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London Trilogy #3
Ihmemaa
Miten käy, kun putoaa kaninkoloon?
Alice on etuoikeutettu nuori nainen, joka elää yltäkylläisyydessä. Millään ei ole kuitenkaan arvoa, kun oma mieli vääristää todellisuutta. Kun Alicen ongelmainen ystävä Bunny katoaa, Alice ryhtyy etsimään tätä ja löytää kutsun Ihmemaahan – kolmen päivän hedonistisiin, huuruisiin karkeloihin, joihin vain eliitti on tervetullut.
Löytääkö Alice Bunnyn Ihmemaasta? Vai etsiikö hän oikeastaan itseään? Alicella on nimittäin omat salaisuutensa, ja seurapiirikuningatar Paisley Heart on armotta päättänyt paljastaa ne. Alice on kaukana kodistaan ja lääkkeistään, eikä hän voi luottaa enää keneenkään, etenkään omaan mieleensä – ja nyt uusi vihollinen haluaa hänen päänsä.
Ihmemaa on huumaava, silmiä avaava tutkimusmatka identiteetin, mielenterveyden ja toiseuden kaninkoloihin. Se on trans-aktivistinakin tunnetuksi tulleen Juno Dawsonin radikaali ja viihdyttävä tulkinta nyky-Liisasta tämän päivän Ihmemaassa.
Alice on etuoikeutettu nuori nainen, joka elää yltäkylläisyydessä. Millään ei ole kuitenkaan arvoa, kun oma mieli vääristää todellisuutta. Kun Alicen ongelmainen ystävä Bunny katoaa, Alice ryhtyy etsimään tätä ja löytää kutsun Ihmemaahan – kolmen päivän hedonistisiin, huuruisiin karkeloihin, joihin vain eliitti on tervetullut.
Löytääkö Alice Bunnyn Ihmemaasta? Vai etsiikö hän oikeastaan itseään? Alicella on nimittäin omat salaisuutensa, ja seurapiirikuningatar Paisley Heart on armotta päättänyt paljastaa ne. Alice on kaukana kodistaan ja lääkkeistään, eikä hän voi luottaa enää keneenkään, etenkään omaan mieleensä – ja nyt uusi vihollinen haluaa hänen päänsä.
Ihmemaa on huumaava, silmiä avaava tutkimusmatka identiteetin, mielenterveyden ja toiseuden kaninkoloihin. Se on trans-aktivistinakin tunnetuksi tulleen Juno Dawsonin radikaali ja viihdyttävä tulkinta nyky-Liisasta tämän päivän Ihmemaassa.
313 pages, Hardcover
First published May 28, 2020
61 people are currently reading
4959 people want to read
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January 7, 2021
"Heavens, being trans is complex. I honestly wonder what cis people do in their heads all day long."
Wonderland was a wild ride. And one of the best I've ever been on. It was long past time that I picked up a book by Juno Dawson. I've only read Proud so far, and I've been making heart eyes at her London Trilogy for a couple of years now. I was a bit scared because I wanted to like her books badly. And I'm relieved and happy to say that I loved it.
Okay here's what you're in for: a pansexual & trans girl crashing a super secret and super lavish high society party for the crazy rich. Loads of cursing, sex positivity, and a cast of queer kids including bi, lesbian and gay characters. Frequent drug use and bathtubs filled with alcohol. But also a trigger warning about an attempted rape, sexual abuse, self-harm and a suicide attempt.
I told you it's wild and it may sound heavy but Juno's humour always lightens the mood. And despite the chaotic nature of the book, the plot was well-structured and the characters had depth...considering most of them were rich snobs. It was honestly such a fun read and I so enjoyed how unapologetically queer everyone was, especially the main character. It all just works: the book is political, it's a contemporary with mystery/thriller elements and a heavy dose of Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. And it's so quotable too!
"It get's a bad rep, but the closet has kept me safe thus far."
"There are no lows to which British cuisine will not stoop."
"I quietly relished the fact that I thought I was "passing" as a cis girl. It's a guilty badge of honour and I don't want to lose it. Heavens, being trans is complex. I honestly wonder what cis people do in their heads all day long."
"We do not stan a passive bystander. I judge people by the company they keep."
Oh and I have another favourite but it's too NSFW for Goodreads. Just imagine me cackling when you get to that elevator scene.
What else is left to say? Read the book, friends. Read it.
Find more of my books on Instagram
Wonderland was a wild ride. And one of the best I've ever been on. It was long past time that I picked up a book by Juno Dawson. I've only read Proud so far, and I've been making heart eyes at her London Trilogy for a couple of years now. I was a bit scared because I wanted to like her books badly. And I'm relieved and happy to say that I loved it.
Okay here's what you're in for: a pansexual & trans girl crashing a super secret and super lavish high society party for the crazy rich. Loads of cursing, sex positivity, and a cast of queer kids including bi, lesbian and gay characters. Frequent drug use and bathtubs filled with alcohol. But also a trigger warning about an attempted rape, sexual abuse, self-harm and a suicide attempt.
I told you it's wild and it may sound heavy but Juno's humour always lightens the mood. And despite the chaotic nature of the book, the plot was well-structured and the characters had depth...considering most of them were rich snobs. It was honestly such a fun read and I so enjoyed how unapologetically queer everyone was, especially the main character. It all just works: the book is political, it's a contemporary with mystery/thriller elements and a heavy dose of Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. And it's so quotable too!
"It get's a bad rep, but the closet has kept me safe thus far."
"There are no lows to which British cuisine will not stoop."
"I quietly relished the fact that I thought I was "passing" as a cis girl. It's a guilty badge of honour and I don't want to lose it. Heavens, being trans is complex. I honestly wonder what cis people do in their heads all day long."
"We do not stan a passive bystander. I judge people by the company they keep."
