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4.32 AVERAGE
4.32 AVERAGE
Re-read this (audiobook this time!) since I hadn't read it since I was a kid. A hilarious children's tale that has a surprising amount of depth and insight; Matilda being the child genius that she is, her viewpoint is at once whimsical and serious, a lovely combination that drives the narrative along with a great deal of style and finesse.
My partner once commented that children have a finely-attuned sense of fairness (and unfairness), which I feel is exemplified here. The entire story is about children who hit back at genuine unfairness (directed not only at them, but also those they care for) in amusing and clever ways; but as Matilda herself notes, there are times when punishment would only be just, and in those cases she would accept it as her due. But think of the times when it isn't deserved! What can powerless younglings do to retaliate against those fearsome adults who dictate their every move?
Like pretty much every Dahl story written for children, Matilda shines a magical spotlight on the mundane, bringing wonder and mystery to the everyday. A laugh-filled gem that should be in every child's bookshelf, and I highly recommend the audiobook version read by Kate Winslet (available, at least from my library system, via BorrowBox).
My partner once commented that children have a finely-attuned sense of fairness (and unfairness), which I feel is exemplified here. The entire story is about children who hit back at genuine unfairness (directed not only at them, but also those they care for) in amusing and clever ways; but as Matilda herself notes, there are times when punishment would only be just, and in those cases she would accept it as her due. But think of the times when it isn't deserved! What can powerless younglings do to retaliate against those fearsome adults who dictate their every move?
Like pretty much every Dahl story written for children, Matilda shines a magical spotlight on the mundane, bringing wonder and mystery to the everyday. A laugh-filled gem that should be in every child's bookshelf, and I highly recommend the audiobook version read by Kate Winslet (available, at least from my library system, via BorrowBox).
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Child abuse
adventurous
fast-paced
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I was reading this aloud to my son and we both got bored to be honest. The language is quite outdated and not something that I'd like him to be reading anyway so we've put it down for now.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated