Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 97 votes)
5 stars
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4 stars
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3 stars
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97 reviews
July 14,2025
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I have a profound love for reading nonfiction, with autobiographies being my absolute favorite. This particular book is not an ordinary autobiography. Instead, it delves into the childhood of the remarkable Roald Dahl. Growing up, I was completely captivated by the book Matilda. I also thoroughly enjoyed James and the Giant Peach, as well as the BFG. Now, as an adult, I have set a goal for myself to read all of his books. I just established this goal a couple of weeks ago. Since then, I have already read this book and The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me.


Roald Dahl weaves fascinating tales about his childhood, taking us all the way up to the age of 18. He vividly describes his intense love for chocolate and his fear of most of his teachers. I firmly believe that these two elements played a significant role in shaping his writings and stories.


I truly relished Roald's autobiography, which he insists isn't one. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who appreciates him as a writer.

July 14,2025
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I am taking part in a summer reading challenge. I was given the assignment to read a book that was published in the year I was born. I conducted a search on GoodReads and came across this particular book. I have always been a huge fan of Roald Dahl. From "James and the Giant Peach" to "The Twits" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox". I haven't read "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" yet, but that doesn't bother me.


I really enjoyed learning about his life growing up. Admittedly, more often than not, this book centered on young boys being beaten with canes by headmasters. I could only envision that such experiences would leave a profound impression when reminiscing about childhood memories. The descriptions of his trips to Norway and the family car accident stood out in my mind as the parts I liked the most throughout the book. It was fascinating to get a glimpse into the events and experiences that shaped Roald Dahl's life and influenced his writing. I look forward to delving deeper into his works and continuing this summer reading adventure.
July 14,2025
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I recall my teacher reading this to the class in 1986, I believe.

As a child, I was completely charmed by it. It was hilarious and highly entertaining, making me laugh out loud.

Now, as an adult, I look back on it with a new perspective. The archaic practices of corporal punishment in schools and the barbaric medical treatments and care described were truly horrifying.

We often take for granted how good we have it today. The progress we have made in these areas is remarkable.

The author, perhaps, was a little full of himself and his achievements. But when you consider his lifelong phenomenal success, it's hard to deny that he had earned the right to be proud.

His story serves as a reminder of how far we have come and how much we should appreciate the advancements we enjoy.
July 14,2025
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I absolutely loved it.

I adored Mr. Dahl's personal stories. They truly gave me a brand new perspective and a deeper understanding of him and his remarkable books.

Oh, how I would have cherished the opportunity to meet him over a cup of tea.

I firmly believe that this would be an excellent book for older children, say those aged 11 and above, to read.

It offers a great insight into how children were treated so differently some 80 or 90 years ago, especially those from families of means.

Moreover, it also provides a unique perspective on how adults seem to children.

The book is written with a perfect blend of humor and sensitivity, making it a truly engaging and enjoyable read.

It not only entertains but also educates, leaving a lasting impression on the readers.

Overall, it's a wonderful literary work that I highly recommend.

July 14,2025
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In this biography, Dahl tells about himself and his family from before his birth until he was twenty years old.

It is a book full of ambivalences, transitioning from minute historical descriptions to episodes charged with narrative tension, from funny scenes to others that are chilling.

The digressions on the environments where Dahl lived transport the reader into the events, and the vivid and fluid writing helps to empathize with the young protagonist.

The plot jumps between different episodes and years and ends a bit hanging. I was a bit disappointed that the author didn't explain why and how he became a writer, but in compensation, here and there one can catch where he got some ideas for his stories.

The text is accompanied by the inevitable drawings of Quentin Blake and numerous photographs. In the second part of the work, there are also excerpts from letters written by the young Dahl (interesting historical documents that, however, sometimes interrupt the narrative).

It is praiseworthy how this great author opened up to his readers, telling not only intimate or burning episodes of his life but also his thoughts and his sensations with extreme spontaneity.

Certainly, I recommend this book to all the fans of Roald Dahl.

NB: Due to the historical setting, certain tones used, and the detailed scenes of suffering, I think this book is suitable for kids at least in the Middle Ages.
July 14,2025
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I'm not usually one for autobiographies, but this one truly rocked.