Oh and I have another favourite but it's too NSFW for Goodreads. Just imagine me cackling when you get to that elevator scene.
What else is left to say? Read the book, friends. Read it.
Find more of my books on Instagram
Read
November 29, 2020UPDATE
The publisher removed the Diabetes joke with immediate effect from the ebook and will be removing it from the next print run. This is a fantastic outcome, I am so thankful the author and publisher have listened and have amended it.
The publisher removed the Diabetes joke with immediate effect from the ebook and will be removing it from the next print run. This is a fantastic outcome, I am so thankful the author and publisher have listened and have amended it.
April 19, 2021
this was literally something a 13-year-old could've written on wattpad
June 15, 2020
I'm deeply disappointed by the throwaway jokes at the expense of serious health conditions in this book. This is discrimination. People die everyday in the UK of both diabetes and asthma. Think again please Juno Dawson about throwaway dialogue for a quick joke. Publishers and editors also have a responsibility here.
June 10, 2021
Okay, this took me way too long to read considering how short it is and it's because... well. I just really didn't like it.
I had high hopes for this book because I love Alice in Wonderland, and I thought it would be great to see a retelling that includes a transgender protagonist. But alas, I was thoroughly disappointed.
My main issues with it were:
1) The whole plot is basically just these kids taking a LOT of drugs at a party. That's it. You've basically already read it now.
2) There was no depth, exploration or development of any of the other characters except for Alice.. but even that is debatable.
3) It was extremely political, which I PERSONALLY didn't enjoy since I read fiction for escapism, not to be lectured.
4) Alice (well, Juno) seemed to have something negative to say on just about EVERYTHING, which I found rather tiresome because I felt it was done in such a childish way? It was like Alice was having a little tantrum for most of the book.
5) I just didn't enjoy the writing style at all and it was too fast-paced.
A lot of the 'jokes' also seemed rather presumptuous and hurtful to some groups of people, and I would like to stress that hating on men does NOT make you a feminist. Rather, in the words of Obi-Wan Kenobi, "you've become the very thing you swore to destroy" ;).
Now that that's out of the way, this book wasn't all bad. I did think it addressed some important issues regarding society in terms of class and mental health etc. I just don't, in my humble opinion, think it was executed particularly well, and didn't like how suicide was basically romanticised quite a few times.
Finally, there are a lot of trigger warnings which I think should be recognised at some point before the book starts, and if you're worried about this then certainly look them up.
1.5 stars.
I had high hopes for this book because I love Alice in Wonderland, and I thought it would be great to see a retelling that includes a transgender protagonist. But alas, I was thoroughly disappointed.
My main issues with it were:
1) The whole plot is basically just these kids taking a LOT of drugs at a party. That's it. You've basically already read it now.
2) There was no depth, exploration or development of any of the other characters except for Alice.. but even that is debatable.
3) It was extremely political, which I PERSONALLY didn't enjoy since I read fiction for escapism, not to be lectured.
4) Alice (well, Juno) seemed to have something negative to say on just about EVERYTHING, which I found rather tiresome because I felt it was done in such a childish way? It was like Alice was having a little tantrum for most of the book.
5) I just didn't enjoy the writing style at all and it was too fast-paced.
A lot of the 'jokes' also seemed rather presumptuous and hurtful to some groups of people, and I would like to stress that hating on men does NOT make you a feminist. Rather, in the words of Obi-Wan Kenobi, "you've become the very thing you swore to destroy" ;).
Now that that's out of the way, this book wasn't all bad. I did think it addressed some important issues regarding society in terms of class and mental health etc. I just don't, in my humble opinion, think it was executed particularly well, and didn't like how suicide was basically romanticised quite a few times.
Finally, there are a lot of trigger warnings which I think should be recognised at some point before the book starts, and if you're worried about this then certainly look them up.
1.5 stars.
June 12, 2020
After loving Meat Market and Clean for their portrayal of controversial topics, I was keen to read Dawson’s latest instalment. Unfortunately it was not for me. Marketed as an Alice in Wonderland retelling, we watch a trans girl go to a party, take lots of drugs and stuff happens (nothing of great importance). The diversity in the book is great and I loved the inclusion of a trans character but I felt there was a lack of character development and the plot was absolutely non existent. I feel the author may have attempted to focus upon the different issues that the characters had but these were not fleshed out. The book did not have me wanting to keep reading it as I was not invested in the story. I feel that if it did not try to draw the parallels between AIW and if the focus was just on a general party and issues between the characters with more context, it would’ve been more enjoyable.
Fell very flat for me. The characters needed more personality and there needed to be a proper plot.
2 Stars ✨
Fell very flat for me. The characters needed more personality and there needed to be a proper plot.
2 Stars ✨
June 23, 2020
I received this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Attempted date rape, mental health decline (bipolar episodes/hallucinations/ intrusive thoughts), suicidal ideation, talk about previous suicide attempt and witnessed suicide. A lot of drug use and casual sex.
When Alice ends up finding a mysterious invitation to an elite party called Wonderland in her search to find the missing Bunny, she knows she must go and ends up in a world of trouble and highly privileged teenagers. Avoiding ending up on social media site Caterpillr, getting high with the Tweedle twins and being followed around by a mysterious girl she calls Cat is a lot of work - and Alice has her own issues to be dealing with, and keep hidden as well.
Juno Dawson honestly can't do any wrong. Once again, she brings forward a character who is so likeable yet tough, and has so much depth to her. I really enjoyed following Alice through her time in Wonderland (the part takes place over a long weekend so the pacing of the novel is fast which I also liked) and her thought process around different things. All of Alice's fears and then the joys she takes by plunging over the edge were all so sharp and kept me gripped to the end.
