I feel like this is not a completed book. Each chapter starts out with some history and lore that was already stated in earlier chapters. It feels like a collection of articles a rather then a book. There is no continuity in the narrative. I couldn’t see how the chapters tied together. The chapters didn’t seem to build on each other. The facts from chapter to chapter do not feed into each other. Again the issue is the repetition of facts, it made feel as if the author thought I was too stupid to remember something she had told me only a few pages earlier. The was no new insight to Charles Dodgson aka Lewis Carroll, just all the sexual connotations that resulted from the story, most of which I already knew. I kept reading hoping for something to tie it all together. Sadly it never came. It all feels very disorganized, I can’t find a flow from one topic/chapter to the next. And I don’t feel like anything was answered...all the questions and mysteries were still as unanswered at the end as at the beginning.

My thanks to Pen & Sword History for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Dark Side of Alice in Wonderland’ by Angela Youngman in exchange for an honest review.

Alice in Wonderland has been in print for over 150 years and this work of nonfiction examines the mysteries and rumours surrounding the story and its creator Charles Dodgson/Lewis Carroll as well as the wide range of interpretations that the story has inspired over the years. Notably this is the first time that anyone has investigated the range of darker, more threatening aspects of the story and how the character of Alice has been appropriated.

Before reading this I had very little knowledge of the history of the Alice in Wonderland stories, its creator and his muse, Alice Liddell, or the publication history. However, I have read a number of novels and watched films and the like inspired by the original, or that referenced it, like The Matrix.

So I found this fascinating and it proved quite an eye-opener in all kinds of ways, some of them disturbing and ‘out there’.

Youngman rounds off the main text with a list of resources, an index, and a selection of photos and images, including unusual ones from Alice-themed escape rooms, murder mystery games, and theatrical productions.

While Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass remain much loved children’s classics, this book is clearly intended for mature readers interested in literary studies and the books’ wide cultural influences.

Overall, I found this a well researched and interesting study that has increased my knowledge of and appreciation of the Alice in Wonderland stories.

When I first read the title of the book, I was immediately excited because I expected it would explain the darker symbolism of the story in more detail, which I had always wanted (and which it does at some points).
Even as a child I found Alice's story very dark in many places and wondered about its image as a story for children.
What I didn't expect were the historical backgrounds around the story, the author and the girl who was the model for the character, some of which horrified me.

But I also found the explanations of the different interpretations very interesting. If you like watching anime and reading manga, you might have wondered why there is an Alice adaptation in almost every series. Thanks to the book, I now know why.

I recommend it to anyone who simply loves the story, wants to understand the cult to it or learn about its dark background.

I received an ARC of this book thanks to NetGalley and publisher Pen & Sword in exchange for an honest review.

The Dark Side of Alice in Wonderland is a nonfiction book focusing on various interpretations and properties surrounding Alice in Wonderland. The first few chapters focus on contextualising the life of Lewis Carroll/Charles Dodgson and Alice Liddell, with some discussion of the darker elements. I found the very first chapter decent enough but I skimmed most of the second as I am not hugely interested in Carroll's life outside of his work as an author. However, these chapters may be of interest for history buffs and I did enjoy the discussions of Carroll potentially being Jack the Ripper, farfetched as the theory might be.

The rest of the book has each chapter focus on a theme (eg. drugs, sex, horror etc) and then talk about various adaptations or experiences that are Alice-themed based around that chapter topic. I enjoyed this section of the book the most and I felt like it covered a wide range of different adaptations/experiences. The chosen topics all made sense and fit the 'dark' theme well, on top of just being interesting topics in of themselves.

I think this book fell slightly flat for me for two main reasons. Firstly, I didn't realise it would be focused so much on the discussion of properties outside of the book itself. I know Alice in Wonderland is short but I would have liked a bit more of a focus on how elements from the book fit with the chapter topics, with the discussion centered on the book itself rather than everything created from it. Secondly, while this book does cover an impressive range of adaptations/experiences (no easy feat) the result is a little shallow in parts. Some things get a good chunk of thought/page space dedicated to them but some are almost name-checked without adding much.

Having said that, I still think this is a well-researched and very engaging nonfiction book. I did genuinely enjoy reading it and I felt like it does cover everything you would expect a book like this to. The writing is extremely accessible without sacrificing any academic merit. If you love the world of Alice in Wonderland, then this book does have a lot to offer you.

Overall Rating: 3/5 stars

My thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword History for an advanced copy of this book.