Ronald Dahl was an incredibly fortunate child. He was fortunate in that he wasn't killed numerous times by the events that unfolded in his life, and also by the amazing adventures and memories that he was privileged to have.

I will share with you my favorite excerpt from this book.

"It won't take two seconds," the doctor said. He spoke gently, and I was completely seduced by his voice. Like a fool, I opened my mouth.

The tiny blade flashed in the bright light and then disappeared into my mouth.

You simply must read the book to discover what the outcome of that encounter was. Even better was his story about Mrs. Pratchett and the mouse he put in her candy jar. That particular story had me laughing so hard that tears were rolling out of my eyes.

It's these kinds of vivid and entertaining tales that make Ronald Dahl's autobiography a must-read for anyone looking for an engaging and enjoyable read.
July 14,2025
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Boy: Tales of Childhood (Roald Dahl's Autobiography #1), Roald Dahl


Boy: Tales of Childhood (1984) is an autobiographical book by the renowned British writer Roald Dahl. It vividly描绘s his life journey from birth until he left school. The book offers a detailed look at the living conditions in Britain during the 1920s and 1930s, as well as the public school system of that era. It also explores how his childhood experiences ultimately led him to pursue writing as a career.


The story concludes with his first job, working for Royal Dutch Shell. His autobiography then continues in the book Going Solo.


This book has been published with various titles in Iran, such as «پسر» and «خاطرات پسر بچه». The author, Roald Dahl, was a great writer and a well-known name. All the events in the book are real, and they add to the charm of the story. Perhaps these memories are what have inspired his magical tales and created many bittersweet moments for readers.


Roald Dahl had a passion for stories and books. The trolls and other mythical Norwegian creatures from the stories his mother told him and his sisters remained in his memory. His unpleasant school experiences, his life in Africa working for the oil company Shell, and his service in the Royal Air Force during World War II were all the raw materials for his stories, which he skillfully crafted into masterpieces.


During World War II, Roald Dahl served in the Royal Air Force in Nairobi and was a fighter pilot in Greece and Syria for a time. In 1942, he went to Washington and began writing. His first war stories were published in American magazines. Later, he loved to write for children and young people. Some of his best-known works include «Charlie and the Chocolate Factory», «James and the Giant Peach», «Matilda», and «Tales of the Unexpected». Many of his works have also been made into films.

July 14,2025
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I don't know if it was the book itself, with its captivating plot and vivid descriptions.

Maybe it was my inherent affinity towards Roald Dahl, whose works always have a magical charm.

Or perhaps it was Dan Stevens' narration, which brought the story to life in the most enchanting way.

But whatever the reason, I absolutely adored this audiobook.

Listening to it was like sitting by the fireplace, listening to your grandfather's old stories.

The words seemed to dance in the air, painting a vivid picture in my mind.

I was completely immersed in the world of the story, experiencing every emotion along with the characters.

And I have no doubt that I would most definitely listen to it again.

It's one of those rare treasures that you want to keep coming back to, time and time again.

Each listen is like a new adventure, uncovering something new and wonderful that you may have missed before.

It's truly a remarkable experience that I would highly recommend to anyone.

July 14,2025
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Reading this was truly a delight, as Roald Dahl's books were among our absolute favorites when my children were younger. I haven't yet delved deeply into his books for adults. I attempted to read one of them, but it was dark, and I was sitting alone in the car, and I got really scared. I still desire to give them a try and haven't completely given up yet. Anyway, I digress. This is an easy and quick read as far as autobiographies are concerned. It's not a comprehensive autobiography, though, just enjoyable tales about his childhood. I've always relished Dahl's writing style.


This part really touched me. Roald Dahl was dispatched to boarding school at the tender age of nine. He wrote to his mother once a week, sometimes even more frequently, whenever he was away from home. He did so from St. Peter's, from his next school Repton, from Dar es Salaam in East Africa where he went for his first job after leaving school, and then every week during the war from Kenya, Iraq, and Egypt when he was flying with the RAF. His mother, for her part, preserved every single one of those letters, carefully binding them in neat bundles with green tape, and this was her own secret. She never informed him that she was doing it. In 1957, when she knew she was dying, he was in the hospital in Oxford having a serious operation on his spine and was unable to write to her. So she had a telephone specially installed beside her bed in order to have one last conversation with him. She didn't tell him she was dying, nor did anyone else for that matter because he was in a rather serious condition himself at the time. She simply asked him how he was and hoped he would get better soon and sent him her love. He had no idea that she would pass away the next day, but she knew very well and she wanted to reach out and speak to him for the last time.


