On day nine of our Books for Grief, we discuss Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll.
This book may be a surprising addition to our Books for Grief Advent, however the story has been said to be a metaphor for the loss of childhood innocence, with themes that may be relatable to readers coping with grief.
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Alice in Wonderland
by Lewis Carroll
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) by Lewis Carroll is a timeless classic that has captivated readers for over 150 years with its whimsical characters, clever wordplay, and surreal adventures.
As Alice journeys through the unpredictable world of Wonderland—meeting iconic figures like the Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts—she navigates themes of curiosity, imagination, and self-discovery.
The story’s descent into Wonderland has been interpreted as a metaphor for the loss of childhood innocence and the disorienting nature of grief, offering a unique perspective for readers processing change or loss.
Featured Amazon review…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic
“One of the most weird and wonderful stories you will ever read. I read Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland when I was very young, and decided to read it again now. If anything I enjoy it more reading it as an adult, you pick up on new parts of the story, and can truly be baffled by what a weird place ‘Wonderland’ seems to be! It also struck me how close to the book the Hallmark film version of Alice in Wonderland, that I loved as a child, was to the book, complete with the short songs, so I will have to watch that again too! I would recommend this to anyone, I will certainly read it again!“
Amazon customers say…
Readers find the story engaging and enjoy the detailed illustrations and clear text layout. The book is considered a classic with humour and wordplay that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Though suitable for all ages, many note its references may appeal more to adults than to children.
Photo by Madara Parma on Unsplash
For more books, visit our ‘Books for Grief‘ Hub.
🧠 Understand the ‘Stages’ of Grief
Many people first encounter grief through the idea of “stages,” but the model is often simplified or misunderstood.
Our Stages of Grief page looks at where the framework began, what each stage represents, and how it can support understanding – without suggesting that grief unfolds in a tidy order.
Explore the page to learn:
📘 A clear explanation of what the Five Stages are (and what they’re not)
🧭 Why grief rarely moves in a straight line
🌊 How feelings can rise and fall in waves
🧩 Other grief models that may resonate more with your experience
