Alyce is living in England in 1919 with her grandmother at Specula House, a place that was, until recently, full of recovering soldiers; however, now that the war has ended it is a much quieter place. Even more so as Alyce's father died during the war and her mother has taken her baby brother off to look after her own mother, leaving Alyce (with a why) with Alice (the original). Unsure as to how to move forward with this new situation, Alyce wanders into the garden where she is hit (literally) with an invitation to a rather mysterious tea party. Considering the invitation to be more useful if it's turned into a boat, Alyce does just and that, and it is proving a rather successful decision until Alyce falls into the water and ends up on an adventure that she will never forget.
Let me just say from the start that I adore everything about this book.
From the moment I began reading Alyce With A Why, I knew it was going to be something special and I wasn't wrong. From the style of writing to the humour subtly woven in, to the play on words that leads to confusion which is so perfectly timed and cleverly written, this is a book that will delight readers of all ages.
During the was Alyce's grandmother, Alice, transformed the family home, Specula House, so that the place could house and tend to soldiers injured in the fighting.
As well as nursing the soldiers, Alyce's grandmother, Alice, entertained them with magical stories of a place called Wonderland, but people believed they were just that, stories to help those in recovery. However, now the war is over, the soldiers have gone and the house is empty. Alice is clearly mourning the loss of her father and is feeling lost. She wanders to the pond in an attempt to feel closer to him but the unorthodox arrival of the invitation changes everything. The adventure that Alyce goes on is the most magical thing. However, her trip to Wonderland is more than just aphysical journey, it's a journey that shows her how resilient and brave she can be; she learns how to face challenges and she discovers what she can actually do. It's a journey that will inspire readers.
Some books demand to be gobbled up in one sitting (I do that a lot!), then there are the books that beg to be savoured and Alyce With A Why is one of those books. I have patiently eeked this book out from Sunday evening until Thursday, treating myself to a few pages at a time, being sure to read and appreciate every word, for that's what this book needs and deserves. You need to immerse yourself in this wonderful world of fantasy and dreams, of long loved characters and journeys that will transform and bring joy.
There's a comforting warmth to this book that's like being wrapped in a hug, one you never want to leave. You cannot help but get lost amongst the pages and I can't wait to get hold of a physical copy and to see the illustrations that I know will only further enhance the story. Some books stay with you long after you've finished the final page and Alyce With A Why is most definitely one of those books. I know it's only March but this is already guaranteed to be one of my favourite books of the year.
Publishing on the 19th June, Alyce With A Why is destined to become a classic and Anna deserves all success that this book is guaranteed to receive.
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