A story for children, maybe, that is not just a story but a cultural phenomenon inspiring, pictures movies, cartoons, graphic novels, non-canon sequels, even fashion and lifestyle statements, with a blue movie or two to keep the seamy side of the story alive, the classic story of young girl in a strange land has told by Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) is the subject of Angela Youngmen's The Dark Side of Alice in Wonderland. The author approaches the book from all its aspects, the truth, the mythology, the art that has been created, and the lives that were touched and changed. The writing can get a little much, their is a lot to take in and her exhausting research can be a tad exhausting, but for fans of the story or scholars of literature it is a fascinating study in how one work can still be popular and appropriated over so many different mediums.

What a history Alice has! This book felt like it took me a bit down a rabbit hole (get it? 😉). The beginning was very interesting and I really enjoyed learning about Alice Liddell, but there are also some disturbing truths revealed about Charles Dodgson. Alice has inspired WAY more aspects of culture throughout history than I ever would have linked.

It’s fantastic and very interesting research, but much of the book goes on to talk about explain how the story has been twisted and changed throughout culture and I found myself less interested. Would recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the history and influence of Alice in Wonderland as it is very vast! Overall I’ve really struggled with what to rate this book, as it is good research but I just didn’t really enjoy the book and took a long time to finish.

Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adore Alice in Wonderland and had a rough idea that the background and themes of the novel were darker than face value. I didn't realise quite how dark they really were. This book handles sensitive subjects in a frank yet professional manner which leaves the reader feeling fascinated by the context of the novel and also the various interpretations. Between dinner parties full of weird and wonderful things, film adaptations, theories on potential abuse and also the supernatural reading of Alice, this book really does explore everything.

Many thanks to @netgalley once again for the copy of this book in return for an honest review. Amazing novel.

This was quite an informative read!

The author did a really good job at guiding us down the rabbit hole and showing us the dark side of one of our beloved childhood stories. How far does the rabbit hole go? You definitely have to give this book a read to find out :)

The book, however, can get a tad repetitive at times but not to the point where it ruins the reading experience.

In a nutshell, this was an enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend.

I would like to thank the Publishers, NetGalley, and the Author for sending me a copy of this book.

I am so glad the story of how Alice in Wonderland was made has been turned into a novel, I believe I only found out through a documentary that was well-hidden. Most do not know the truth behind the book, and it’s darker then they would ever imagine.

This book does an amazing job of bringing these conversations about Lewis Carroll to the forefront, respectfully and with grace - from an analytical standpoint. I absolutely loved the story and the book, I found out things I hadn’t even learned from the documentary so many years ago. It’s well written and well researched, with prose rivaling Carroll’s own.

I want to sincerely thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a ARC to review, I loved this book and will be purchasing it!

Whatever your feelings on Lewis Carroll, you can’t deny that the books he wrote about Alice are some of the most influential in all of literature. From film to music to fashion and everything in between, Alice in wonderland is everywhere. Youngman goes into so many different aspects of the character of Alice as well as the author Charles Dodgson aka Carroll. If you didn’t know about the rumors and gossip around him before this book, you absolutely won’t be able to look at these books or movies etc the same. This book feels like it’s for the most avid fan as well as newbies or rookies and there is so much information. Some influences may even surprise readers as well. Very interesting read for sure.

I really didn't enjoy this - it was very repetitive and I didn't feel like I learnt anything I didn't already know.
I was expecting some more shocking revelations based on the title.

Too repetitive and very slow paced and unexciting.

The Dark Side of Alice in Wonderland, although not usually my genre, I found the book the fascinating.

I had no idea of all the theories and interpretation that is a huge part of Alice In Wonderland.

I was in the group as a child Alice in Wonderland scared me.

Angela Youngman has done a fascinating job of researching the author, the book itself and all the theories that go hand in hand with Alice in Wonderland.

The author himself, Lewis Carroll/Charles Dodgson is enigma to this day.

I am amazed how this book has touched so many aspects of life and continues to do so.

The Dark Side of Alice in Wonderland is definitely worth a read and will stay with me for a very long time to come.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword, Pen & Sword History, Entertainment/History/Nonfiction (Adult) for a fascinating and eye opener of a read.

