Review: Matilda by Roald Dahl

Hey all, Dani here.

Today I am here to review one of my most beloved stories from childhood, whether that was the book or movie version, because honestly both are great. I was able to re-read this fantastic children’s book thanks to my participation in the Make Me Read It Readathon. So far I’m doing quite well with my reading. I’ve finished the whole Scott Pilgrim series and Matilda, and am really close to finishing The Dragons of Nova. I can also say that I’ve been listening to The Black Prism whenever I have time for it. I’ll probably have to pick up my paperback copy and put in a few reading hours at some point this week, but so far I’m feeling good about being able to finish my entire TBR. Anyway, let’s just jump into the review.

Summary

Matilda Wormwood’s father is a mean crooked crook. And her mother’s just plain stupid. They think Matilda is nuisance who should watch more TV and read fewer books! But her lovely teacher Miss Honey thinks Matilda is a genius. Matilda has a few extraordinary tracks up her sleeve, so her horrible parents and even more horrible headmistress had better watch out.

My Thoughts

Rating: 5 stars…obviously

I reread the book and watched the movie on the same day, and yes, there are some differences between the two, but I think the scenes the movie added in remained true to the heart of the story and only enhanced it. Both the book and the movie made me laugh and cry and have all the nostalgic feelings of a beloved tale. Matilda the book was released in 1988, the year I was born, and the movie came out the day after I turned 8 years old in 1996, so I have a close connection to this story.

Matilda is one of my all-time favorite little bookworms. The joy she gets from books and from learning is just adorable and infectious. Considering I have always been a lover of books, sweet little Matilda was one of the first characters I truly identified with.

Also, one of the joys of reading books by Roald Dahl is the artwork throughout. They are just so cute and really made the reading experience even more fun. I flew through my reread of this book, and yes, part of that is because this is a children’s book, but it’s also because you just want to follow Matilda’s story as she goes to school and gets involved with Miss Honey, all the while having to deal with the antagonists of this tale: her parents and Miss Trunchbull.

Part of the magic of Matilda is that most of it is based in reality, but then about halfway through the book, she discovers that she has the power to move things with her mind, or as it say in the book, with her eyes. Being that Matilda had basically raised herself on a large helping of great classical literature, she decided to use her power to help those around her.

This is a book I can’t wait to read to children, which right now means that I have to wait for my boyfriend’s niece to grow up a little bit. She’s only a month old right now. But I am definitely adding this book to her library.

Where to Buy

You can pick up your own copy of Matilda from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-million, Book Depository, or your local indie bookstore.