has a tenuous relationship), photographs the three girls on several occasions. However, it is during one photographic engagement that Alice, costumed as a young gypsy waif, realizes that something about the seemingly innocent picture-taking session isn’t quite right. I admit, I was a bit disturbed by Dodgson’s obsession with Alice and her level of reciprocation (conscious or otherwise). This event ultimately serves as the catalyst for the dissolution of the friendship between the Liddell family and Dodgson, even though the precise cause for the break in communication is never truly revealed. Nonetheless, the nature of Alice and Dodgson’s relationship, its demise, and all the events in between haunt Alice for the rest of her life. I think, right or wrong, Alice really did love Mr. Dodgson as he may have loved her.
Melanie Benjamin is one of the best authors to come along in a very long time. She has an extraordinary way with words—I couldn’t digest them quickly enough and honestly read every syllable! If you love Alice in Wonderland, I think you’ll be captivated by this novel. I highly recommend adding this to that stack of “must reads” on your bedside table!
