ALICE by Christina Henry Book Review 📖

Okay, so after diving headfirst into Christina Henry's *ALICE*, I absolutely have to share more than just a quick review. This book isn't just a retelling; it's a complete reimagining that plunges you into a Wonderland so dark and brutal, it's barely recognizable. If you're looking for the whimsical tale of your childhood, turn away now! From the moment Alice wakes up in a mental institution, with fragmented memories and a horrifying past, you know you're in for a ride. The world Henry builds is gritty and unforgiving, populated by characters who are twisted versions of the ones we know. The Cheshire Cat is a terrifying, manipulative figure, and the White Rabbit, often depicted with a black rabbit silhouette on the cover, is far from innocent. What truly stood out for me were these characters; their depth and complexity, despite their gruesome circumstances, were incredibly compelling. Alice herself is a survivor, hardened by trauma, and her journey for truth and vengeance is captivating. Now, let's talk about the plot. It’s a relentless, bloody quest through a broken world. The story tackles themes of trauma, survival, and the fight for agency. While the original article's OCR mentioned an "anticlimactic ending," I found it more... bittersweet. It doesn't wrap everything up in a neat bow, which honestly felt right for such a dark narrative. It leaves you pondering, which I appreciate. But seriously, before you even think about picking this up, heed the trigger warnings. The OCR results highlighted them, and for good reason. This book contains extreme content, including themes of sexual assault (SA), cannibalism, gory murders, and scenes set in mental wards. There are also strong suggestions of child abuse and sexual violence, which are handled with a brutal honesty that can be very disturbing. This is absolutely not for everyone, and I strongly recommend checking your comfort levels. For those curious about Christina Henry's other works, ALICE is often paired with its companion book, *Red Queen*, which continues the story. While ALICE can be read as a standalone, Red Queen offers a deeper dive into this twisted universe. And if you enjoyed the dark fairy tale vibe, you might also like her other dark retellings, such as *The Girl in Red*, which reimagines Little Red Riding Hood. These books aren't interconnected in plot, but share Henry's signature dark, gritty style. Overall, despite the intense themes and the somewhat open ending, I'd still give ALICE a solid four stars, echoing the OCR's sentiment. It’s a powerful, disturbing, and utterly memorable read for those who dare to venture into its darkness. Happy (dark) reading!