ARC Review: Once Upon a Wonderland by David Stoneham

I was compensated for my time reading the book and writing this review. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and are based on my honest personal experience reading the book. Nor did the author in any way shape or form ever pressure me to give a positive review.

Once Upon a Wonderland by David Stoneham is a beautiful retelling of the iconic tale of Alice in Wonderland. It takes readers on a delightful journey through Wonderland, blending elements from the original story with fresh, new creative twists. The book excellently captured the atmosphere and essence of the original story’s appeal, while still adding its depth and complexity to the narrative.

One of the standout aspects of this book is Stoneham’s stellar storytelling with the structure of the narrative. The story isn’t just a whimsical romp through Wonderland; it’s a tale of personal growth and self-discovery, with Alice as a strong and relatable protagonist. Her character development is a highlight of the story, and readers will find it easy to root for her because of how likeable she is. I also really enjoyed the ending. I think it ties up loose ends and comes full circle, giving a nice, pleasant, and satisfying sense of closure.

I also very much enjoyed the presence of the original characters with the newer original characters. It’s very interesting and fun to read their interactions and utilize one of the biggest appeals of retellings this way. The extended cast of characters in the book is a delightful mix of the familiar and the new. Stoneham’s imaginative additions to the Wonderland universe breathe fresh life into well-known characters, making them feel both nostalgic and exciting. The interactions between Alice and these characters add depth and dimension to the story, making it all the more engaging.

Furthermore, the writing style is quite vivid and descriptive, which is important for telling a story as fantastical and imaginative as Wonderland. And I believe Stoneham was effective at painting a picture of Wonderland that is both enchanting and surreal. The wordplay and witty dialogue throughout the novel capture the essence of Carroll’s original work while adding a modern twist.

Despite the heavy presence of fantasy, I very much enjoyed the book’s insights into common and relatable subjects like mental health, personal growth, and discovery. It handles these topics with sensitivity and nuance, therefore creating a stronger immersion for readers who can relate to these issues.

One thing I noticed though was while the book is a delightful read, some readers might find the lengthy dialogues occasionally interrupt the flow of the story. However, for some, the dialogue can also contribute to the book’s unique charm and humour. So it depends on the reading preference of the individual.

Ultimately I do recommend giving this book a chance! Especially if you are already on KU, it’s available to read for free. As I always say, if the premise seems interesting to you, give it a shot!

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