Reviews of Matilda (1988)
Review by gibsonj338 (2007-02-19)
After have read the book, all I can say is Roald Dahl did a very good job with the writing of this book. This book is almost like his other book, "James and the Giant Peach" in that the Legal Gardians (aunt and aunt in "James and the Giant Peach", Mom and Dad with brother in "Matilda") did not care for their child that they were taking care of. My only complant is, how can the Legal Gardians negiglate their responsibility to take care of the child? The child should have been taken to a foster home, to an orphanage, or been taken care of by another family member or friend of Legal Gardians legally. I did enjoy the ending at that the child did...well if you want to know the ending, just read the book. Overall, I would highly recommend the book.
Review by spiphany (2005-07-04)
Contains spoilers. View anyway.
I think "Matilda" is my favorite of Dahl's books. Underlying the irreverent humor and bizarre characters, Dahl explores an unfortunately very real problem of childhood neglect. Quentin Blake's classic illustrations, included in most editions of the book, emphasize a childhood world peopled by bewildering, often cruel adults. Dahl's writing has sometimes been condemned for this reason. What is perhaps ignored is the fact that he offers through his humor a balm for the problem he exposes. I found it easy to identify with Matilda: a bright child ignored by her parents who finds solace in books and an understanding teacher at school. The children in Dahl's books are frequently more sensible than the adults, and here Matilda is empowered to fight back against an unjust situation. I was always slightly disappointed that Matilda loses her powers at the end of the book, but as I grow older the advantages of being allowed to live an ordinary life ("I wouldn't want to go through life as a miracle-worker", Matilda says) become more clear to me.
Review by atiqah (2004-10-13)
This book makes me laugh. I don't care much about it's literature, I read books for the fun of it. Matilda is very sweet and I like the way she 'tricks' her father and Trunchbull. I'm glad I never come across such a person like Agatha Trunchbull, no wonder she's not married yet!
Matilda is easy to read, full with humours, adventure, just the kind of story for children and adults. (well, once in a while adults need to forget their thick literature books)