This was a book that was just begging to be written. Melanie Benjamin takes you through the three stages of Alice Liddell’s life in this historical fiction based on the little girl that inspired Alice in Wonderland. Although a bit on the creepy side at times, she doesn’t hold back and begins to unravel the truth behind the relationship of Alice and Mr. Dodgson (Lewis Carroll).

I was first exposed to Alice Liddell by my college roommate who had gravestone rubbings that her grandmother I believe did. One of the treasured ones that were framed was of Alice’s (or as it says on the stone “Mrs. Reginald Hargreaves”. From then on I loved reading anything about this original “Alice”. But there wasn’t much to read!

In “Alice I Have Been”, you’re first brought through the life of 9-11 year old Alice, in which she is a young naïve child. She doesn’t understand appropriate and inappropriate relationships. She’s just wants to have fun and to never grow up. So Mr. Dodgson writes a book about her (and yes Ina, we got it, you were the sister on the bank!) but abruptly something happens that ends this tale and we move into young adult Alice and then further into the aging Alice with three boys.

I don’t wish to give away the story though. It’s wonderfully written with a few slow points here and there. But a cherished story all the same. I also appreciate the author’s notes in the back explaining what she took liberties with in the story of Alice and Lewis Carroll.

And even more so especially pleased to find out she lives in Chicago! With her and Audrey Niffeneger here it’s a treat at book signings in our lovely city! Thank you Melanie Benjamin for being the one to finally take on the task of writing Alice Liddell’s story!

I kept forgetting that the book I was reading was fiction. It was very well written and extremely plausible. Benjamin brought the characters to life and added new dimensions to them all. I am very much looking forward to Benjamin's next book.

I picked this book up on a whim in Target because I liked the cover.(I do that a lot.) Then I read the story premise and I was pretty much sold. Then, I read the first page. I got about halfway through the first page, closed the book and dropped it in my cart! I knew right then that it was going to be a great read. While I was reading this, I kept forgetting that the book I was reading was fiction. It was very well written and extremely plausible. Benjamin brought the characters to life and added new dimensions to them all. I became even more interested in the Victorian era after reading Alice as well. I am very much looking forward to Benjamin’s next book, The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb: A Novel, which will be released later this summer. I’d also like to see Alice translated to the big screen if it could be done well.

(I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads)

Most everyone knows the story of Alice and Wonderland, but what most people do not know is who Alice really was, and how the book affected her life.

Melanie Benjamin writes a novel based on facts about the life of the Alice who inspired Lewis Carroll, some of which are uncomfortable and hard to read. You learn how as a young girl, Alice was conflicted about her feeligns for Mr. Dodgson (Lewis Carroll's real name), and how their actions severely affected her life.

While the book is loosely based on facts that Melanie learned about Alice's life, you can't help but be drawn in and fascinated by the story. Her writing is fantastic and I am excited to read more of her writing in the future.