Sylvie and Bruno is a fantasy novel by Lewis Carroll, published in 1889. The book is a unique blend of fantasy, humor, and social commentary, featuring a complex narrative that weaves together multiple storylines and characters.
Recommended for: Readers who enjoy fantasy, humor, and social commentary will appreciate this book. It is particularly recommended for fans of Lewis Carroll’s other works, such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
You will:
- Be transported to a fantastical world of fairies, kings, and queens
- Encounter a range of quirky and memorable characters, including Sylvie, Bruno, and the narrator
- Experience a complex and imaginative storyline that blends fantasy and reality
- Enjoy Carroll’s signature wit and humor, as well as his clever use of language and wordplay
- Be challenged to keep track of the multiple storylines and characters, adding an extra layer of complexity to the reading experience
Plot Summary
The story follows a narrator who becomes entangled in the lives of Sylvie and Bruno, two fairy siblings who are central to the plot. The narrative jumps between the real world and the world of fairies, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Along the way, the narrator becomes involved in the affairs of a doctor who is struggling to express his love for a young woman, Lady Muriel. Meanwhile, Sylvie and Bruno’s father, the king, is facing a rebellion led by the chancellor and the vice-king. As the story unfolds, the narrator finds himself shifting between the two worlds, often unsure of what is real and what is fantasy.
Theme and Analysis
At its core, Sylvie and Bruno is a commentary on the nature of reality and fantasy. Carroll uses the fantastical elements of the story to explore complex themes, such as the power of imagination, the blurring of boundaries between reality and fantasy, and the absurdity of social norms. The book is also a commentary on the social and political issues of Carroll’s time, including the role of women in society and the nature of power and authority. Through his clever use of language and humor, Carroll invites the reader to question the nature of reality and to consider the possibilities of the imagination.
Licensing
Lewis Carroll. Sylvie and Bruno. Originally published in 1889. This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago. This digital edition is provided by Standard Ebooks under the CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication License.
To cite this work
Carroll, Lewis. Sylvie and Bruno. Standard Ebooks. CC0 1.0. https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/lewis-carroll/sylvie-and-bruno
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