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A review by sraev19
George's Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl
2.5
A warning sitting opposite the opening chapter urges the reader not to try making George’s marvellous medicine at home. I promptly forgot this warning as I read with horror the variety of harmful and toxic ingredients George throws into his saucepan. This is not a safe book for kids to read! I thought.
Indeed, George’s concoction reminded me of the times I played pretend chef in the bath with my parents’ fragrant shampoo, body lotion, and the magically foamy shaving cream. Strawberry Jell-O topped with whipped cream, anyone? But the medicine cabinet, cleaning supplies, and other unsafe household goods were off-limits.
In George’s Marvellous Medicine, Dahl delivers another tale of a child getting their just deserts on a cruel, selfish relative who despises children. For the young reader, this is a fun and creative story with an underdog hero to root for. They’ll snicker along with George as he reasons his way through his dangerous ingredients and then cross their fingers his medicine will “cure” cranky old Grandma for good. The illustrations depicting the effects of George’s medicine on Grandma and the farm animals add a touch of humour as well.
For the adult reader… Well, I found this tale lacklustre. First, not a lot really happens, and I didn’t feel compelled to turn the page. Second, I was saddened that SpoilerMr. Kranky is interested in the medicine only for his own gain and rushes George to recreate his brew. Yet another of Dahl’s fictional children going unheard and unseen.
Last, the ending is quick and without any consequence. In the final illustration, SpoilerGeorge breaks the fourth wall and looks straight at the reader with an expression that could mean “Oops” or “Huh.” To that I say, “Now what?” How does George feel? How is his family going to proceed? And what about the marvellous medicine?
My answer? Heed the book’s warning and don’t try this at home, kids.
Indeed, George’s concoction reminded me of the times I played pretend chef in the bath with my parents’ fragrant shampoo, body lotion, and the magically foamy shaving cream. Strawberry Jell-O topped with whipped cream, anyone? But the medicine cabinet, cleaning supplies, and other unsafe household goods were off-limits.
In George’s Marvellous Medicine, Dahl delivers another tale of a child getting their just deserts on a cruel, selfish relative who despises children. For the young reader, this is a fun and creative story with an underdog hero to root for. They’ll snicker along with George as he reasons his way through his dangerous ingredients and then cross their fingers his medicine will “cure” cranky old Grandma for good. The illustrations depicting the effects of George’s medicine on Grandma and the farm animals add a touch of humour as well.
For the adult reader… Well, I found this tale lacklustre. First, not a lot really happens, and I didn’t feel compelled to turn the page. Second, I was saddened that SpoilerMr. Kranky is interested in the medicine only for his own gain and rushes George to recreate his brew. Yet another of Dahl’s fictional children going unheard and unseen.
Last, the ending is quick and without any consequence. In the final illustration, SpoilerGeorge breaks the fourth wall and looks straight at the reader with an expression that could mean “Oops” or “Huh.” To that I say, “Now what?” How does George feel? How is his family going to proceed? And what about the marvellous medicine?
My answer? Heed the book’s warning and don’t try this at home, kids.