Jesus.

It's no wonder that the teachers or adults in his books are so terrible. He actually had some really awful grownups in his life.

This might have had a significant impact on his perception and portrayal of adults in his literary works.

However, I'm extremely glad that he chose to become a writer instead of turning into a psychopath.

It could really have gone either way, considering the difficult circumstances he might have faced.

Becoming a writer allowed him to channel his experiences and emotions into his stories, perhaps as a form of catharsis.

Through his writing, he could explore the flaws and imperfections of adults, while also imagining better possibilities and characters.

It's a testament to his strength and creativity that he was able to overcome the negative influences and create something meaningful and valuable.

I really did like this book, which is quite unusual for me when it comes to an autobiography.

But then again, the first line of this novel reads:

"An autobiography is a book a person writes about his own life and is usually full of all sorts of boring details. This is not an autobiography."

This completely echoes my thoughts about such a book. Most autobiographies seem to reflect what the person wants others to believe and are often completely unreliable. I'm sure this one is no different, but at least it is fun!

This short book is the first installment of Dahl's life and covers his time in school and as a young adult. It provides a good idea of where many of the themes of his stories originated.

I listened to the audiobook, which was adequately read by Dan Stevens. His narration added an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.

Overall, despite my initial skepticism towards autobiographies, this book managed to capture my interest and make me eager to learn more about Dahl's life.

I would definitely recommend it to others, especially those who are fans of Dahl's work or interested in learning about the early years of a famous author.

Deciding to re-read this book was inspired by the wonderful ladies at Gathering Books and their fantastic bimonthly meme ‘Everything Dahl and Magical’, which I absolutely adore.

“When writing about oneself, one must strive to be truthful. Truth is more important than modesty. I must tell you, therefore, that it was I and I alone who had the idea for the great and daring Mouse Plot. We all have our moments of brilliance and glory, and this was mine.”

I first read this glorious memoir at the age of twelve when I had to do a project in history on a historical person of my choice. I went to Staples, excited as a kipper, and bought about five piles of coloured sugar paper and two packets of gel pens (the smelly glitter ones, of course) and set about completing possibly my favourite piece of homework.

I was minding my own business in the classroom, armed with a Pritt Stick and a copy of every one of his books, when this absolute… so and so… in my class said ‘Roald Dahl? Historical? I don’t think so. You should have chosen a monarch or something. You’re going to get a rubbish mark.” Because I was a shy and retiring wallflower back then, I muttered something under my breath and glared at her from underneath my unfortunate fringe.

BUT, if she had said that to me today I would have found a desk, stood on it and, with my chest puffed out, I would have declared: “Roald Dahl is a historical figure because if Roald Dahl hadn’t written his books then British children’s fiction… nay, British fiction would have been far too bleak to tolerate. He captured the imagination of so many children and wrote timeless stories that encouraged, and continue to encourage, children who would never normally pick up a book to do just that. And if making generation after generation fall in love with his writing doesn’t qualify him as a historical person then I don’t know what does.”

But… like I said. Mumble. Glare. Unfortunate fringe. Anyway, I got my project back (and I still have it!) and my wonderful history teacher wrote: “Fantastic and original work here. You really did justice to a wonderful figure in British culture. 10 credits” 10 credits? Fantastic and original. YEAH.

Anyway... back to the book. I loved how Dahl only briefly mentions the stories that he is known for once. It is only right near the end where he is describing how Cadbury’s World (Which is just like Charlie's Chocolate Factory by the way!) used to send the boys of his boarding school sample chocolate to taste and how this lead to him writing Charlie and his adventures.

So whenever it was mentioned that his grandfather was nearly seven foot tall or how the young boy used to wonder how gobstoppers worked, you can’t help but feel that Dahl is giving you a knowing wink or whispering a secret that only the two of you are privy to. Witnessing these glimmers of inspiration that lead him to write his beloved stories, all those years later, was definitely my favourite thing about this book.

Mrs Pratchett with her blouse covered in “toast-crumbs and tea stains and splotches of dried egg-yolk” and hands that “looked as though they have been putting lumps of coal on the fire all day long.” Remind you of any one?

Or the Matron, that “large fair-haired woman with a bosom” who “ruled with a rod of steel.”

And Dahl’s Bestemama with her perpetual chair rocking or Bestepapa, who sits “saying very little and totally overwhelmed.”

Paired with photographs, hand-written letters home and, of course, Quentin Blake’s glorious illustrations (My favourite one being the bug-eyed, twitching Captain Hardcastle), Boy is still one of my all-time favourites.

I could quite happily fill this review with quotes.... but I'll just leave you with this one...

“Anaesthetics and pain-killing injections were not much used in those days. Dentists, in particular, never bothered with them. But I doubt very much if you would be entirely happy today if a doctor threw a towel in your face and jumped on you with a knife.”

You can find this review and lots of other exciting things on my blog here.