I have always been really interested in Alice in Wonderland. As a kid I loved the whimsical nature of Wonderland and the idea of a girl meant to be in such a unique and interesting place. As I grew up i started to see the darker side of Wonderland but I was still absolutely fascinated by it. This book felt like the culmination of those two things.
I will say I knew a lot of the information in this book but that has more to do with my obsession and not Youngman's lack of research. I was still fascinated to find out about some of the darker things that lead up to the creation of this well beloved story.
I would also like to warn those considering reading this that this book does cover some dark subjects. Of you are sensitive to darker subjects such as child abuse and other similar things please be careful while reading this book.

I have to say, I thought I was already educated on how Alice in Wonderland came to be written when I was about 15, however there is so much that I didn't know therefore I gained knowledge of them.
Some things I learned are:
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland has been translated into either 174 or 176 languages (the number changes to the former in " Women & Child Friend Alice " section).
Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (AKA Lewis Caroll) was a disturbed individual.
Others are also very disturbed individuals.

Whole there is information about the real Alice, there does appear to be a lack of information as well; it pretty much is about Mr. Dodgson, other movies, plays, games etc pretty early on and throughout.


If you want to learn more about Alice in Wonderland definitely give this book a go.

Thank you Netgalley, Pen & Sword History and Angela Youngman for the opportunity to educate myself on the background of Alice in Wonderland!
All opinions are my own.

The Dark Side of Alice in Wonderland, Angela Youngman, Pen & Sword History Yorkshire -Philadelphia, 2021.
Thank you, Net Gallery, for providing me with this copy for review.

In thanking Net Galley for this copy of The Dark Side of Alice in Wonderland, as above, I am immediately aware of how inadequate such a formal thank you is for a book such as this. I am thrilled about the book, and grateful to have the opportunity to review it.

Readers might be like me. As a young mother I encouraged my daughter to produce a play theatre production of Alice in Wonderland, complete with a caterpillar made from egg carton humps linked by medical tape, and with pipe cleaner legs; cards from cardboard, aptly illustrated, also with pipe cleaner arms and legs; rose bushes comprising twigs and carefully coloured crepe paper roses and a doll dressed in Alice’s distinctive blue with a white apron. All over the world I have collected Alice in Wonderland books and paraphernalia for my younger daughter, at this stage being aware that Alice’s author might not be the writer of a children’s story alone. But until I was able to delve into the intricacies of Lewis Carroll, his relationships with adults and children the myriad of interpretations of his work as depicted by Angela Youngman, I was without knowledge of the incredible range of information that comprises the world of Lewis Carroll as it was in his time, and now. My innocent caterpillar of the pipe cleaner legs has come a long way.

Angela Youngman’s research, interpretation, and thoughtful discussion of the material she has found becomes a book that deserves to be on every Alice lover’s bookshelf…or ereader. It is an eminently profound dissection of the information that swirls around Lewis Carroll, or in his birth name, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson. A lesser, but nonetheless intriguing narrative, is the origin of Alice. Chapter 2 is entitled, The Real Alice, and tells the story of the Alice assumed to be that of Wonderland, Alice Liddell. Continuing with the use of the part of the title that is her name, each chapter refers to the debate around Carroll through Alice: Women & Child Friend Alice; Photo Alice; Lolita Alice; X-Rated & Banned Alice; Ripper Alice; Mad Alice; Murder Mystery Alice; Drug Alice; Surreal Alice; Occult Alice; and Bizarre Alice, until the last, The Last Mystery. So, Youngman’s investigation emphasises the mystery that surrounds Carroll, with its links to the real as well as imaginary Alice, rather than suggesting that she has the definitive answer.

At the same time, the meticulous accumulation of information provides a variety of solutions that sound feasible. In contrast to the other chapters, Chapter 7 perceptively undermines the dross that accusers have woven around the idea of Carroll as Ripper. The contortions made by such theorists make informative reading in a time when conspiracy theories about modern politics are so abundant, so without credibility – but so willingly believed.

In relating the story of the boat ride with Alice and her siblings, Carroll and his friend during which the story of Alice in Wonderland begins, the innocence of the outing, the storytelling and friendship with the Liddells is challenged by future events. These involve a break between the friends, invitations not returned, invitations accepted, approaches remade. The challenge is, in its turn, questioned. As an elderly woman Alice Liddell appears to have accepted her role happily. However, reaching that point is a feat of detection, which has been realised by Youngman in her well researched book.

