Reviews - Boy: Tales of Childhood

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798 reviews for:

A fun autobiography of the childhood of Roald Dahl. I grew up loving his books like Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and James and the Giant Peach. I can see a lot of how his childhood affected the writing of these books. All of the headmasters in his school could very much make up the Trunchbull, and the candy shop he walked past on the way home everyday had a big impact with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It was enjoyable, very interesting, and quick reading.

forever_day's review against another edition

4.0

I liked this. You could see the origins of so many of his children stories in the anecdotes and his writing style shone through even in the more factual events. I also liked learning the other random details of his life, his Norwegian heritage and summers, him being good at sport (however I will say the car accident was a lil excruciating to listen to)
It is more a collection of anecdotes than something with an overarching theme or point, but it was still an enjoyable listen.

jasmiinaf's review against another edition

4.0

Interesting little book about Dahl's own childhood.

adeeba_ahmed's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

lunaseassecondaccount's review against another edition

4.0

What an adorable book- and also a clear indicator for where Roald Dahl took lots of his inspiration from as a writer.

Without going into depths about this book (because let's be real here, it's been reviewed again and again and again), I do wonder how many liberties were taken to appeal to a wider audience. On the other hand... kids do get away with shit.

But hot damn, corporal punishment was insane.

Also... fagging.

helendeu's review against another edition

4.0

So enjoyable to read about the rather adventurous life of one of my favourite authors. Told with that same sense of humour he displays throughout his other books. Loved it.

hannahanniex's review against another edition

5.0

I read this at the age of 12 and it was the first book I had ever actually enjoyed reading. It was the book that kick-started my love affair with literature.