Alice In Wonderland & Through The Looking Glass

By: Lewis Carroll

Narrated by: Alan Bennett

Tumble down a rabbit hole into the extraordinary world of Lewis Carroll’s childhood classics with these delightful BBC Radio readings.

This classic collection includes two of Alice’s exciting adventures, brought to life by the incomparable Alan Bennett.

Alice in Wonderland
Young Alice leads an ordinary sort of life until, one day, she follows a rabbit down a hole and embarks on a series of adventures with some of the most weird and wonderful characters anyone has ever encountered! She soon discovers that nothing is ordinary in Wonderland, least of all the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the Cheshire Cat, the Duchess, and the Mock Turtle.

Through the Looking Glass
Alice sees another world in the looking glass and wishes she could go there. But when her wish comes true she embarks on a game of chess like she's never known before! Her aim is to become the Queen of the Chess Board, and in order to achieve it she takes counsel from Tweedledum and Tweedledee, Humpty Dumpty, the Lion and the Unicorn, and a very helpful gnat.

Credits
Written by Lewis Carroll
Read by Alan Bennett
Abridged by Colin Smith & David Self

©1988, 2002 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)1988, 2002 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Disappointed

Granted I didn't grow in an English speaking country, it may be just a cultural thing. I had never read Alice in Wonderland. Decided to do so because my work required it.
I was bored. I didn't find the humor (I assume it IS humor) in the least entertaining. The lengthy repetitive scenes tired me to no end. There might be some deeper meaning to it, but I have read children and adult fantasy tales more apt at conveying depth. The Little Prince being one of them. But then again, it might be a cultural bias. And yet I love English and American gothic lit. Somehow, Alice didn't do it for me.

With that said, the performance was excellent. I loved more particularly the rendition of the rabbit. And anyone who likes Alice, will probably enjoy this version.

Why 5 stars

Alan Bennett is my family's favorite reader - his ability to capture all the characters is remarkable. My children were both totally engaged with the story, which is of course, brilliant!

Could not hold my Grand-Daughters attention

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

My Grand-daughter picked this book for a long car ride but asked me to take it off so she could watch the movie on her I-Pad. I suppose it is a story that unfolds better as a visual in this case. It would be unconsionable to say that this iconic story would rate less than four stars thus the rating. This fairy tale has never been one of my favourites even as a child.