There was also some fun mentions and cameos of other characters from other Juno Dawson's books in this one. Lexi from Clean is mentioned a few times, as Alice's school crowd ran with her or knew of her, and Felicity from Margot & Me is actually Alice's therapist which was a small scene but it was SO lovely seeing Felicity again!
Alice is a transwoman, and is pansexual in this book, and I really loved seeing this representation and how Alice talked about her gender identity, and the ups and downs she's had to go through and then also her slow realisation on her sexuality and realising she is also pan. She has sexual relationships with both men and women in this book, and we love to see it! There were some real discussions about the daily upkeeps and things trans girls have to think about when they have transitioned but haven't had an operation such as tucking and I haven't seen that I a book before.
I also loved how accepting everyone was and really do think and hope that the way most people react when Alice confirms she's trans, is how people will continue to react in the future and it won't actually be a real deal. And Alice's realisation that she can meet people who are attracted to her and the genitalia she has, or doesn't have, doesn't actually make a difference to the desire and the sexual relationship she can have with people.
There was one small chapter in this book which was a bathroom scene, and a list of questions Alice was asked about her trans identity and it was so much but also so enlightening. It was exhausting to read and I really wish people, certain people who shall remain nameless, could read such a chapter and realise the type of questions the trans community deal with on a daily basis when all they want to do is urinate in peace.
The Alice in Wonderland references and connections in this book are very in your face but I really liked it, and it was just a fun thing throughout the book. And even though the connections were really obvious, I still felt clever when I connected them up with the classic tale.
I really felt like Alice had a lot of growth in herself and her confidence in her own identity and continuing to travel the world as a proud, beautiful woman and not being afraid to step up and be seen.
Juno Dawson's books are YA but are aimed at mature teenagers rather than 13/14 year olds and I love that. I really feel like Juno understands the teenagers who are reading her books and created characters that while are going through so much, can be really relatable and are good people. She knows that teenagers will understand and be able to handle the darker parts of her stories and doesn't condescend or try and cocoon them in fluff and bubble wrap like precious beings that could break at the slightest mention of a penis or popping pills.
Juno Dawson remains one of my favourite writers and I CANNOT recommend her books enough.
CW: Attempted date rape, mental health decline (bipolar episodes/hallucinations/ intrusive thoughts), suicidal ideation, talk about previous suicide attempt and witnessed suicide. A lot of drug use and casual sex.
When Alice ends up finding a mysterious invitation to an elite party called Wonderland in her search to find the missing Bunny, she knows she must go and ends up in a world of trouble and highly privileged teenagers. Avoiding ending up on social media site Caterpillr, getting high with the Tweedle twins and being followed around by a mysterious girl she calls Cat is a lot of work - and Alice has her own issues to be dealing with, and keep hidden as well.
Juno Dawson honestly can't do any wrong. Once again, she brings forward a character who is so likeable yet tough, and has so much depth to her. I really enjoyed following Alice through her time in Wonderland (the part takes place over a long weekend so the pacing of the novel is fast which I also liked) and her thought process around different things. All of Alice's fears and then the joys she takes by plunging over the edge were all so sharp and kept me gripped to the end.
There was also some fun mentions and cameos of other characters from other Juno Dawson's books in this one. Lexi from Clean is mentioned a few times, as Alice's school crowd ran with her or knew of her, and Felicity from Margot & Me is actually Alice's therapist which was a small scene but it was SO lovely seeing Felicity again!
Alice is a transwoman, and is pansexual in this book, and I really loved seeing this representation and how Alice talked about her gender identity, and the ups and downs she's had to go through and then also her slow realisation on her sexuality and realising she is also pan. She has sexual relationships with both men and women in this book, and we love to see it! There were some real discussions about the daily upkeeps and things trans girls have to think about when they have transitioned but haven't had an operation such as tucking and I haven't seen that I a book before.
I also loved how accepting everyone was and really do think and hope that the way most people react when Alice confirms she's trans, is how people will continue to react in the future and it won't actually be a real deal. And Alice's realisation that she can meet people who are attracted to her and the genitalia she has, or doesn't have, doesn't actually make a difference to the desire and the sexual relationship she can have with people.
There was one small chapter in this book which was a bathroom scene, and a list of questions Alice was asked about her trans identity and it was so much but also so enlightening. It was exhausting to read and I really wish people, certain people who shall remain nameless, could read such a chapter and realise the type of questions the trans community deal with on a daily basis when all they want to do is urinate in peace.
The Alice in Wonderland references and connections in this book are very in your face but I really liked it, and it was just a fun thing throughout the book. And even though the connections were really obvious, I still felt clever when I connected them up with the classic tale.
I really felt like Alice had a lot of growth in herself and her confidence in her own identity and continuing to travel the world as a proud, beautiful woman and not being afraid to step up and be seen.
Juno Dawson's books are YA but are aimed at mature teenagers rather than 13/14 year olds and I love that. I really feel like Juno understands the teenagers who are reading her books and created characters that while are going through so much, can be really relatable and are good people. She knows that teenagers will understand and be able to handle the darker parts of her stories and doesn't condescend or try and cocoon them in fluff and bubble wrap like precious beings that could break at the slightest mention of a penis or popping pills.
Juno Dawson remains one of my favourite writers and I CANNOT recommend her books enough.
July 31, 2020
See, this book is one I'm not sure how to swallow. It's a good, witty, funny and clever book who says all the right things. Not only about gender, but about feminism, morality, money, and status. It has a lot going for it. Alice, the main character, is exactly what you'd expect your cynical, brilliant and beautiful though she doesn't know it mc to be.
It was the first time I read an actual description of a sex scene(s) that features a trans person, and I couldn't be more grateful for them. It's so rare to have respectful and positive descriptions of trans sexuality, and as I was once told by a good friend of mine - how will we know our sexuality is even an option if the only examples for it we see are objectifying and fetishizing? Which, btw, is also something this book discusses.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book is the language - which absolutely delicious... it was practically a character in itself. The parallels to the original Alice in Wonderland are smart and very current, and not only preserves the original criticism but adds a new, relevant layer that tears apart our generation and our odd, obsessive need for social acceptability.
