Book: Matilda
Author: Roald Dahl
Publication: Penguin Random House
Price: Rs. 295
Pages: 232
Plot: Matilda, a 3-year-old girl who taught herself how to read. By the age of 4, she could read newspapers and magazines at her home. But there were no books in her house, except one, a cooking book, which she has already read. So one day, she asked her father if he can buy her some books. To this, her father said, “What’s wrong with the telly, for heaven’s sake? We’ve got a lovely telly with a twelve-inch screen and now you come asking for a book! You’re getting spoiled, my girl!’
But Matilda was convinced that she wants to read. Every afternoon, she is alone at home. So, she decided to go to the Public Library one afternoon. She met the Librarian there, Mrs Phelps. Mrs Phelps was astonished to see a young girl on her own, but welcomed her and showed her where children’s books are. Since then, Matilda would always come to the library and read. She has not only read children’s books but also many adults’ books. She is a fast reader, and an intelligent girl too.
The day came when she was admitted to the school. She was happy because she would be able to meet new people and make friends. At her home, her parents were always rude to her, calling her ‘stupid’ and whatnot. In school, she met a lovely teacher, Miss Honey, who was an ideal parent-like figure for her. Matilda loved her and enjoyed her classes. But she hated the headmistress Miss Trunchbull. Miss Trunchbull loves torturing children and for her, Matilda is a ‘nasty little worm.’
Matilda wanted her parents to love her, to appreciate her for her intellect, but all she got from them was rebukes and shunning. She hated Miss Trunchbull as she always ill-treated students in the school and Matilda’s favourite teacher, Miss Honey, too. One day during her school Matilda find out that she has some special powers. She can do magic using her eyes. So she decided to teach a lesson to her parents and Miss Trunchbull.
What is the lesson, and what do you think a little girl, Matilda would do? To know that, you have to pick this book up and read it.
My Views: It was very easy for me to fall in love with Matilda. She is funny, witty, mischievous and intelligent. I found her adorable.
There were times when I laughed hard at some of the scenes in the book. The book instantly took me back to my childhood days. The author’s imagination is so childlike, the gardens, school, Matilda’s house, the way he has explained all these places is beautiful and like drawings, I would make as a child.
There are characters like Matilda’s parents and Miss Trunchbull whom anyone can hate. And then there is Matilda, a little, naughty girl with her ‘superpowers’ who is nothing but endearing.
Coming to the writing style, I find the book easy. I think any child who can read would find this book easy and would love this book. Moreover, it is an illustrated book, so illustrations can really help to engage children more.
I have read many children’s book, but there is none where the author has such vivid imagination, it was like as if I am watching a cartoon show. This book would definitely bring out the inner child in you, and with it, the hope, that everything will be fine in the end.
It is a great book for children, I think perfect for 9-13 years old. So any teacher and parent looking forward to buying a new book for their classroom or child can go for this book.
Finally, I would say, I loved reading this book, it took me to a humorous, mysterious and an adventurous world of Matilda.
Recommendations: If you are looking for a light and fun read, then go for this book. This book helped me in overcoming my reading slump. And as said, earlier it is perfect for children.
Ratings: 4/5
If you are looking forward to reading more children’s book, then give this post a read. It is a book review of one of the Ruskin Bond’s children’s books.
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