Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 97 votes)
5 stars
35(36%)
4 stars
28(29%)
3 stars
34(35%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
97 reviews
July 14,2025
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Rold Dahl is a famous writer!


He is amazing and has a great pen and an amazing mind.


Although his books are for children and teenagers, I think they should also be lovely for adults.


The story of this book is a series of events from his personal life during his childhood. These events are both interesting and amazing, and sometimes painful and educational.


His writing style is vivid and engaging, making readers feel as if they are experiencing the events themselves.


The characters in his books are also very vivid, with unique personalities and characteristics.


Rold Dahl's books have been widely read and loved around the world, and have had a profound impact on the field of children's literature.


His works not only bring joy and entertainment to children, but also teach them important life lessons and values.


In conclusion, Rold Dahl is a great writer whose works are worth reading and enjoying.

July 14,2025
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A joy to read an autobiography that focuses on the important things in a life: childhood as experienced through the child’s eye.

Childhood is an extremely overlooked part of any important person’s life. It is truly wonderful that Roald Dahl has forever kept his sights on the things that matter.

I have a great passion for learning about how one has lived as a child because it can explain so much about the adult they become.

As a side note, it was quite interesting to learn that despite what is described as a very comfortable upbringing, many themes of Roald Dahl’s most famous stories circulate around children who grew up in relative material depravity. I guess that Roald Dahl has truly experienced the world in all its aspects. And for this very reason, I can’t wait to read the next saga of his autobiography - Going Solo. It will surely provide more insights into his remarkable life and the inspiration behind his amazing works.

I believe that by delving deeper into his childhood and subsequent experiences, we can gain a better understanding of the genius that is Roald Dahl and the magic he has brought to the world of literature.
July 14,2025
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Children are often considered boring. It seems that even those children who may one day grow up to be genre-defining authors start off as rather uninteresting. And this particular book is also quite boring. However, it's okay. After all, there are far worse qualities a book can have. But let's face it, it's the truth.


This is part of a series I'm engaged in where I review books that I read a long time ago. It's a way for me to look back and share my thoughts on those literary works. So, here we are with this review of a somewhat lackluster book.


Perhaps as I continue this series, I'll come across more exciting and engaging books to talk about. But for now, this is the reality of the book I'm discussing. It may not be the most thrilling read, but it still has its place in the world of literature.

July 14,2025
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4.5 rounded up

I had completely forgotten just how much joy and entertainment can be derived from reading Dahl. This particular memoir is no different. It delves deep into his childhood years spent in Cardiff and at boarding schools. The narrative beautifully unfolds, taking us through his experiences up until the point when he joins Shell after leaving school and relocates to Kenya.

The inclusion of illustrations and snippets from the letters he sent to his mother is a wonderful touch. These elements add an extra layer of charm and authenticity to the story. They give us a unique peek into his personal life and his relationship with his mother.

Overall, I highly recommend this memoir. It is a captivating read that will transport you back in time and make you fall in love with Dahl's world all over again. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to his works, this memoir is sure to leave a lasting impression.
July 14,2025
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Before this year, I had never delved into any of Dahl's work. When I randomly picked up this particular book, little did I know that it was an autobiography.

So, you can just imagine my astonishment when I cracked the book open and discovered that there was nothing whimsical or silly about it. It was cool in its own right, but it simply wasn't what I had anticipated. Once again, not reading the description properly had its consequences!

Anyway, this is a wonderful collection of stories from Dahl's childhood. While I suspect that perhaps a bit of it might be embellished (after all, who can recall that many minute details from their early childhood?), I still enjoyed it immensely. I was particularly fond of his family, especially how amazing his mother was. She was undoubtedly a strong and dedicated woman who did so much for her family.

I could clearly see some influence on his stories within these pages. This wasn't really a surprise, but it was rather enjoyable because it was like witnessing the building blocks of the creative process being assembled. I'll definitely look for the second book in this series if I can manage to find it. I'm eager to learn more about his journey as a working writer. Dahl touches upon this briefly here, but only to contrast a more structured and "normal" job with the pursuit of writing and being creative. It's all very interesting stuff.

Also, I'm extremely glad that I never had to experience being an outhouse toilet-seat warmer. O_o
July 14,2025
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We always have a great desire to know more about our favorite authors, and now that opportunity has presented itself. Roald Dahl, a renowned writer, vividly writes about his experiences as a young boy and the numerous struggles he endured.

He describes his time at boarding school, which was filled with challenges and hardships. One of the most shocking events he shares is having his nose cut off. This incident, among many others, showcases the difficulties he faced growing up.

Dahl also tells us about his obsessions, such as his love for Cadbury eggs. He is not afraid to admit his faults and shortcomings, which makes his story even more relatable.

While reading this book, I found myself laughing at some of the humorous moments and crying at the more emotional ones. It is a truly engaging and captivating read that I wholeheartedly recommend to sixth graders or seventh graders. They will surely be enthralled by Dahl's tales and gain a deeper understanding of his life and work.
July 14,2025
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Yesterday, in the book chat, it was recommended.

I opened it and got hooked.

It's a very lovely little book of memories about childhood and school.

Except that in school, the boys were always bullied.

This book takes you on a journey through the author's childhood experiences, from the innocent joys of playing with friends to the challenges and difficulties faced in school.

The descriptions are vivid and detailed, making it easy for readers to relate to and remember their own childhoods.

Despite the mention of the boys being bullied, the overall tone of the book is positive and nostalgic, filled with warm memories and a sense of longing for the past.

It's a great read for anyone who wants to take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life and revisit the simpler times of their childhood.
July 14,2025
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Maravillosamente maravilloso.

This simple phrase holds a world of wonder and excitement. It seems to capture a moment that is truly remarkable and full of charm.