Youngman has a wonderful capacity to draw her readers into their own speculations about the truth or otherwise of interpretations of Lewis Carroll’s behaviour and meanings in the work. Alice in Wonderland has been at the core of a wide range of works by other writers, events organisers, film producers and directors, artists and commentators and Youngman describes and analyses these speculations and artistic interpretations. Her tools are powerful: accessible writing, open ended conjecture and development of alternative understandings, and well organised material. The dark side is certainly exposed, but even at its darkest, another possibility is raised. And then, one is dashed. For example, is the letter Carroll writes to the mother of children that he wants to photograph unchaperoned, from a bully or someone who is genuinely hurt? Should the context of Victorian photography that Youngman raises, be considered? Certainly, in today’s more knowing environment the letter is at the very least raises questions.

Youngman shows the reader who sees an innocent Alice in Wonderland, and an imaginative author who has provided the world with a world of imagery, humour, understandings of the variety of ways in which a child might see herself, that there is another side, and another, and yet another. Her capacity to do this is impressive, leaving this reader with the feeling that Alice in Wonderland and its author, could indeed, be both wonderful and terrible. But rather than think of my caterpillar smoking drugs in his hookah, I shall maintain a belief in his innocence. Youngman has been able to leave me with my Alice in Wonderland intact at the same time as drawing me in to a remarkable analysis of the book, the author and others’ interpretations.

Charles Lutwidge Dodgson was an Oxford cleric and mathematician. His hobby was taking photographs. He took thousands. Some were of scantily-clad young women, many were of children, often completely naked, but always with the parents' consent. In mid-Victorian England middle-class children were still completely innocent. Since his death he has been vilified and numerous accusations have been made. In 1996 the author Richard Wallace even tried to prove Dodgson was Jack the Ripper!
Dodgson was, in fact, Lewis Carroll, who produced some of the most imaginative children's fiction ever, including the Alice novels.
A fascinating book. The author delves deep, recounting many ways in which Alice, like her creator has been abused in recent years: manga, anime and hardcore porn, but the innocence of the original books remains poignant and perfect.

I received an e-ARC from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Dark Side of Alice in Wonderland is a fascinating look at the darker elements of the Alice story, it's historical context, and mostly, the various artistic forms it spawned.
Early chapters are devoted to the life of Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson) and his in particular his relationships with children and young women, and his love of photography. The author avoids giving her direct opinion, instead choosing to present both sides of the argument, as it were. Was Dodgson merely an artistic man of his times, or a repressed pedophile? It's very much left to the reader to make up their own minds, which is a smart move, in my opinion.
Later chapters delve into other kinds of artistic expression that were inspired by Alice in Wonderland, and particularly how social and historical context affect views of both the original tale, and what has been inspired by it. I found the discussion surrounding Lolita Fashion, and the novel Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov particularly interesting. While Nabokov was inspired by Alice in Wonderland to look at the dark side of relationships between older men and young girls, Japanese Lolita fashion is more expressive of Dodgson's own stated views on the innocence an purity of young girls.
The book also explores other books, films, music, fashion, and art that has been inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
On the whole, I found this a fascinating read, and recommend it to fans of Alice in Wonderland, as well as those who are interested in pop culture.

Parts of this book were interesting to learn and at times disturbing from the aspect of the authors actions towards young girls. I didn't realise though how often this book would delve into its statistics of sales and the future adaptions into things such as video games and movies. Definitely interesting but wasn't my favourite.

Thank you #netgalley for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

I’ve always been fascinated by Alice in Wonderland since I was a child and still up to this day I enjoy reading her nonsensical adventures. So reading about the author Charles Dodgson’s (aka Lewis Carroll) life was incredibly interesting.

Was he really a child abuser? To what extent were his obsessive interactions with little girls innocent? Was he involved with child pornography?
The book goes so far as to explore the possibility of him being the infamous Jack the Ripper! After exploring Dodgson’s life it pulls you into the darker aspects of Alice and the way she has become an icon for so many subjects such as horror movies, pornography and Japanese mangas.
I had no idea Alice was based on a real-life person, a little girl called Alice Liddell. Reading about the author’s relationship with the Liddell family in general during the Victorian era were at the same time fascinating and shocking!
There a snippets of his letters to them and to other mothers asking for permission to photograph their little girls....naked! And by little girl he intended 11 to 17 year olds! Very disturbing stuff!
This was incredibly interesting and gave me a huge insight on Victorian customs and habits!

I absolutely LOVED the insight this gave into such a classic tale as Alice In Wonderland is!! The style of writing was easy to read and it was clearly well researched. Definitely recommend.