Matilda

Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl was my favourite author when I was younger, and 'Matilda' has always been my favourite...more

Roald Dahl was my favourite author when I was younger, and 'Matilda' has always been my favourite of his books, and is probably the first book of his that I return to when I re-read all the Dahl books I own. I think my preference for this book is centred in the charm of Matilda herself. In some of Dahl's books (but by no means all of them) some of the central child characters can be very irritating because of their 'goodness' - Charlie is one that springs to mind. In this instance, the entertainment of Dahl's books hinge on the appeal of either the moral ambiguity of the lead adult (Wonka) or the gruelling deaths of the naughty kids. However, 'Matilda' is an instantly likeable character, probably because she isn't afraid to take a bit of revenge on the adults who deny her love for reading. I also think the structure of the book is vintage Dahl, for instance, Dahl's notoriously highly strung conservatism does not allow for the corrupt adults or children in his stories a chance of redemption, once judged evil, they are punished via either slapstick humour, or in the case of Miss Trunchbull, acute mental torture. Dahl's enduring reputation will always be both ascertained and tainted because of this approach, the question of whether it is right to convey the message to children that wrong actions warrant punishment without rehabilitation is one that has always dogged Dahl's work and is a question that seems equally apt in modern society. However, that should not detract from what is essentially a heart-warming, fun and lively children's book.   hide

Matilda is most definitely a Dickensian heroine, with that only exception that she isn't an...more

Matilda is most definitely a Dickensian heroine, with that only exception that she isn't an orphan. Her parents are so horrible though that we will leave her the benefit of being worse than “orphaned”. Her parents aren't the only horrible characters of this sad, sad story. The Headmistress of the school Matilda attends is quite a nasty woman whose “idea of a perfect school is one that has no children in it at all.” The only grown-up to save the face of “adulthood” is the well named Miss Honey, Matilda's teacher. The only adult who takes her many talents seriously. One day Matilda finds out she has developed a rare talent indeed. She can move objects without touching them. This enables her to avenge Miss Honey. The young teacher has been the victim of her cruel aunt, who also happens to be the terrible Headmistress Trunchbull. Thanks to Matilda the school gets rid of the threatening Miss Trunchbull and Miss Honey gets her inheritance back. That same day, Matilda's parents leave England in a hurry for Spain, where they hope to hide their corrupt deeds. Fortunately, Miss Honey is happy to “adopt” Matilda who doesn't wish to leave her school. And all's well that ends well.   hide

This is one of the great books of all time. It is definitely one of the first characters that I...more

This is one of the great books of all time. It is definitely one of the first characters that I saw myself in, and inspired me to keep reading after getting into so much trouble for walking with books, eating with books, and sleeping with books under my pillows. It's also one of the few books that I've given to my daughter, and she's stolen to keep in her room. Come to think of it, I think she kept it from the library and I had to buy another copy! Matilda is an every intellectual. She's one of the easiest smart people to like, and readers are inspired to continue her battle against the real Trunchbulls and bad parents of the world. You can't say that about most of the "classic fiction". The central issue carries easily into real life! Although, I guess that most readers don't suddenly develop powers and take care of the real life antagonist - it's a very tempting fantasy.    hide

This is one of Dahl's finest, a strong, hilarious, and touching story that hits the spot of all...more

This is one of Dahl's finest, a strong, hilarious, and touching story that hits the spot of all kids who cannot stand their obnoxious parents. I understand that lots of adults hate the anti-adult attitude, but that is what makes this book so appealing. This is about a young child who is capable of caring for herself. However, Matilda is slightly different from the other kids. Not only is she a genius, but she has telekinetic powers. If she wasn't causing enough trouble before learning about this gift, she certainly does afterwards. But it's always for the good of herself and fellow children as she punishes her parents and evil headmistress alike as a champion for kiddy heroics.    hide

One of my favorite books from my childhood.