Theoretically, it's all there. This book has it all. So why am I not over the roof screaming for all of you to read this? because it's a great book, I'm not going to deny it. What bothers me was how it was all too right, too clean. Even the dirt, the chaos, the irony, they were all pristinely put. Something was lacking and I can't place my finger on it, I just feel it. Maybe it's that I was reluctant to read anything by Juno Dawson since I first saw her book This Book is Gay. There's something so presumptuous about it, so unbelievably arrogant, and I know it's rather old and both her and our society had changed in the almost 7 years that passed since it was published, but it made me question everything in this book as well. It's not fair, and I know it... but c'est la vie.
Now, this book should be coated with trigger warnings in 26 pt, bold upper case letters, back to cover. There's a lot of talk about depression, mental illness, self-harm, and suicide. There's also an attempted rape, sexual abuse, and overly detailed drugs and alcohol abuse.
Now comes my next question, what does it mean for our readers? I didn't need those triggers, but I know for a fact that most people do. But, that obviously doesn't mean this book shouldn’t be read. What does it mean though? I need to be very clear on this because this is part of why I struggled with this book so much - the mc of this book disregard her mental health problems for half the book. It would border on comical if it wasn't so infuriating. I kept waiting for her to realize how much shit she was in just so it was crystal clear that all of that blase attitude is just a coverup for how fucking scared she was all the time. And it came, thank the goddess, otherwise, this review would’ve looked very different.
Final words? Yes, read it. Be careful though, and be critical. This book is funny, sharp, and very much needed, but it's not something that will go smoothly down your throat.
It was the first time I read an actual description of a sex scene(s) that features a trans person, and I couldn't be more grateful for them. It's so rare to have respectful and positive descriptions of trans sexuality, and as I was once told by a good friend of mine - how will we know our sexuality is even an option if the only examples for it we see are objectifying and fetishizing? Which, btw, is also something this book discusses.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book is the language - which absolutely delicious... it was practically a character in itself. The parallels to the original Alice in Wonderland are smart and very current, and not only preserves the original criticism but adds a new, relevant layer that tears apart our generation and our odd, obsessive need for social acceptability.
Theoretically, it's all there. This book has it all. So why am I not over the roof screaming for all of you to read this? because it's a great book, I'm not going to deny it. What bothers me was how it was all too right, too clean. Even the dirt, the chaos, the irony, they were all pristinely put. Something was lacking and I can't place my finger on it, I just feel it. Maybe it's that I was reluctant to read anything by Juno Dawson since I first saw her book This Book is Gay. There's something so presumptuous about it, so unbelievably arrogant, and I know it's rather old and both her and our society had changed in the almost 7 years that passed since it was published, but it made me question everything in this book as well. It's not fair, and I know it... but c'est la vie.
Now, this book should be coated with trigger warnings in 26 pt, bold upper case letters, back to cover. There's a lot of talk about depression, mental illness, self-harm, and suicide. There's also an attempted rape, sexual abuse, and overly detailed drugs and alcohol abuse.
Now comes my next question, what does it mean for our readers? I didn't need those triggers, but I know for a fact that most people do. But, that obviously doesn't mean this book shouldn’t be read. What does it mean though? I need to be very clear on this because this is part of why I struggled with this book so much - the mc of this book disregard her mental health problems for half the book. It would border on comical if it wasn't so infuriating. I kept waiting for her to realize how much shit she was in just so it was crystal clear that all of that blase attitude is just a coverup for how fucking scared she was all the time. And it came, thank the goddess, otherwise, this review would’ve looked very different.
Final words? Yes, read it. Be careful though, and be critical. This book is funny, sharp, and very much needed, but it's not something that will go smoothly down your throat.
Want to read
October 24, 2020I have received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2021
3.5 / 5 stars :)
March 14, 2021
Ihan täydellinen lukukokemus minulle. Eliittinuoret, mysteeri ja vanhojen tarinoiden uudelleen kerronta toimii minulle. Taitavaa kuvausta mielen syövereistä ja tunteista. Yhtä omituinen, mutta hieno kuin esikuvansa.
Want to read
January 8, 2020I don't think I can put into words how excited I am for this book.
A Playlist for Clean by Juno Dawson
Review: Clean by Juno Dawson
Review: Meat Market by Juno Dawson
A Playlist for Clean by Juno Dawson
Review: Clean by Juno Dawson
Review: Meat Market by Juno Dawson
February 24, 2023
Honestly, what the fuck did I just read? If it wasn't required reading for a uni seminar I'm hoping to do, I would have stopped reading after a few pages. I just do not understand the point of this book, and nothing in it made sense on any level. Unhinged in the worst way.
Notes I took while reading:
- Alice is bizarrely keen to point out she is not like other girls, and she is so judgmental even when admitting she does the things she judges others about.
- The moment when the Tweedle twins say she's hot and she immediately points out all the unladylike things about herself and says " Im st Agnes's resident weirdo" wtf, and then one of the guys actually calls the other St Agnes girls "stuck-up cunts".
- too many pop culture and current issue references.
- The why we fear sexual assault bit, wtf?
- Alice being with Bunny is represented as if when its with the right person it is never awkward and you can orgasm straight away no problem and you don't need to communicate and its so much better than with ugh boys, very weird.
- Alice's reason for coming to the party is so flimsy, come on this whole chase for Bunny makes no sense.
- One of the Tweedle brothers sticks his tongue down Alices mouth so assaults and drugs her and Alice barely calls him out on it. (Later they actually try to rape her and it's called out but still.)