Perhaps it refers to a beautiful sight, an amazing experience, or a heartwarming story. The possibilities are endless.

Accompanying this phrase is a link to a blog post titled "boy relatos de infancia" with a full review available.

The "RESEÑA COMPLETA ♥" indicates that there is more to discover and explore within the blog post.

It makes one curious to click on the link and delve deeper into the world of childhood stories and memories.

Who knows what wonderful tales and experiences await?

Maybe it will transport us back to our own childhoods or introduce us to new and fascinating perspectives.

Either way, it seems that this blog post has the potential to be a truly maravillosamente maravilloso read.

July 14,2025
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I always had trouble truly appreciating Dahl's books.

However, this one completely changed everything!

This remarkable book is an autobiography of Dahl, spanning from his childhood all the way to his days at finishing school.

His life is a fascinating blend of the naughtiness that we often encounter in his fictional works, along with the exciting adventures that seem to parallel those of a Hogwarts school.

The vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling make it impossible not to be drawn in.

It's as if we are given a behind-the-scenes look into the mind and experiences of this brilliant author.

After reading this, I can officially say that this is my favorite Dahl book!

It has opened my eyes to a whole new side of him and made me have a deeper understanding and appreciation for his works.

I would highly recommend this autobiography to anyone who is a fan of Dahl or simply interested in a captivating and unique life story.
July 14,2025
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Roald Dahl is as charming and child-friendly as he has always been. In his vivid descriptions of taste-testing free Cadbury and Nestle samples, one can clearly see the budding of his ideas for the beloved character Charlie.

Moreover, the character of Matilda seems to echo the beatings that Dahl and his friends endured at school from some of their teachers. It's as if he is reliving those experiences through his writing.

Interestingly, there is even a nod to The Twits in the form of the disgusting sweet shop lady with food all down her dress. This shows the consistency and interconnectedness of Dahl's imaginative world.

After reading this, I am now off to add all of Dahl's adult books to my reading list. I can't wait to explore more of his unique and wonderful literary creations.
July 14,2025
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Readers, hop on the train that journeys through the beautiful countryside.

As you travel, you would find yourself easily immersed in the lush greenery, cotton-like clouds, and the bluest of skies. These breathtaking picturesque views are drawn into a satisfying blur by Mr. Dahl. This book has that dreamy feeling. And yes, this is an autobiography.

Boy is a memoir of childhood, where the memories that stand out vividly in the writer’s mind are narrated, in parts. The memories are like geometric patterns juxtaposed together, not continuously linked but interconnected, all arranged in sequence and symmetry. Reminiscing what is probably the fondest part of human life, Mr. Dahl depicts the misfortunes and delights in great detail, everything pigmented in the brightest of colors.

The book transported me to my own childhood. Or perhaps, it was my own time in boarding school (which functioned in a very Victorian way) that made me relate to the book even better. The fear of the Matron, who had no choice but to be strict; the habit of writing letters, but writing only good things about the school because the teachers read it; the joy of receiving one, especially when parents had sent some goodies from home; the bonds and lessons from boarding school that we carried for life!

Each book I read by Roald Dahl just labels him more strongly as one of the greatest storytellers I have known. He takes you through his memories in an interesting yet succinct way. This is admirable as this is a genre where it is very easy for the writer to fall into the trap of overdescribing his or her life, merely out of attachment. Mr. Dahl really knows the art of keeping it short (and sweet), and has somehow managed to figure out that point in the curve of marginal utility where utility (and therefore the happiness) seems to have maximized.

There is never a dull moment in the book. Mr. Dahl captures the beauty and essence of childhood - simplicity, innocence, and curiosity, all in rose tones. This is not because he doesn’t mention bitter memories but mostly because he keeps you distant from the experience. It seems as though you are watching them from a thick glass pane, clear enough for a lucid view but shielded enough not to feel the brunt of it. It is also delightful to know how some of the much-loved characters from his future bestsellers are inspired from his childhood. And it is really inspiring to know how he retained much of the imaginative prowess, enthusiasm, and curiosity from his boy days.

I picked this book on a friend’s (repeated) recommendation, and am glad that I did so. Thank you, Mr. Dahl, for reminding me of the part of my childhood that stays locked in the treasure chest in the corner of my mind. And thank you, for all your splendid work, that time and again reminds me why I love reading so much!
July 14,2025
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I should probably give this 5 stars as I really enjoyed this. It was not just that I liked it, but it was truly so good. There is a lot of pain here, yet it's also so funny.

Dahl is sharing stories from his childhood. Every year, he would go on holiday in the summer in Norway with his family. He also attended boarding school. You can clearly see how these experiences are the seeds for almost all of his stories. All the horror of adults that he tells about come from his time at school. I can't believe some of the stuff he had to endure. It was truly abusive.

There was caning, and students could even use corporal punishment on each other. The teacher would single out students, and yet he manages to make it all seem funny. It was too short, but perhaps that was a good thing. You can see where Charlie and the Chocolate Factory comes from. I mean, the Trunchbull from Matilda is right out of his experience.

In the last chapter, I was tickled the most. The chapter is called "fagging". In a British boarding school in the 20s or 30s, an older boy would have younger classmen under him who did chores and things for him, and they were called "fags". This was before the current meaning of the English word took over. One of the boys forces Dahl to go and warm up the outhouse toilet seat for him by sitting on it for 15 minutes or more. He tells Dahl something like, "You have a warm bottom, I don't like a cold bottom fag, I like hot bottom fags." I know it's childish, but I simply died laughing. It just sounds so funny. How strange it is to see the past interacting with the future. Their term is still derogatory in a different way. It's still sad that they had that kind of power over underclassmen, and hopefully things are better for kids now. I guess school has always been a bit of a hell.

This is definitely worth the read.
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