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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
Dashiell and I read this book together. The illustrations are entertaining and it was fun seeing George's medicine at work.
12 years later, the book does not lose any charm.
However, it is a little disconcerting how the grandma's death is treated so lightly. especially for a children's book. *unnerved*
However, it is a little disconcerting how the grandma's death is treated so lightly. especially for a children's book. *unnerved*
This has always been my favorite Roald Dahl book, and I had been itching to reread this book for years, so when I finally got my hands on this book I sat down and read it in one sitting. I can pinpoint many things that makes this book stand out from the rest: the ridiculous premise, the vivid imagery, they ridiculous caricature of the grandma, and the goofy fun that George has. Some people might just see this as a goofy kids story that doesn't try hard to actually be a well-written book, and although I agree that the writing and world-building is not at the same level of other books that I've given 5 stars, with this book, those things don't matter to me. Dahl's books always surround me with comfort, nostalgia, and good memories, so I can't easily compare this to other books.
I was always so jealous of George and his ability to rampage the house and use whatever materials he liked, and even though I'll never have that ability, my inner child gets to live out that fantasy through this book. It's so oddly comforting reading about all the different animal pills that got put in the mix, and seeing George add completely inedible things in made it even better. Realistically, the medicine would not have the outcome that it had in the story, but I liked how the audience is allowed to use their imagination to try and figure out how the medicine was able to work. It's simply extraordinary and I loved this so much.
I have to mention the grandma, because I simply LOVE her. She is my anxiety creature/sleep paralysis demon/monster under my bed and it is perfect. I love how ridiculous and hysterical her character is, and I also love how she is drawn. Everything about her design fits with the story so well, and her character is the real gem of this book. She's so memorable, and that's what really dictates a great character: if they stick with you even after you finish the book. I don't know why I love the grandma so much, but it's safe to say that she might single-handedly be the best part of any Roald Dahl book.
Overall, I just love this book beyond belief. It certainly isn't perfect, but it is funny and whimsical, and at the end of the day, it achieves the goal it has in mind. Dahl wrote it as a fun kids book, and it's a fun kids book. Dahl is an amazing storyteller, but this book really has everything that I love about his work, as well as other children's authors, rolled up into one. I highly recommend it, especially to young readers and people who just generally enjoy children's literature. And even if you don't like it, the book is short and can easily be finished in one sitting.
Alright, now I'm gonna go off and make a fan cam for the grandma.
I was always so jealous of George and his ability to rampage the house and use whatever materials he liked, and even though I'll never have that ability, my inner child gets to live out that fantasy through this book. It's so oddly comforting reading about all the different animal pills that got put in the mix, and seeing George add completely inedible things in made it even better. Realistically, the medicine would not have the outcome that it had in the story, but I liked how the audience is allowed to use their imagination to try and figure out how the medicine was able to work. It's simply extraordinary and I loved this so much.
I have to mention the grandma, because I simply LOVE her. She is my anxiety creature/sleep paralysis demon/monster under my bed and it is perfect. I love how ridiculous and hysterical her character is, and I also love how she is drawn. Everything about her design fits with the story so well, and her character is the real gem of this book. She's so memorable, and that's what really dictates a great character: if they stick with you even after you finish the book. I don't know why I love the grandma so much, but it's safe to say that she might single-handedly be the best part of any Roald Dahl book.
Overall, I just love this book beyond belief. It certainly isn't perfect, but it is funny and whimsical, and at the end of the day, it achieves the goal it has in mind. Dahl wrote it as a fun kids book, and it's a fun kids book. Dahl is an amazing storyteller, but this book really has everything that I love about his work, as well as other children's authors, rolled up into one. I highly recommend it, especially to young readers and people who just generally enjoy children's literature. And even if you don't like it, the book is short and can easily be finished in one sitting.
Alright, now I'm gonna go off and make a fan cam for the grandma.
What an absolute joy! I have very fond memories of this book, as it is the only book I remember being read to me by my Dad. It was a birthday present one year we were up in Barrow at my Grans and it was read to me as I was put to bed on the floor in my Gran's bedroom.
Its funny how much detail one can remember of certain things, and yet other things are forgotten forever.
Very pleased to have invested in a box set, thank you Stanley for re-introducing me to the wonderful world of Dahl. Many more to follow now :)
Its funny how much detail one can remember of certain things, and yet other things are forgotten forever.
Very pleased to have invested in a box set, thank you Stanley for re-introducing me to the wonderful world of Dahl. Many more to follow now :)
Divertentissima favola di Roald Dahl indirizzata ad un lettore piccolino.
Il linguaggio รจ divertente, le situazioni bizzarre abbondano, e l'inserimento di una componente grottesca offre la ciliegina sulla torta.
Lettura tiepida per un adulto, trascinante per un ragazzino.
Il linguaggio รจ divertente, le situazioni bizzarre abbondano, e l'inserimento di una componente grottesca offre la ciliegina sulla torta.
Lettura tiepida per un adulto, trascinante per un ragazzino.
Amusing because I used to make these kind of potions when I was a child (but alas, they weren't magical). But it isn't Dahl's best imo.
Roald Dahl must have had a terrible childhood, but I'm glad grandma got what she deserved.
I always remember, as a child, reading this book over and over. I was fixated on reading the making of the medicine repeatedly, fascinated by all of the ingredients that George used to make the strange concoction for his Grandmother. This book made me laugh so much and will remain a firm favourite from my childhood. Another classic from a wonderful children's author.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Silly story but amusing
What a horrifying tale of murderous pursuits and antifreeze concoctions. In the wrong hands and impressionable minds, this book could inspire grand behavior of the wreaking havoc variety. Never would this be newly published in modern times.