- Alice's feminism is ridiculously flimsy.
- Alice claims she's different from the others because at least she realises she is priviliged no girl you still suck.
- DONT SLAG OFF RISOTTO?!
- Alice really loves to think she's so special and has "cultivated a reputation for being above the social strata" of her peers and its just such bullshit?
- Endless spelling mistakes and missing or double words in my copy.
- "Apparently at wonderland the normal rules dont apply" wow Alice did it really take you until 90% of the book to find that out.
- Alice saying "those unloved wretches" should just "try a bit of love", as if she's the only one who is loved or the kids can help that they are not as lucky with their family?
Notes I took while reading:
- Alice is bizarrely keen to point out she is not like other girls, and she is so judgmental even when admitting she does the things she judges others about.
- The moment when the Tweedle twins say she's hot and she immediately points out all the unladylike things about herself and says " Im st Agnes's resident weirdo" wtf, and then one of the guys actually calls the other St Agnes girls "stuck-up cunts".
- too many pop culture and current issue references.
- The why we fear sexual assault bit, wtf?
- Alice being with Bunny is represented as if when its with the right person it is never awkward and you can orgasm straight away no problem and you don't need to communicate and its so much better than with ugh boys, very weird.
- Alice's reason for coming to the party is so flimsy, come on this whole chase for Bunny makes no sense.
- One of the Tweedle brothers sticks his tongue down Alices mouth so assaults and drugs her and Alice barely calls him out on it. (Later they actually try to rape her and it's called out but still.)
- Alice's feminism is ridiculously flimsy.
- Alice claims she's different from the others because at least she realises she is priviliged no girl you still suck.
- DONT SLAG OFF RISOTTO?!
- Alice really loves to think she's so special and has "cultivated a reputation for being above the social strata" of her peers and its just such bullshit?
- Endless spelling mistakes and missing or double words in my copy.
- "Apparently at wonderland the normal rules dont apply" wow Alice did it really take you until 90% of the book to find that out.
- Alice saying "those unloved wretches" should just "try a bit of love", as if she's the only one who is loved or the kids can help that they are not as lucky with their family?
June 24, 2020
I didn't like it, It says it's a young adult book but it has so many fucks in it that I've NEVER seen before in a young adult.
A 17-year-old taking that many different kinds of drugs, I'm telling you that girl is supposed to be dead by now by an overdose.
And lying in bed with one girl and the other day in a jacuzzi with two guys and almost having a threesome and then a day later having sex in another guy?
Ofc it can happen but in a young adult book? Not seeing that happen...
The whole book is written like I need to be on drugs to understand it...
A 17-year-old taking that many different kinds of drugs, I'm telling you that girl is supposed to be dead by now by an overdose.
And lying in bed with one girl and the other day in a jacuzzi with two guys and almost having a threesome and then a day later having sex in another guy?
Ofc it can happen but in a young adult book? Not seeing that happen...
The whole book is written like I need to be on drugs to understand it...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2021
pidin tästä paljon😍 oli ihan erilainen kun aattelin, mutta tosi hyvä!!
March 10, 2021
4,5 tähteä.
Tykkäsin. Hyvin vetäväjuoninen, kiehtovs päähenkilö ja monipuolista identiteettipohdintaa. Hauska idea tämä Liisa ihmemaassa -teema.
Tykkäsin. Hyvin vetäväjuoninen, kiehtovs päähenkilö ja monipuolista identiteettipohdintaa. Hauska idea tämä Liisa ihmemaassa -teema.
December 23, 2020
As well as just generally not being a very engaging or imaginative retelling, there is a lot of biphobia and ableism presented as fact in this book. There is a difference between a character being shown to have a bad opinion and the author presenting a bad opinion and harmful misinformation as if it's the truth and this book sits firmly in the latter category. Saying a character says it loftily isnt enough to show its incorrect and the result of arrogance/attempted moral superiority. I'm giving the author the benefit of the doubt and saying she was probably just ignorant but really, someone should have pointed it out. A main character can be biphobic and ableist, sure, but it should be in some way challenged in a book thats partly about discrimination.
Edit: Nevermind, the author has spread biphobic information in other books too. Lost it's last star for being intentional.
Edit: Nevermind, the author has spread biphobic information in other books too. Lost it's last star for being intentional.
April 1, 2021
Liked this a lot like the previous Dawson I read, Meat Market. An exciting story, great modern Alice in Wonderland adventure, lively description of spoiled kids’ weird lives. Wonderfully openminded characters in the issues of sexuality and gender. A big fan of Alice.
This made me think again if books should have some kind of content warnings. Isn’t it silly fan fics always use them but when a book is bound in covers it doesn’t have to include warnings anymore? This had a lot and was way darker in its themes than eg. Dawson’s Meat Market.
This made me think again if books should have some kind of content warnings. Isn’t it silly fan fics always use them but when a book is bound in covers it doesn’t have to include warnings anymore? This had a lot and was way darker in its themes than eg. Dawson’s Meat Market.
July 19, 2020
What a spectacular, triumphant, smart little book. Don't miss out, is all I'm gonna say.
