Reviews

Very quick to read, but a bit of a disappointment.
Felt like he didn't take as much time finding his authorial voice with this one, and a few elements seemed lifted from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (poor family, job lost) and other Dahl stories (Witches - mouse training). Didn't like Burt (and hated the drawings of him - didn't realise it wasn't a woman!!). Some speech didn't ring true for a child. Walliams didn't use his previous technique to good effect of talking to the reader directly very much, which was a shame.
Not as much 'disgusting' stuff either that kids love (one reference to picking someone else's nose and the rat burger stuff of course).

Still, better than most of the kids books out there. Zoe and Armitage are good characters, Matilda did horrid parents and teachers better, but still this should be worthy of its audience, it just could have been better.

Billionaire Boy still my favourite I think.

And long live Raj!

eddaros's review

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5.0

My son got this one as a Christmas gift and we read it together.
It is entertaining, it is also gross. It is wonderful.

kelforrest's review

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adventurous dark funny lighthearted sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I loved this book so much as a kid, I reread it all the time!! There are certain aspects I'm not a fan of anymore, but it's overall very goofy and enjoyable while covering some darker themes as well!!

skittyrreads's review

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dark emotional sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

David Walliams fifth book, Ratburger is surprisingly enjoyable, at least for me. It may have to do with the fact that I have a huge affection for rats and i'm happy to see them get some love. Zoe is a great protag I find, her dad's little arc is pretty decent too. Shelia and Burt are gross and work well as villains. I also really like Tina's arc, i'm glad Zoe doesn't forgive her until she gets an apology and recognises the cycle of abuse going on in her home and acknowledges that it doesn't justify her bullying, that's a good message for kids. Also seeing poor kids be shown as kind and worthy strikes a personal note with me.