And his father had a curious theory about how to cultivate a sense of beauty in the minds of his children. Every time his mother became pregnant, he would wait until the last three months of her pregnancy and then he would announce to her that 'the glorious walks' must commence. These glorious walks involved him taking her to places of great beauty in the countryside and walking with her for about an hour each day so that she could soak in the splendor of the surroundings. His theory was that if the eye of a pregnant woman was constantly observing the beauty of nature, this beauty would somehow be transmitted to the mind of the unborn baby within her womb and that baby would grow up to be a lover of beautiful things. This was the treatment that all of his children received before they were born.

July 14,2025
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Petit Nicolas на максималках.

Petit Nicolas is really on a high. Of course, it's an incredible journey. There is nothing surprising about it. And the memories of childhood are so wonderful and kind.

Petit Nicolas seems to be in a state of absolute bliss. His adventures and experiences are like a colorful画卷unfolding before our eyes.

The stories of his childhood are filled with joy, laughter, and innocent mischief. We can't help but be charmed by his naivete and enthusiasm.

These memories of Petit Nicolas are not only precious to him but also bring a smile to our faces. They remind us of the simple pleasures and美好时光of our own childhoods.

Whether it's his antics with his friends or his curious explorations, Petit Nicolas's childhood is a source of inspiration and entertainment.

We can all learn from his ability to find joy in the simplest of things and to approach life with a sense of wonder and excitement.

So, let's join Petit Nicolas on his adventures and relive the magic of childhood through his eyes.

Who knows what other amazing stories and memories he has in store for us?

One thing is for sure, Petit Nicolas на максималках is a journey worth taking.

July 14,2025
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Meh...

I have to say that I was really eager to know more about his time in the army.

However, I hate to admit that I was bored.

Yes, you heard it right, bored while reading a Roald Dahl book.

It's quite astonishing, isn't it?

This particular experience really proves that it's possible to feel bored even when reading a well-known author's work.

Maybe it's because my expectations were too high, or perhaps the story didn't grip me as much as I thought it would.

Nevertheless, it's a reminder that even the most beloved books may not always have the same effect on every reader.

Despite this, I still have a great respect for Roald Dahl and his body of work.

I'm sure there are many other wonderful stories waiting for me to discover.

And who knows, maybe the next time I pick up one of his books, I'll be completely enthralled.

July 14,2025
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3 ½ stars.

I was filled with sadness and anger as I read about the excessive punishment and cruelty inflicted upon boys within the school system.

Roald attended a Welsh school for kindergarten, where he endured being beaten with a cane by the teacher. His mother, believing that English schools were the best in the world, sent him to different ones. However, unfortunately, in every school he attended, he was caned, whether by teachers, headmasters, or boys with the title Boazer (Prefect).

When Roald was a teenager, he was a star athlete. Normally, this would have made him a Boazer. But the administrators refrained from making him one, knowing that he would not use a cane to beat younger boys.

I firmly believe that this was a dreadful way of life in the schools during the 1920s and 1930s. It was a widespread phenomenon, with many teachers and staff being cruel. Sometimes, innocent boys were unjustly accused of things merely to enable their punishment.

CAUTION - VIOLENT AND GRAPHIC CONTENT IN SPOILER:

To be caned, the boy had to lower his pants. One Boazer was highly regarded for his caning skills. He would repeatedly strike the boy in the same spot, often drawing blood. The victim was then required to stand with his pants down for several minutes while other boys closely examined the caning bruises in minute detail. Naturally, his private parts were also exposed for all to see.

There were other stories that were interesting and did not arouse as much anger in me as the above.

This is nonfiction - consisting of 25 short essays about events in the author's life from the ages of 6 to 20.

DATA:

Narrative mode: 1st person. Story length: 172 pages. Swearing language: none. Sexual content: none. Setting: mostly 1920s and 1930s Wales & England. Copyright: 1984. Genre: autobiography, memoirs.
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