January 25, 2022
The best way I can describe Juno Dawson’s dark re-telling of this classic novel is Alice in Wonderland meets S.T.A.G.S and/or Gossip Girl
It has all the ingredients of a gripping YA read. A private school setting, conflicting characters steeped in old money wealth and privilege; an exclusive party where the rules don’t apply, and a fierce transgender protagonist who can’t help but solve a mystery that will take down the private elite group that’s trying to keep her quiet
Juno does a fantastic job of peppering in the elements of Alice in Wonderland that we adore in such an elegant way that it doesn’t feel forced or a blatant reminder that you’re reading a re-telling of the classic book
Instead this book stands on its own as a thrilling read and then fans of the classic get to enjoy cheeky hints and nods throughout
For fans of S.T.A.G.S, Gossip Girl and One of Us Is Lying, I would highly recommend Wonderland
It has all the ingredients of a gripping YA read. A private school setting, conflicting characters steeped in old money wealth and privilege; an exclusive party where the rules don’t apply, and a fierce transgender protagonist who can’t help but solve a mystery that will take down the private elite group that’s trying to keep her quiet
Juno does a fantastic job of peppering in the elements of Alice in Wonderland that we adore in such an elegant way that it doesn’t feel forced or a blatant reminder that you’re reading a re-telling of the classic book
Instead this book stands on its own as a thrilling read and then fans of the classic get to enjoy cheeky hints and nods throughout
For fans of S.T.A.G.S, Gossip Girl and One of Us Is Lying, I would highly recommend Wonderland
May 27, 2020
Wonderland is a riot of hedonism, mental health issues and privileged people trying to keep their positions of power. It’s bonkers, and at times reads like we’re following someone on a bad trip. I felt myself pausing for breath at times to gauge whether people could ever be as awful as they are here...and I think they probably can.
In Wonderland Juno Dawson takes us on a journey with Alice, a transgender girl who becomes worried when a friend of hers (Bunny, no less) goes missing. At her exclusive school, nobody seems concerned. So when Alice finds an invitation to an exclusive weekend party she decides to attend in the hope that she can learn the truth of Bunny’s disappearance.
As we follow Alice through her Wonderland experience we have so many of the characters you’d expect - transported to their contemporary rich clique. Alice finds herself having a number of exciting new experiences, but there’s a clear dark undercurrent that threatens to consume her. The very real threat she is under is presented in an almost cruelly casual way. Someone wants Alice out of the way...but how far are they prepared to go?
When we learn of Alice’s mental health issues, knowing she is without her medication means I was never quite sure what was happening and what Alice was imagining. The ending brought a number of strands to a head, but didn’t really resolve much for Alice.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this before publication.
In Wonderland Juno Dawson takes us on a journey with Alice, a transgender girl who becomes worried when a friend of hers (Bunny, no less) goes missing. At her exclusive school, nobody seems concerned. So when Alice finds an invitation to an exclusive weekend party she decides to attend in the hope that she can learn the truth of Bunny’s disappearance.
As we follow Alice through her Wonderland experience we have so many of the characters you’d expect - transported to their contemporary rich clique. Alice finds herself having a number of exciting new experiences, but there’s a clear dark undercurrent that threatens to consume her. The very real threat she is under is presented in an almost cruelly casual way. Someone wants Alice out of the way...but how far are they prepared to go?
When we learn of Alice’s mental health issues, knowing she is without her medication means I was never quite sure what was happening and what Alice was imagining. The ending brought a number of strands to a head, but didn’t really resolve much for Alice.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this before publication.
June 12, 2020
Review originally posted on The Bibliophile Chronicles.
Juno Dawson is one of those authors that I’ve always wanted to try but never got around to. When I heard about Wonderland, a story inspired by Alice in Wonderland I knew I had to give it a go. The story follows Alice, a young girl living the life of luxury thanks to her mother’s successful career as a crime writer. When her friend Bunny mysteriously vanishes, Alice will do anything to find her. While searching she discovers an invitation to Wonderland, the most elite party of the year. Determined to find Bunny, Alice pushes herself from her comfort zone and goes in search of her friend, but what will she find down the rabbit hole?
Alice in Wonderland was one of my favourite books growing up and I was so intrigued to see how Juno Dawson worked the original into this modern tale. I completely loved this book, it was addictive, intriguing and full of subtle and clever hints towards the book I’ve loved for so many years. The story explores a world of excess, tackling a whole host of difficult topics like mental health, finding yourself, relationships, family and wealth. Dawson has weaved a clever tale and one that will stick with readers after they’ve finished reading.
The characters in this book are truly fascinating. Our main protagonist Alice is brilliant – she’s sarcastic, clever and incredibly stubborn. I loved watching her go on this journey, and discover so much about herself. Likewise I thought Cat, Bunny and Paisley were really interesting characters, each well developed and fully fleshed out. Alice meets some strange people during her journey, all of whom seem to be dealing with difficulties in their past.
Wonderland is a dark tale, full of alcohol, drugs and sex. It’s definitely not for younger readers but it’s a perfect gripping thriller for older YA fans. It completes the London Trilogy, featuring a few nods towards Lexi Volkov from Clean. Each of the three stories can be read as stand alones but if you’re looking for an addictive contemporary series to binge read, this could be just what you’re looking for.
Juno Dawson is one of those authors that I’ve always wanted to try but never got around to. When I heard about Wonderland, a story inspired by Alice in Wonderland I knew I had to give it a go. The story follows Alice, a young girl living the life of luxury thanks to her mother’s successful career as a crime writer. When her friend Bunny mysteriously vanishes, Alice will do anything to find her. While searching she discovers an invitation to Wonderland, the most elite party of the year. Determined to find Bunny, Alice pushes herself from her comfort zone and goes in search of her friend, but what will she find down the rabbit hole?
Alice in Wonderland was one of my favourite books growing up and I was so intrigued to see how Juno Dawson worked the original into this modern tale. I completely loved this book, it was addictive, intriguing and full of subtle and clever hints towards the book I’ve loved for so many years. The story explores a world of excess, tackling a whole host of difficult topics like mental health, finding yourself, relationships, family and wealth. Dawson has weaved a clever tale and one that will stick with readers after they’ve finished reading.
The characters in this book are truly fascinating. Our main protagonist Alice is brilliant – she’s sarcastic, clever and incredibly stubborn. I loved watching her go on this journey, and discover so much about herself. Likewise I thought Cat, Bunny and Paisley were really interesting characters, each well developed and fully fleshed out. Alice meets some strange people during her journey, all of whom seem to be dealing with difficulties in their past.
