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A review by natreadstheworld
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Orphaned at a young age, James is sent to live with his two spinster aunts. After several long years of torment, something magical happens that sends sends his life spinning in a very different direction - and so begins a fantastical adventure that changes James' life forever.
I loved the whimsical spirit of this book. The first couple of chapters are a bit intense, featuring the excessive abuse from his aunts, but once the magic starts, it's an easier read. I do think the magic of the story is enough to overcome the intensity of the first few chapters, at least for most readers. Spurred by mysterious magic, James sets out on an adventure unlike any other, quickly forming close friendships with his unusual traveling companions, the bugs within the peach. The adventures are light-hearted and fully of whimsy. Often, the fantastical elements of the story are presented without explanation, they're simply a part of the story, accepted as-is. This makes for an easy, simple read that allows the reader to focus only on the story as it happens, rather than puzzling out the way the magic works in this world.
I found this to be an easy and enjoyable read. The chapters are also short and simple, making it a perfect beginning chapter reader.
I loved the whimsical spirit of this book. The first couple of chapters are a bit intense, featuring the excessive abuse from his aunts, but once the magic starts, it's an easier read. I do think the magic of the story is enough to overcome the intensity of the first few chapters, at least for most readers. Spurred by mysterious magic, James sets out on an adventure unlike any other, quickly forming close friendships with his unusual traveling companions, the bugs within the peach. The adventures are light-hearted and fully of whimsy. Often, the fantastical elements of the story are presented without explanation, they're simply a part of the story, accepted as-is. This makes for an easy, simple read that allows the reader to focus only on the story as it happens, rather than puzzling out the way the magic works in this world.
I found this to be an easy and enjoyable read. The chapters are also short and simple, making it a perfect beginning chapter reader.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Minor: Death of parent
Note: I've seen some comments present the book as being fatphobic, due to the large size of one of the villainous sisters. I do not believe the fatphobic label is accurate, because the other sister is just as equally thin, and still villainous, and both are presented as vain and selfish. Thus, their villainy is not tied to their actual physical appearance, so I don't consider it to be fatphobic. However, it's still worth noting that there does happen to be a villain in this story who is extremely large.