Alice I Have Been is one of Melanie Benjamin’s earliest novels. It’s basically an historical account of the life of Alice Liddell Hargreaves—the subject and muse behind Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.
The story begins in the late 19th century during Alice’s childhood, and continues through her adulthood in the early 20th century. We get to read about when she meets Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll).
Alice comes from a well-off, scholarly family. She is lively and rambunctious, and inspires Dodgson to write Alice in Wonderland, which ends haunting Alice through the years and changes her life forever.
Apparently, Alice had an intense longing for Mr. Dodgson. Through Alice’s eyes, we witness and experience her numerous heartaches over the years.
Historical fiction is incredibly fun when you read about topics that truly interest and intrigue you. Otherwise, the experience feels like watching the movie Titanic because you already know what happens. Alice I Have Been reminds me strongly of Neverland by Piers Dudgeon, which is about the family that inspired J.M. Barrie to write Peter Pan. I kept picturing the stuttering, shy Charles Dodgson as Johnny Depp, because he was in both of the movies Finding Neverland and Alice in Wonderland.
Alice I Have Been is nicely done and beautifully written. The book isn’t very long, but it took me weeks to finish. You could probably skip this one unless you’re genuinely fascinated with the history of Alice in Wonderland.
Other books by Melanie Benjamin include:
- The Children’s Blizzard (2021)
- California Golden (2023)
- The Windsor Affair (2026)
What did you think about this book?
Last Updated on January 13, 2026 by Sarah Ann
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