I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A group of adventurers search for a mysterious creature in author Lewis Carroll’s iconic story “The Hunting of the Snark” with illustrations by modern-day artist Macy Grove.
The Synopsis
The Hunting of the Snark: An Agony in Eight Fits is a reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s famous “nonsense” poem. By subverting the original characters and expanding the narrative through symbolic illustration, this work blends absurdist humor with unexpected emotional depth and playful introspection.
The story follows the Bellman and his eclectic crew—a group brought together by only a common restlessness—as they embark on their hunt in a strange land, which appears to be just the place to find the elusive Snark. But as they travel deeper into this distorted world, their efforts become increasingly fragmented and they find far more than Snarks awaiting them.
Told through a series of vignettes and side quests, the tale unfolds like a riddle. Just like each character’s ambitions, each Fit is self-contained but laced with visual clues that echo and connect the crew’s experiences across the work. Each walk of life faces unique trials on their path, and the hunt always yields a discovery—though never the one that was sought.
Richly layered with hints, metaphor, and hidden references, The Hunting of the Snark is both a tribute and a transformation of Lewis Carroll’s chaotically brilliant poem; presenting a surreal and beautiful journey about identity, longing, and the price of obsession while finding purpose amongst the nonsense of life.
THE REVIEW
This was such a unique and engaging graphic novel version of an iconic nonsensical poem. The artwork by artist Macy Grove is astonishing to behold, as the muted tones of the color scheme offer a strong juxtaposition to the unique design of the creatures and the visceral imagery that comes with bringing this crew to life on the page. The author’s whimsical, fun writing style shines in this graphic novel version of the story, bringing unique imagery to the at times lyrical, silly wording that helps elevate the author’s incredible world-building.
The story itself is so uniquely iconic to fans of Lewis Carroll. Something that has always stood out about this poem is not only its connection to other stories. The author/poet has crafted an open interpretation that fans have connected with over the years. For some, this story is a unique way of looking at the pursuit of happiness itself and what brings us joy in life. For others, the story serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when obsession and a singular focus on a goal, without any awareness of the consequences, rear their ugly head.
THE VERDICT
Whimsical, artistically compelling, and highly entertaining, author Lewis Carroll and Macy Grove’s “The Hunting of the Snark” is a must-read graphic novel adaptation of a classic work of poetry. The settled yet beautiful and imaginative artwork design elevates an already creative and unique fictional poem that touches on many themes and gives readers a fabulous world to get lost in time after time. If you haven’t yet, please be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author/Artist
Macy Grove lives on the Olympic Penninsula with her loving spouse and 3 loyal hounds. She can be found hunting her Snark in the mountains and on the sea—reliably meeting,travelling, and adventuring with some of the most interesting and enjoyable characters one could ever hope to know.
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