A review by thaliareads
Matilda by Roald Dahl

dark emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

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

5.0

I've read this book a lot throughout my life and enjoyed it just as much as an adult as I did as a kid. There's a little something for everyone, and as an adult, I almost wish the book could have been longer because I would have loved to spend more time with these characters and to have an opportunity to fill in some of the time gaps jumped to allow the plot to advance more quickly. Still a great read, no questions about it. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Physical abuse, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, and Violence

Small spoiler, shouldn't take away from reading the book.

Matilda's parents don't directly abuse her emotionally in a clear way, but their lack of attention is akin to a type of emotional abuse. In addition it's notable that the school headmistress does physically abuse the children at the school but in outrageously outlandish ways, and the children while traumatized are never seriously injured and the goal of the book is to see Matilda get herself and the other students out of these situations with adults who don't care.