We all have our moments of brilliance and glory, and this was mine. 'Boy: Tales of Childhood' was one of the books my girlfriend, Portia, gave to me on my 26th birthday. She insisted I read it before diving into Roald Dahl's other personal work, 'Going Solo'. So I began this today and finished it today.

The book is not described by Dahl as an autobiography but rather a recollection of events that he could easily recall from the top of his consciousness. These are events that have remained with him for decades until 1986, when he wrote the book, just four years before his death.

'Boy' is layered with an aspect that I value most in literature, whether it's fiction or non-fiction: honesty. The tone, narration, and overall nostalgic feel of the book never seem like a cheesy invention, glossy, or over-saturated. His wording is simple, as if he is telling the story himself to his descendants or any group of attentive listeners.

The story follows Dahl through the death of his little sister and father, the challenge these deaths presented to his mother, his time in boarding school, and being a "fag" in Repton and having to submit to their own prefects from hell, known as Boazers.

There are also stories of childish cunning and mischief, such as the prank Dahl played on the clerk of a local candy shop and on his sister's pipe-smoking fiance. Towards the end, Dahl describes the difference between working as a businessman in the petroleum industry and being a writer. It's brief but he sums it up well in a few amazing paragraphs without any overindulgence. Another chapter to watch out for is his thoughts after having to sample Cadbury's chocolate, which led him to write one of his most famous works: 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'.

'Boy' is an honest book, a highly personal work based on the reality of a writer who lives in universes full of charming whimsy. If you have even the slightest interest in Roald Dahl or his writings, this book comes highly recommended.

I vividly remember the days when my children were young. During that time, I embarked on a wonderful literary journey by reading all of Dahl's books. Roald Dahl is truly a great author. His works are filled with unique charm and boundless imagination. Each book takes the readers into a magical world, filled with interesting characters and thrilling adventures. Whether it's the mischievous Matilda with her extraordinary powers, or the kind-hearted Charlie in the chocolate factory, Dahl's characters come alive on the pages. The stories not only entertain but also teach valuable lessons about life, kindness, and courage. Reading Dahl's books with my children was not only a source of entertainment but also a precious bonding experience. It allowed us to share in the joy and excitement of these wonderful stories and create lasting memories together.

Roald Dahl is an amazing writer, not only of fiction for children but also for adults. His autobiography is no exception. He manages to make the episodes of his life interesting for all kinds of readers. It's true that the fact that the author led a very interesting life helps, but I couldn't take my eyes off the pages throughout the vacations.

The biography also allows us to guess how some of Dahl's most famous books, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or The Witches, were inspired by his experiences and childhood images.

The text is enriched with photos of Dahl's family and friends, as well as excerpts from letters and notes from the writer's personal archive. Fortunately, this doesn't mean that the illustrations of Quentin Blake are omitted. It's true that the author focuses a lot on the violence of the educational system of the time, but it can be seen that this is something that has marked his life a great deal. I can't wait to read the autobiography of his adult life.

The first book of this year, "The Boy", was written by Roald Dahl, and the choice of this title is based on a personal library custom that I made for myself. And it is this: I start the first book of the year with a title in the children and youth age category, and of course my choice is from one of the works of Roald Dahl, one of the best children's writers that I am very interested in.

"The Boy" is an autobiography in which Dahl recounts his childhood memories and takes us back to the early 20th century. With his bitter and caustic language, he strongly criticizes the quality of education and upbringing at that time, and this recurring thought pattern is also very evident in his other works. There are giants who are cruel, harsh, and bitter, and there are innocent and gentle children who are victims of such behavior by the giants. When Dahl talks about the physical education that was customary in schools, it is so familiar and painful to me who have seen it in the old education system, and I really want to know how those stupid people who have caused such harmful effects on the souls and minds of children will defend themselves. Although in a period when violence is completely justified, these words have no place in the Arab world.

Roald Dahl writes beautifully, and although this beautiful shell contains a 90% bitter chocolate inside.

P.S. Although I predict that this year will be a terrible one, I am happy that I at least started it with "The Boy".

Chosen by my daughter as bedtime reading, this book immediately got an excellent response from her. It's truly remarkable how a writer like Roald Dahl can so effortlessly produce novels that captivate the hearts and minds of kids. His works seem to flow with a magical charm that is irresistible to young readers. Even his own life takes on the form of an extravagant novel for kids, filled with adventures and extraordinary experiences. Imagination is, without a doubt, fundamental to the writer. It allows him to create worlds and characters that transport readers to places they've never been before. However, after reading this, I realize that life experience is no less important. It provides the foundation and authenticity that make the stories come alive. Probably it's the perfect mix of experience and imagination that constitutes the perfect recipe for a successful writer.

