Reviews

Gangster-bestemor by Tony Ross, David Walliams, Sverre Knudsen

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kerameia's review against another edition

5.0

HIGHLY recommend listening to the audiobook edition of this story, read by David Walliams himself. His expression and variation of voices for each character accentuates the witty genius of his writing! Loved every minute, and was extremely surprised and touched by the masterful blend of humour and sensitivity (especially re: child's relationship with an elderly grandparent).

milujuopice's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

anaffpereira's review against another edition

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4.0

As a book written for children and aimed at children I think this is a fairly good one. Yes, it is funny, silly and at some extent clichéd, but sometimes that is what kids need. We cannot forget that the story is seen through Ben’s eyes, who is 11 years-old. The humor is good and simple, and although the characters may seem very shallow and stereotyped (such as Mr. Parker, Granny’s nosy neighbor) there is also a more realistic side of them, which is more evident when they interacted with Ben.
All in all, it is an excellent story for kids – simple yet interesting, which speaks to the children not only about historical facts, but also about modern themes and issues; moreover, in the middle of all its humor, the book is also able to approach sensitive and meaningful subjects.

squintyfarmer's review against another edition

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emotional funny fast-paced

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

3.5

Content Warnings

lcvesbooks's review against another edition

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4.25

i was obsessed with this as a kid.

katykelly's review against another edition

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5.0

Excellent audio reading from Walliams, a moving and very funny family story

I've read this before, but listening to it in the car with my 6-year-old is of course a different experience. He loved the references to farts, cabbage cake, grannies in their knickers. He is, of course, Walliams' true audience, and was hooked on the story from the start.

A story of family, of hiding your true self, of love - it has the heart of Walliams' 'The Boy in the Dress' with a growing security with child-centric humour.

I enjoyed it more this time, being a parent myself and thinking of my own son's relationship with his grandparents - a story of Ben seeing his 'boring' Grandma as someone to put up with... until he finds out she has a very colourful past and begins to appreciate her a lot more.

The ending is rather moving, I cried while driving (and hid a few tears!) and the humour is well-tempered with the pathos.

Some parents may want to hang on with this one, if they are going through something similar in their families (a long-term terminal illness) or if they have particular sensitive children, though other Walliams' books (Awful Auntie) have more graphic violence and references to mortality.

One of Walliam's best and warmest.