Wonderland is a dark tale, full of alcohol, drugs and sex. It’s definitely not for younger readers but it’s a perfect gripping thriller for older YA fans. It completes the London Trilogy, featuring a few nods towards Lexi Volkov from Clean. Each of the three stories can be read as stand alones but if you’re looking for an addictive contemporary series to binge read, this could be just what you’re looking for.
April 27, 2024
2,5 tähteä, pyöristin ylös. Kirja on moderni versio Liisa Ihmemaasta, ja päähenkilönä on panseksuaali transtyttö. Sateenkaaren eri värit on representoitu hyvin, ja tästä tulevatkin tämän teoksen tähdet. Lisäksi teos oli varsin seksipositiivinen.
Juoni sen sijaan on epäuskottava ja lähes olematon ja hahmot ovat yksiulotteisia. Rajullla teoilla ei myöskään tuntunut olevan yhdellekään hahmolle seurauksia, mikä oli kyseenalaista ja antiklimaattista. Toki teoksessa käsitellään tärkeitä teemoja kuten suostumusta ja mielenterveyden häiriöitä, mutta niitä käsitellään melko graafisella tavalla. Esim. itsemurhasta välittyy paikoin glorifioiva sävy.
Syrjintää käsitteleväksi teokseksi päähenkilöllä oli hämmästyttävän vahva sisäistetty misogynia, minkä lisäksi hän vitsaili mm. diabeteksestä ja astmasta. Toki teos on teinin silmin kuvattu, mutta olisin toivonut jonkinlaisia kasvun hetkiä näiden suhteen, joita en lopulta saanut.
Vaikka olin teoksen poliittisen taustavireen kanssa samoilla linjoilla, ärsytti paikoin kerronnan saarnaavuus. Asioita ei jätetty rivien väliin, vaan lukijaa "koulutettiin" räikeästi läpi teoksen. Olisin toivonut tähän hienovaraisempaa otetta.
Kokonaisuudessaan siis äärilaidoilta hyvää ja huonoa, joten lopputulos "ihan kiva".
Juoni sen sijaan on epäuskottava ja lähes olematon ja hahmot ovat yksiulotteisia. Rajullla teoilla ei myöskään tuntunut olevan yhdellekään hahmolle seurauksia, mikä oli kyseenalaista ja antiklimaattista. Toki teoksessa käsitellään tärkeitä teemoja kuten suostumusta ja mielenterveyden häiriöitä, mutta niitä käsitellään melko graafisella tavalla. Esim. itsemurhasta välittyy paikoin glorifioiva sävy.
Syrjintää käsitteleväksi teokseksi päähenkilöllä oli hämmästyttävän vahva sisäistetty misogynia, minkä lisäksi hän vitsaili mm. diabeteksestä ja astmasta. Toki teos on teinin silmin kuvattu, mutta olisin toivonut jonkinlaisia kasvun hetkiä näiden suhteen, joita en lopulta saanut.
Vaikka olin teoksen poliittisen taustavireen kanssa samoilla linjoilla, ärsytti paikoin kerronnan saarnaavuus. Asioita ei jätetty rivien väliin, vaan lukijaa "koulutettiin" räikeästi läpi teoksen. Olisin toivonut tähän hienovaraisempaa otetta.
Kokonaisuudessaan siis äärilaidoilta hyvää ja huonoa, joten lopputulos "ihan kiva".
March 15, 2025
When Alice’s friend, Bunny, disappears, she seems to be the only one who cares about finding her. But when she accidentally stumbles into the upside down world of Wonderland, she soon finds that the mystery is curiouser and curiouser…
This was my first Juno Dawson book and it certainly won’t be the last!
I loved this fast paced, cleverly done retelling of the classic children’s story, as it takes apart all your expectations and puts them back together with a sharper edge and even sharper characters that I really came to care about.
It talks about gender, mental health, sexuality and the choices that we all make and I throughly enjoyed how wild the ride was.
This is not for younger readers and it does talk explicitly about sex, suicide, self harm and drug taking but if you can handle those content warnings, I’d really recommend this book!
Big thanks to Charlotte for gifting me this copy and then nudging me into reading it!
This was my first Juno Dawson book and it certainly won’t be the last!
I loved this fast paced, cleverly done retelling of the classic children’s story, as it takes apart all your expectations and puts them back together with a sharper edge and even sharper characters that I really came to care about.
It talks about gender, mental health, sexuality and the choices that we all make and I throughly enjoyed how wild the ride was.
This is not for younger readers and it does talk explicitly about sex, suicide, self harm and drug taking but if you can handle those content warnings, I’d really recommend this book!
Big thanks to Charlotte for gifting me this copy and then nudging me into reading it!
June 28, 2021
Kuuntelin äänikirjana mainion Heljä Heikkisen lukemana. Kiinnostuin Ihmemaasta, sillä Liisan seikkailut ihmemaassa on lempikirjojani. Ja olihan tämä melkoisen onnistunut adaptaatio! Etuoikeutettujen nuorten överibileet huumeineen ei tosin oikein ole minun (kukkahattuiseen) mieleeni, mutta ymmärsin, että tämä valinta oli tehty alkuperäisen tarinan, miten elohopean höyryisenä sen sitten haluaakaan nähdä, hengessä.
Jotenkin kuitenkin koin, että tietynlainen syvyys jäi puuttumaan, sanoma jäi selkiintymättä. Viihdyttävä ja mielenkiintoisia teemoja sisältänyt tarina jäi aika latteaksi ja oma kolmen tähden lukukokemukseni ratsasti lähinnä alkuperäisen tarinan varassa. Ymmärrän kuitenkin hyvin, miksi tämä on niin pidetty. Jäin myös miettimään, mitä kirjasta saisi irti, jos alkuperäinen tarina ei olisi lainkaan tuttu. Britanniassa Carrollin klassikko lienee laajemmin luettu kuin Suomessa.