Vote: 7

Scelto da mia figlia come lettura serale prima di andare "a nanna", questo libro ha subito ottenuto i favori della sua critica. È davvero semplice per uno scrittore come Roald Dahl scrivere romanzi per ragazzi. La sua vita stessa assume la forma di uno stravagante romanzo per ragazzi, piena di avventure e esperienze straordinarie. L'immaginazione è un componente fondamentale per chi scrive, ma dopo questa lettura capisco che l'esperienza di vita non è da meno. Anzi, probabilmente è proprio la miscela ottimale di esperienza ed immaginazione a dare la ricetta perfetta per lo scrittore di successo.

Voto: 7

Rowld Dahl is an extraordinary storyteller

who skillfully weaves his tales with a touch of magic and mischief.

His unique writing style engages readers of all ages,

drawing them into a world filled with奇幻 and imagination.

Whether it's the adventures of Matilda, the chocolate factory of Willy Wonka,

or the mischievous antics of the BFG, Dahl's stories have a way of captivating our hearts and minds.

His use of vivid language and colorful characters makes his books truly come alive on the page.

Rowld Dahl's contributions to the world of literature are truly remarkable,

and his stories will continue to be loved and cherished for generations to come.

Roald Dahl's fiction for adults is frequently dark and warped.

In his works for kids, that inclination is typically held in the background. The main character's sheer likability displaces it in the main thread of the story, although there are intermittent indications that the world of the story contains a great deal of cruelty.

Boy, Dahl's memoir of his childhood, elucidates a great deal of this. His recalled youth consists of wrenching losses, exile to a succession of dreadful boarding schools, and brutal medical procedures. It is recounted with verve and humor, which brightly carry the story along over an undercurrent of old pain.

I haven't perused a biography of Dahl, but I suspect it would be a revelation to contrast Dahl's own selective memory, arranged in Boy for narrative impact, with a well-researched, more objective account.

This comparison might offer insights into the true nature of Dahl's experiences and how he chose to present them in his memoir. It could also shed light on the influence of his childhood on his writing, both for adults and children.

Perhaps the darkness and cruelty in his adult fiction are a more direct expression of the pain he endured, while the likeable characters in his kids' stories are a way for him to find hope and light in the midst of that darkness.

Overall, Boy provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and mind of Roald Dahl, and leaves us wondering what else lies beneath the surface of his remarkable body of work.

Roald Dahl, known and loved worldwide for his very beautiful and delightful children's books, also wrote two small books, sort of like autobiographies, with personal moments from his past, with events that marked him in one way or another. The first book is the one I just finished, in which he tells events from his childhood and adolescence. The second book is "Going Solo", in which we get to know the young but adult Roald Dahl. Interestingly, in 2010 I read "Going Solo" first, as it seemed interesting to me at that time and, anyway, I hadn't found "Boy". Of course, so many years have passed since then and so many books I have read in between that it's like I never really got my hands on it. I don't remember much either. Surely I will read it again.

Well, I've bored you. Let's get to the point. In the small, neatly written and extremely delightful "Boy", Roald Dahl reveals to us moments from his childhood and adolescence: From the schools and boarding schools where he studied, from his summer vacations in Norway (his country of origin), from family gatherings, from various mischief he did, and so on. Don't expect any complete and detailed chronological account, just events and moments that he remembered for decades and that marked him. Most of the events had to do with his life in boarding schools, giving us the opportunity to see how schools were in England at that time. There are also, let's say, dark moments, with caning and punishments, but the way he writes them makes you laugh and empathize with him.

The writing is particularly enjoyable, such that even if you have some dark thoughts in your head and are not in the best psychological state, it will surely cheer you up, make you laugh, make you forget your problems for a few hours. Besides the many moments when Roald Dahl made me laugh, he managed to take me on a journey back in time, both to his own childhood years and even to my own. In fact, it is a nostalgic journey into the past, which I'm sure I enjoyed as much as he did himself. It is a book that I recommend to everyone.

P.S. Although I have grown up now, perhaps in the future I will read one of his children's books. Believe it or not, as a child I didn't read much either, and I never got my hands on any of his books. Surely I missed out on some things. Also, I will read "Going Solo" again.

Royalties are always interesting to know what lies behind our favorite writers. In this case, we discover what lies behind Roald Dahl and how his childhood stories shaped the children's books he would later write.

Roald Dahl had a unique and eventful childhood. His experiences, both good and bad, left a deep mark on him. These early memories served as a rich source of inspiration for his future works.

From the mischievous antics he got up to as a child to the challenges he faced, all of it found its way into his stories. The vivid imagination and creativity that Dahl possessed were nurtured during his formative years.

As we explore the life of Roald Dahl, we gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the beloved children's books. We see how his childhood influenced his writing style and the themes he chose to explore.

His ability to transport readers into magical worlds and introduce them to unforgettable characters is a testament to the power of his childhood experiences.

Roald Dahl's life and works continue to captivate audiences of all ages, and his childhood remains an important part of his story.