Book Review: Matilda by Roland Dahl
October 22, 2020
I have never seen the movie, and quite frankly, I just recently found out that the book was by Roald Dahl. We need to pause there for a moment and just take in just how many of Roland Dahl’s books have become movies.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (twice)
James and the Giant Peach
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Witches (coming out this year)
The BFG
Matilda (duh)
And these are just the ones that I have heard of. Anyway, we don’t need to spend too much time on Dahl’s incredible accomplishments.
Matilda is the story of a sweet little girl who is entirely ignored by her family. They think so little of her they barely think of her at all. Her mother is a plain woman that is more concerned about Matilda being beautiful than she is worried about her being brave, or smart, or witty. Her father is a crooked salesman who turns old junky cars over and sells them for far more than they are worth. Lastly, her brother couldn’t be a better fit for his parents-ready and willing to say yes to whatever they ask of him. Matilda on the other hand is brilliant and wise beyond her years. She has taught herself to read by four and had learned all of the times tables before she even makes it to school. She has a hunger for knowledge and a heart filled with hope and compassion.
It seems as though little Miss Matilda can’t catch a break, because as soon as she makes it to school her Headmistress is rotten to the bone. She does unthinkably mean things to the children she oversees and has standards that no child can live up to. Matilda strikes up a friendship with her sweet teacher, Miss Honey, and with her Matilda feels more at home than anywhere else.
This book is sweet and witty and lovely and sweet. It is imaginative and exciting and I would highly recommend it to families, children, and adults alike. Just because it is in the children’s section doesn’t mean that it is childish.