Jotenkin kuitenkin koin, että tietynlainen syvyys jäi puuttumaan, sanoma jäi selkiintymättä. Viihdyttävä ja mielenkiintoisia teemoja sisältänyt tarina jäi aika latteaksi ja oma kolmen tähden lukukokemukseni ratsasti lähinnä alkuperäisen tarinan varassa. Ymmärrän kuitenkin hyvin, miksi tämä on niin pidetty. Jäin myös miettimään, mitä kirjasta saisi irti, jos alkuperäinen tarina ei olisi lainkaan tuttu. Britanniassa Carrollin klassikko lienee laajemmin luettu kuin Suomessa.
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November 4, 2021No nyt oli sähäkkää meininkiä. Lisää tällaista! Juuri tällaista! Juno Dawsonin tuotanto nousee kyllä nyt lukulistallani korkealle.
June 20, 2023
3.5 stars
August 7, 2020
Alice updated for relevant issues, themes and groups. Clever stuff.
It would really help for a reader/listener to know Carroll's original, or the regular references will be wasted. The updating feels fresh, smart and is full of memorable characters, often playing on traits and lines from the children's book.
Alice now is a teenager, and the White Rabbit is her missing friend Bunny. Visiting Wonderland by invitation, she find it a sensualist days-long party where norms and expectations go out of the window, and other young people she knows are congregating for various purposes.
As is usual with Dawson, themes of sexuality, coming-of-age, teenage relationships and sex itself are not shied away from, with some graphic content here making this feel authentic.
Like Carroll's Wonderland, can Alice trust anyone? Even herself?
Without giving anything away, the plot, characters and even quotes from the book (as well as references to the author) fill the story. And yet it feels completely contemporary. I did find the denouement a little cliched, but everything that came before it was original and well thought-out.
I listened to this via Audible, and enjoyed hearing Dawson's own voice narrating her own creations, with a range of accents and tones. She brought Alice's mixture of young libidinous adult and vulnerability out very well.
With twists and other issues that fall outside the remit of the classic story, it's a combination of update and modern adolescent novel. Drugs, sex, sexual violence, gender identity, this is for older teenagers really, and does contain unapologetic (sexual) swearing and some scenes that might upset younger readers.
Cleverly done. Lots for book groups to talk about with this one. For ages 14 and above.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
It would really help for a reader/listener to know Carroll's original, or the regular references will be wasted. The updating feels fresh, smart and is full of memorable characters, often playing on traits and lines from the children's book.
Alice now is a teenager, and the White Rabbit is her missing friend Bunny. Visiting Wonderland by invitation, she find it a sensualist days-long party where norms and expectations go out of the window, and other young people she knows are congregating for various purposes.
As is usual with Dawson, themes of sexuality, coming-of-age, teenage relationships and sex itself are not shied away from, with some graphic content here making this feel authentic.
Like Carroll's Wonderland, can Alice trust anyone? Even herself?
Without giving anything away, the plot, characters and even quotes from the book (as well as references to the author) fill the story. And yet it feels completely contemporary. I did find the denouement a little cliched, but everything that came before it was original and well thought-out.
I listened to this via Audible, and enjoyed hearing Dawson's own voice narrating her own creations, with a range of accents and tones. She brought Alice's mixture of young libidinous adult and vulnerability out very well.
With twists and other issues that fall outside the remit of the classic story, it's a combination of update and modern adolescent novel. Drugs, sex, sexual violence, gender identity, this is for older teenagers really, and does contain unapologetic (sexual) swearing and some scenes that might upset younger readers.
Cleverly done. Lots for book groups to talk about with this one. For ages 14 and above.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
April 28, 2025
Wonderland was a crazy fun creative book by Juno Dawson. I loved the setting of this book the bright fun world of wonderland where Alice goes to find Bunny. There was lots of tension and excitement and swearing and violence in this book which i liked i like when all of the genres come together there was also romance in there as well. My favourite character was Alice she was transgender and all her life people have called her names and said your not good enough but she has fought them off and at one point she tried to kill herself she hated her life so much. She had her best friend Dinah and her therapist there to support and help her. This book will have a huge impact on all transgender people and also people who find it hard to fit in and get bullied. Alice was strong, resilient, caring, romantic and supportive. My favourite scene was when Alice was at the fair and she could see all the rides and smell all the food and hear everyone chatting i loved the reality and chaos of that scene you could just imagine yourself there. I will definitely be reading more Juno Dawson in the future. She is a fantastic storyteller.
September 22, 2020
Je n’ai jamais été fan à l’histoire de Alice au Pays des Merveilles et j’ai pourtant la fâcheuse habitude de vouloir lire toutes les réécritures en espérant que ça me fasse enfin aimer l’histoire. Wonderland n’aura pas vraiment réussi cette prouesse puisque c’est un bordel monstrueux, qui n’a aucun sens ni cohérence. Pourtant les personnages sont assez bien, surtout celui d’Alice, l’intrigue quoique bancale est captivante et l’écriture efficace. Dommage.
rep : trans, pan, wlw, ps lesbienne.
TW : pensées suicidaires, mention de scarification, blague sur l’asthme et le diabète, dépression, drogues, alcool, transphobie, deadnaming, sexe graphique, tentative d’agression sexuelle, maladie mentale, meurtre, feu, inceste.
rep : trans, pan, wlw, ps lesbienne.
TW : pensées suicidaires, mention de scarification, blague sur l’asthme et le diabète, dépression, drogues, alcool, transphobie, deadnaming, sexe graphique, tentative d’agression sexuelle, maladie mentale, meurtre, feu, inceste.
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