Genres: Fiction
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
To celebrate Roald Dahl’s birthday in my on way, I choose this book. I often regret on not coming across his books in my childhood as each of them are fascinating and Matilda is no exception.
The book’s a pure work of fiction, a classic I’d say. The story revolves around a five year old girl, Matilda who starts knocking off double-digit multiplication problems and reading Dickens. Even more remarkably, her classmates love her even though she’s a super-nerd and the teacher’s pet. But everything is not perfect in Matilda’s world. For starters she has two of the most idiotic, self-centered parents who ever lived. Then there’s the large, busty nightmare of a school principal, Mrs. Trunchbull, a former hammer-throwing champion who flings children at will and is approximately as sympathetic as a bulldozer.
For revenge and with patience, she warms up with some practical jokes aimed at her helpless parents, but the true test comes when she rallies in defense of her teacher, the sweet Miss Honey, against the diabolical Trunchbull.
Even though the story might sound plain, it is not as the essential point about the plot is that it is unpredictable. This lenghty book captures Dahl’s words and imagination and in an efficient manner. The emotional truth which Dahl makes a reader to understand and feel is the most essential part I found to deal along with the story of Matilda. The book is wholesomely funny and the character of Matilda will be engraved in a reader’s mind, for the rest of his life. Her love for books at such an early age is another essential part I feel is what we need to our younger generation to realise. It is only by reading books that Matilda found the power of being patient and not getting sad and too frustated even when her self-centered parents abused her habit of reading and the rest of her childhood. Other characters such as her parents and Trunchbull are the plain description of the immoral morons whom one have to face again and again through out their life. The key is, as I said before, to be patient and use your knowledge in such a manner to be compeltely avenged. However, the character of Miss Honey is dream character that every one dreams of being or having one when they were children. And if one recalls his childhood, one might find traits of Miss Honey in some or the person.
Roald Dahl has got a brilliant, and a unique voice. It’s a touching and a funny story with a worthful ending and I would recommend this book to any person belonging to any age.
My favorite too! I read it when I was in 7th grade and she inspired me to read more
It has a very positive effect 🙂
Good review – this was one of my favourite Roald Dahl stories.
Have you seen the movie based on the book? I am not a fan (anymore) but I liked it as a kid. I regret that! The saddest part is: instead of portraying her as the super-nerd but loveable character they turned her into a magic-wielding unrealistic thing. Boo to Hollywood! Nice review by the way.
No I haven’t seen the movie and by you description I don’t think I will. 🙂 thanks for the appreciation!
My childhood favorite was ‘Little Black, a pony” by Walter Farley. I probably learned to read with that book.
I haven’t read that but I remember mine and its called Panchtantra Tales…
Love Matilda one of the best childhood stories!
🙂 I agree
Yes–I both love and teach this book.
Great! 🙂
Without knowing it was his birthday, I read The Witches yesterday! Roald Dahl is one of my favorite childhood authors and I’ve read his books numerous times. Matilda is also a great read; I should do a reread soon! As a kid I always wished I had Matilda’s power… 😉
I am yet to read The Witches. 🙂
I prefer Matilda over The Witches, but it is definitely an entertaining read as well.
Love Matilda! Good review. Great description of the Trunchbull: as sympathetic as a bulldozer! Ha!
Thanks 🙂
This was my favorite book as a child and I the first novel I read 🙂
Matilda is awesome! Thanks for the review…it’s made me want to reread Matilda once again 😀
The movie is awesome too by the way!
I’ll check it out 🙂
Love this book!
Read this just last week and loved it! An immediate favorite! 🙂
Great review, I have never read this story, but I have seen the movie. That’s another one to put on my list.
You should read it 🙂 Thanks for appreciation!
He is undoubtedly my favourite childhood author, and this book is probably my favourite <3
I read Matilda too, just a few weeks back! And I sincerely regret not reading more of Roald Dahl in my childhood. Matilda is a fantastic story, and now one of my most favourite books! 🙂
I haven’t read Dahl much either. But i am not going to say no next time whenever I’ll coke across his books. 🙂
I could not agree more. I love Roald Dahl! Great review
Thanks!
My favorite Roald Dahl book, easily! Have you read Witches? That is another one of my favorites. Great review 🙂
Thanks, I am still yet to explore his other writings like BFG and The Witches, will review once done with them.
You MUST read The Witches! It is absolutely marvelous, and was definitely one of my favorites as a child. The characters and imagination are wonderful in this one as well.
I never got to read Roald Dahl in those Childhood days, did not exist in these parts of the world, or at least mine, until I came across Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and one of the librarian told me he writes novels for adults. But I do admire his imagination.
A lot of the time even his children’s books have more mature insight than you’d expect. Coupled with the imagination, Dahl is unbeatable. Have you seen Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? I enjoyed that movie.
Yeah, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, that is a complete example of how one’s imagination can be vast. Have read it someday too. Have you read it?
Yes! And the sequels as well. I was a Roald Dahl, Lemony Snicket, and Carolyn Keene fanatic as a child 🙂
Carolyn Keene have read few hers, or I should say theirs! I liked passing time with Enid Blyton’s Secret Seven.
I was (am) absolutely obsessed with Nancy Drew. I will try to check out Blyton soon; I’ve never read her.
Do so, her Famous Five series is quite famous but I like Secret Seven. It’s less repetitive and felt exciting at that time.
Great I’m putting it on my (new) ASAPRI list!
The book is awesome