Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Through the Looking Glass (And What Alice Found There)
- Author: Lewis Carroll
- Narrator: Stewart Wills
- Length: 03:25:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 02/07/2007
- Publisher: LibriVox
- Genre: Kids, Classics
- ISBN13: SABLIBX978052
As I settled into a cozy corner of my favorite café in Oaxaca, the bustling sounds of the market outside seemed to fade into the background. I pressed play on the audiobook of *Through the Looking Glass (And What Alice Found There)* by Lewis Carroll, narrated by Stewart Wills, and was immediately transported into a world where logic is turned on its head and the absurd becomes the norm. It reminded me of the time I was driving through the Atacama Desert, listening to *One Hundred Years of Solitude*—the surreal landscapes outside my window perfectly mirrored the fantastical narrative in my ears.
Stewart Wills’ narration is a delightful journey in itself. His voice carries a warmth and clarity that makes Carroll’s intricate wordplay accessible and engaging. Wills’ ability to capture the whimsical tone of the story, while also delivering the more philosophical undertones, is commendable. His pacing is impeccable, allowing the listener to savor the clever puns and nonsensical dialogues that are so characteristic of Carroll’s work. Listening to Wills, I was reminded of the evenings I spent with a grandmother in Oaxaca, her storytelling weaving magic into the mundane with every word.
*Through the Looking Glass* is, of course, a sequel to *Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland*, but it stands on its own as a masterpiece of literary nonsense. The story follows Alice as she steps through a mirror into a world that operates under its own set of rules—rules that often defy logic and reason. Here, Alice becomes a pawn in a chess game, moving through a landscape filled with peculiar characters like Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the White Queen, and the Jabberwock. Carroll’s genius lies in his ability to create a world that is both fantastical and deeply rooted in the intellectual and social concerns of his time.
One of the key themes of the book is the fluidity of identity and transformation. Alice’s journey is marked by constant changes in her size and status, reflecting the Victorian era’s anxieties about identity and the self. Carroll’s exploration of these themes is both playful and profound, inviting readers to question the very nature of reality. The book’s structure, based on a chess game, adds another layer of complexity, as Alice navigates a world where the rules are both rigid and malleable.
The language of *Through the Looking Glass* is another highlight. Carroll’s use of puns, wordplay, and nonsensical verse is nothing short of brilliant. Poems like *Jabberwocky* and *The Walrus and the Carpenter* are not just entertaining; they challenge our understanding of language and meaning. Wills’ narration brings these linguistic gymnastics to life, his voice capturing the rhythm and musicality of Carroll’s verse.
While the book is often categorized as children’s literature, its themes and complexities make it a rewarding read for adults as well. Carroll’s satirical commentary on Victorian society, his exploration of logic and nonsense, and his playful manipulation of language offer endless layers of interpretation. The audiobook format, with Wills’ skilled narration, enhances these elements, making the listening experience both enjoyable and thought-provoking.
In comparison to *Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland*, *Through the Looking Glass* is often seen as more structured and intellectually complex. The chess game framework provides a sense of order, but the characters and events within it are delightfully chaotic. This tension between structure and chaos is one of the book’s most compelling aspects, and Wills’ narration captures this balance beautifully.
For those who enjoy works of fantasy and literary nonsense, *Through the Looking Glass* is a must-read—or rather, a must-listen. The audiobook, available for free on LibriVox, offers a convenient and engaging way to experience Carroll’s imaginative world. Whether you’re revisiting the story or encountering it for the first time, Wills’ narration will guide you through the looking-glass with charm and wit.
As I finished the audiobook, the sounds of the Oaxacan market returned, but my mind remained in Carroll’s fantastical world. It’s a testament to the enduring power of his storytelling that, over a century later, *Through the Looking Glass* continues to captivate and inspire. So, dear fellow adventurers, I encourage you to step through the mirror and join Alice on her journey. You’ll find that the world on the other side is as strange and wonderful as any you’ve ever imagined.
With literary appreciation and a sense of wonder,
Marcus Rivera
