Disappointing.
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I didn't actually know what this was about before I bought it - my own fault, I guess. I was expecting a story involving Alice, and maybe information on how the book relates to Sunderland. I had a quick flick through and it seemed OK. However, taking it home and reading it - I was definitely disappointed. I only got halfway before I got fed up and gave up.
I didn't like the author's disjointed way of writing - he switches between topics constantly. I also found the endless local history of Sunderland very dull - as someone who has never been to Sunderland, and has no plans to go, it just didn't interest me at all. At times it did feel like a travel guide. It's a good idea, and I'm sure (judging by all these positive reviews) that if you have been there/are going there/live there, it is a great, entertaining read as you can engage with the material. As it was, I just got bored and didn't care.
My own fault for not doing research before buying, but it was an impulsive buy - I saw it in a shop and it intriuged me. I regret that now!
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Don't believe the hype
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There have been enough reviews already that describe what AIS is about but I feel obliged to chip in about the quality. This isn't as witty as it likes to think it is and some of the metaphorical images are very heavy handed. The illustrated Shakespeare pages are truly awful. The artist's representation of himself as narator in 4 different guises is irritating and maybe even a tad vain. There were interesting sections but overall this book suffers from a lack of narrative, sure comics can be a medium for more that just superheroes and boys adventure, but do we really want them to read like a travel guide?
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Alice in Sunderland: An Entertainment
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I cannot understand why it has taken me to the age of 57 to know about the Lewis Carroll connection with Sunderland. This is a wonderful history of "mackemland" (yes I am a geordie) not limited to Alice but gives a comprehensive history of the city from its beginnings to the present day. Introducing Sid James into the story is a wonderful way of bringing in Sunderland's theatrical history. It is well produced on good quality paper and the illustrations are really excellent. I have not read many "graphic novel" type books but Brian Talbot has made me want to buy more and I will be searching amazon for more by him. I wonder if he would produce a similar treatment of Newcastle ?
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Something Different
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This was given to me as a gift, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But as the title suggests, this is "an entertainment". It is not a graphic novel. Not having expected a graphic novel (from the man who brought us such classics as "one bad rat") I was not disappointed at all.
And what an entertainment it is! Well researched, providing fascinating facts about the history of Sunderland, extremely well written with a good artistic variety providing re-readable material. I found myself torn between turning each page as fast as I could and trying to absorb every little detail. The time and effort that went into creating this book is patently obvious.
If every history book was written like this, everyone would know a lot more about where they lived.
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subtle
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Many layers, hidden dark depths, lots of interwoven strands. I found this book fascinating, and have already re-read it, discovering new twists and sub texts the second time. I'm looking foward to reading it again. And probably again. Buy if you are:-
a) From the North East
b) An Alice admirer
c) A graphic novel buff
d) Like the work of Bryan Ralbot
or simply want to try something different. Really different!
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