Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Alice in Wonderland (Drama)
- Author: Lewis Carroll
- Narrator: LibriVox Volunteers
- Length: 01:41:09
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 01/01/2017
- Publisher: LibriVox
- Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy
- ISBN13: SABLIB9788222
As I settled into my favorite armchair, a steaming cup of yerba mate in hand, I pressed play on the *Alice in Wonderland (Drama)* audiobook, narrated by the LibriVox Volunteers. The familiar yet always enchanting world of Lewis Carroll’s imagination began to unfold, and I found myself transported once more to the whimsical landscapes of Wonderland and the Looking-Glass world. This dramatized adaptation, a stage-friendly rendition of *Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland* and *Through the Looking-Glass*, promised to bring a fresh auditory experience to Carroll’s timeless tales. And it did not disappoint.
The story, as you likely know, follows young Alice as she tumbles down the rabbit hole and into a world where logic is turned on its head, and nothing is quite as it seems. From the enigmatic Cheshire Cat to the perpetually late White Rabbit, each character Alice encounters is a delightful (and sometimes perplexing) embodiment of Carroll’s playful genius. This audiobook captures the essence of these encounters with a full cast of voices, each bringing their unique flair to the iconic roles.
Listening to this dramatization, I was reminded of a time when I was driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, the surreal landscape outside my window perfectly mirroring the fantastical elements of Carroll’s narrative. Just as the desert’s vastness seemed to stretch the boundaries of reality, so too does Wonderland challenge our perceptions of the ordinary. The LibriVox Volunteers, with their varied voices and dynamic performances, managed to evoke that same sense of wonder and otherworldliness.
One of the standout aspects of this audiobook is its ability to balance the absurdity of Carroll’s world with the underlying themes of identity and self-discovery. Alice’s journey is not just a series of bizarre encounters; it is a quest to understand herself in a world that constantly shifts and changes. The narrators capture this internal struggle beautifully, their voices conveying Alice’s confusion, curiosity, and eventual confidence as she navigates the nonsensical logic of Wonderland.
The audio quality, while not studio-perfect, adds a charming authenticity to the experience. It feels as though you are listening to a live performance, the slight imperfections only enhancing the sense of being part of an intimate storytelling session. This reminded me of evenings spent with a family in Oaxaca, where the grandmother would regale us with tales, her voice rich with history and emotion. The LibriVox Volunteers, much like that grandmother, bring a personal touch to the narration, making the story feel alive and immediate.
However, it’s worth noting that the dramatization does take some liberties with the source material, condensing certain scenes and rearranging others to fit the stage format. While this might disappoint purists, it also makes the story more accessible and engaging for new listeners. The inclusion of favorite scenes, such as the Mad Tea Party and the encounter with Humpty Dumpty, ensures that the essence of Carroll’s work is preserved, even if the structure is altered.
In comparing this adaptation to other versions of *Alice in Wonderland*, I found it to be a refreshing take that highlights the theatrical potential of Carroll’s work. While the Disney animated film and Tim Burton’s live-action adaptation each bring their own visual flair, this audiobook relies solely on the power of voice and imagination, inviting listeners to create their own mental images of Wonderland. It’s a testament to Carroll’s writing that his stories can be so effectively adapted across different mediums, each offering a unique perspective on his fantastical world.
For those who are new to *Alice in Wonderland*, this audiobook serves as an excellent introduction, capturing the whimsy and wit of the original while making it accessible in a new format. For longtime fans, it offers a fresh way to experience the story, with the added dimension of a full cast bringing the characters to life. And, of course, the fact that it’s available for free through LibriVox is a significant bonus, making it an easy choice for anyone looking to dive into Carroll’s imaginative universe.
In conclusion, the *Alice in Wonderland (Drama)* audiobook, narrated by the LibriVox Volunteers, is a delightful and engaging adaptation that captures the magic of Carroll’s classic tales. It’s a journey through a world where logic is delightfully subverted, and imagination reigns supreme. So, dear listeners, I encourage you to press play, close your eyes, and let the voices of Wonderland guide you down the rabbit hole once more.
With literary wanderlust and a touch of whimsy, Marcus Rivera
Marcus Rivera
