Matilda by Roald Dahl

I often get asked suggestions for Children’s books, and a lot of times, I find it tough to give recommendations! I mean, there are so many to choose from, and sometimes, I forget. And then remember some weeks later that, ‘Oh yes, this would have been a perfect book for that child!’

So to keep me from forgetting, I have decided to review children’s books more often. And I also get to cross-post them on IMC, can’t get better than that, can it 🙂

Daughter and I read Matilda together, a couple of years ago. This was one of her first ‘thick’ books and I think she was a little intimidated by the size of it. So I would read it, and leave it at a tantalizing place, and tell her that we would read the rest tomorrow. Now the child engrossed in Matilda’s world would refuse(but, of course) that option, and would beg, ‘Can I please read it myself?’ 🙂 Since then, she has read, reread and re-read them. It never fails to get her to chuckle away. I have to mention here, that I am eternally grateful for the fact that she re-reads her books. There is no way, I would be able to feel her habit, if she didn’t!

Matilda is a very intelligent, very smart little girl, who lives with her mother, father and her older brother. By the age of five and a half she is doing maths and reading books which some grown ups might struggle with. Normally, the parents of a child with such exceptional abilities would be amazed and proud of her, and help her achieve her full potential. Normally, for parents even the most annoying child on earth is the most gifted, most talented, most adorable in their eyes.  Alas, for Matilda, her parents are just the opposite. They are so self obsessed that they can’t see beyond the tip of their noses. They just did not care about Matilda, at all! Not just that, they are rude and beastly to her. She finds a way to pay them back. Every time they are rude or mean to her, she plays pranks on them. Just her way of getting back at her parents who are so mean to her.

Now, Matilda, is not just smart, she is also resourceful. She finds ways of feeding her amazing appetite for knowledge, and soon she is ready for school. Actually more than ready for school, because she knows much more than most children her age, a fact that her parents are blissfully ignorant aboujt. At school, her teacher, Miss Honey is the first grown-up who takes an interest in her, and finds to her amazement, an amazingly talented little girl. Impressed by her knowledge and abilities, Miss Honey, tries to get Matilda into a higher class, more suited to her abilities. She approaches the Head teacher Miss Trunchbull, who, refuses pointblank. Now, Miss Trunchbull is a person who hates children. Most head teachers are selected for understanding children and for having the best of the children’s interest’s at heart. It is a mystery how Miss Trunchbull ever got her job. She is the cruelest person around, and the children live in fear of Miss Trunchbull. Despite Miss Honey’s best efforts, Miss Trunchbull refuses to look at what is best for Matilda. It looks like school is going to be as tough as home for Matilda. The only bright spot in her life is Miss Honey. So how does she fare? Do the evil people around her break her down? You’ve got to read it to find out. But, I can assure you, that you will have a lovely time while you do that.

The book, is definitely one of Roald Dahl’s best books. Such a heart-warming tale of a young girl, living a tough life, and finding a way to come out of it. Dahl takes a tough scenario, and uses it to make it one of the most enchanting stories ever. I’m quite sure that children living sad lives might feel a wee bit empowered reading about Matilda. Even other wise, it is a lovely tale. One that makes you smile and cheer for Matilda as she gets the better of the evil people around her.

A book that both children and grown-ups are sure to enjoy!

I would easily rate it a 5/5.

About the Author

Roald Dahl was a British novelist, short story writer,poet and screenwriter  who rose to prominence in the 1940’s with works for both children and adults, and became one of the world’s bestselling authors. Dahl has created some of the most loved children’s books ever.

This book is available from Amazon and Flipkart.

This has been cross-posted on Indian Moms Connect(IMC). Do hop over and check out the IMC, an amazing place for all things related to parenting.