Reviews with content warning for Suicide - Matilda

Matilda is a solid 4.5 stars; the writing is superb in the rich descriptions of the characters, their thoughts, and their actions. The author used metaphors brilliantly, particularly when describing the characters. For instance, one of my favorite ones was how he described the way Matilda's parents saw her. Her parents saw her as a scab that they couldn't wait to pick up and fling off, into the next county or state.
The way the headmistress is also described is detailed and unique (such as plowing through the children) and being told to treat her as you would if you ever encounter a Rhinoceros. Just brilliant description.
The dialogue is also great; perfectly revealing the characters' traits and Matilda and Miss Honey are characters you just fall in love with. Matilda is clever and humble, with a thirst for knowledge but she is also cunning. Not only is she wise beyond her years, but it's how she uses that wisdom that's incredible. You can't help but root for her and love her especially the way she gets her own form of justice.
I also listened to the audiobook narrated by Kate Winslet who made the story come alive and make it even more dynamic.

The only reason this book isn't a 5 stars by me is it felt too short, I long to read more about Matilda and Miss Honey, I long to see her father get what he deserved like being captured by the police and pay the price he deserved to pay. I finished the book happy but longing for more, which shows how rich and lively the characters, writing and story was. Therefore it's a 4.5

Some spoiler like info below

The rating also falls to 4.5 because of how sad the story can be. The abuse Matilda faces as well as the abuse and horrors by the head mistress Miss Trunchbull are awful though it serves the story in showing how bad it is. The saddest part is that people like this exist and it breaks my heart. I nearly cried when Miss Honey was telling her story to Matilda. So I found that a bit dark for children in the way the headmistress treated the children, the verbal abuse Matilda faces, as well as the hints of physical abuse Miss Honey experienced

and her father's death

. I think that's why I longed for more justice at the end of the book and felt it was too short because the way those beautiful souls were treated is horrid.

I'm glad Matilda and Miss Honey found each other. In the end, I was happy that Matilda was with Miss Honey, but wanted to hear more about their life together and wanted to see the head mistress arrested or others discovering how awful she was, and Matilda's father being arrested

. The book and what the characters face do serve as a good discussion about kindness, standing up for yourself, and helping others who face the same challenges as Matilda. I think that's why it's 4.5 for me rather than 5 because the way they're treated is just heartbreaking but the justice felt a bit lacking, I suppose that is the way it truly is in life.

Although I did smile at Miss Trunchbull getting some of what what she deserved by Matilda

. Overall, the writing was superb and left me wanting more of the book itself; Matilda is a great story that I enjoyed much more than I thought it would.

Content Warnings

bitterseason's review against another edition

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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? No

Content Warnings

grace_cr1's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

nina_yan's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

4 stars (First Dahl Book)

My thoughts on the first half of the book: cute & wholesome

Second half? Kind of started doubting that this was a childrens book.. the suicide part might be too raw for some kids who might not even know of such a thing yet.

Nevertheless it was an enjoyable read. Will certainly pick up more Dahl books.

Content Warnings

julia_rose's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Content Warnings

meaghanelizabook's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-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

5.0

Content Warnings

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