Well, keep an open mind..I just ordered this book, let's see how it goes.
It IS a unique book in that Alice herself is the narrator. I won't call the book a masterpiece of prose, but it gives us a glimpse of what may have gone on in the minds of Dodgson and Alice.
Those (who I commented about above) who would wish away not only the slightest insinuation a more than platonic attachment will decry this book.
However, not only did a women write it (thank God!) but it is based on strong circumstantial evidence, and it is put into context of the VICTORIAN ERA!!!
One little proof that I will give you now why we cannot not now judge this book's theme of a possible romantic attachment between Dodgson and Alice with our perverted, 21 st. c. eyes, and why all those who damn this book's premise as something that could not happen, is just a bit of historical reference that no one can deny!!
Let's look at what Dodgson DID do, and what he got away with!!
Dodgson, a grown male adult was allowed to befriend young girls, children whom he had no blood-relationship with, and take them unchaperoned on outings to the beach, the parks, theater, picnics etc. etc. He was allowed to photograph them in many states of undress, sometimes with out anyone else being present!!
Today, a man like Dodgson would at least be viewed as a threat to children, a man acting totally inappropriately, and EVEN if his motives were pure, and innocent, he would be beaten to a pulp by the child's father for even SUGGESTING such a thing!!!
I don't have to play out for you, the state of events that would follow if a man like Dodgson existed today. It would make a great Law & Order SVU.
Also, from a girl child's point of view. I would like to reiterate here that even discounting overt sexuality, girl's were primed to be wives from the time they were born. Some marriages were pre-ordained by the parents before the child was able to walk. Though sex itself was not talked about and repressed, LOVE and long romantic engagements were the rule. and let us not forget that Dodgson was not the only male who swooned over little girls, and Alice herself.
It is KNOWN fact that John Ruskin wanted to marry Alice, and that after marring another young girl who he courted when she was a child, the marriage was annulled by his wife after on their wedding night, he his in terror after realizing that his bride was post-pubescent. He also had an affair with 12 year old Ros La Touche wich actually ended in her going insane! And Ruskin was MUCH OLDER than Dodgson.
I could go on and on about other like the diaries of Francis Kilvert etc etc. but I hope now, the truth deniers will get MY POINT!
