Warm and engaging memoirs, where even the regular beatings with a stick are described amicably and not terrifyingly. Dalyu was very lucky with his family, his mother clearly belonged to those amazing women who turn mountains for their children.

I knew little about his personality, and I picked up the book (after 7 years on the police force) on the recommendation of a colleague from the book club, and I don't regret it at all. It was as if a traveler had put her heart and soul into it.

P.S. There is something in common with Roman Gary's fate regarding the mother as well.

This memoir offers a unique perspective on Dalyu's life. The way he describes his childhood experiences, including the less pleasant ones like the beatings, gives the reader a sense of authenticity. His relationship with his mother seems to be a central theme, and it's heartwarming to see how much she cared for him. The fact that the author picked up the book based on a recommendation and ended up enjoying it shows how sometimes, we discover hidden gems in the most unexpected ways.

Overall, this memoir is a captivating read that offers insights into a life that is both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. It makes the reader reflect on their own relationships and experiences, and perhaps even find some common ground with Dalyu.

Normally, I truly relish delving into the childhoods and lives of authors. There is an aspect of it that I find utterly captivating! However, this particular exploration turned out to be rather a letdown. It was, at times, somewhat repetitive and monotonous. I noticed my interest gradually fading, and I repeatedly had to restrain myself from simply skimming through the narrative. While there were certain interesting snippets here and there, overall, I found this account to be quite dull. It failed to maintain my attention and enthusiasm as much as I had hoped. I was left with a sense of disappointment, as I had expected a more engaging and enlightening journey into the author's life.

The second time I've delved into this evocative and exquisitely written memoir, I find myself truly captivated by its charm. The author's down-to-earth writing style is a breath of fresh air.

He simply and economically conveys the brutal and unfair nature of the English public school system, including the practice of fagging. It was a system designed to educate brutal bullies who would go on to run the British Empire.

The second version I've just read, though not illustrated by Quentin Blake, is a charming edition enhanced by several old photos of letters, people (especially family), and sketches.

Some quotes stand out. Regarding sweets, Sherbet Suckers were two a penny. They consisted of a yellow cardboard tube filled with sherbet powder and a hollow liquorice straw. Sucking the sherbet up through the straw and then eating the liquorice was a delicious experience. The sherbet fizzed in your mouth, and with a bit of know-how, you could make white froth come out of your nostrils and pretend to be having a fit. Gobstoppers, costing a penny each, were enormous hard round balls the size of small tomatoes. One could provide about an hour of non-stop sucking, and it would change color if inspected regularly. We used to wonder how the Gobstopper Factory achieved this magic.

About being a writer, the author realized how simple life could be with a regular routine and a fixed salary. In contrast, the life of a writer is absolute hell. The writer has to force himself to work, set his own hours, and face the fear of not coming up with new ideas every day. Writing fiction for two hours can leave the writer drained. After being in a different world during those two hours, swimming back into normal surroundings is a great effort. It's almost a shock. Nearly every writer of fiction drinks more whisky than is good for them, using it to give themselves faith, hope, and courage. Becoming a writer is a foolish choice, but the only compensation is absolute freedom. The writer has no master except his own soul, and that's why he does it.

Review coming up soon

A person is a fool to become a writer.

It seems rather absurd to embark on this path.

The journey of a writer is filled with uncertainties and challenges.

However, his only compensation is absolute freedom.

Unlike those in many other occupations, a writer has no master except his own soul.

He can freely express his thoughts, emotions, and ideas without being restricted by external forces.

He can explore different worlds, create unique characters, and tell captivating stories.

This freedom allows him to truly be himself and follow his inner voice.

And that, I am sure, is why he does it.

It is not for fame or fortune, but for the pure joy of being able to express himself and share his creations with the world.

Despite the hardships and sacrifices, the writer continues to pursue his passion, driven by the desire for absolute freedom and the need to let his soul soar.

As it was said... we already know where the Trunchbulls, the Grand High Witches, Jorge's grandmothers, Jim's aunts, the child-eating giants and the evil farmers came from.

Roald Dahl, the first great writer in my reading life, turns out to have had a life worthy of competing for the "Most Interesting Man in the World" award. Although perhaps gentlemen like Patrick Leigh Fermor or Bruce Chatwin might have more credentials for the award, the particular case of Dahl is very attention-grabbing because he is a writer who tends to have a great impact very early in the lives of those who become readers from childhood.

From a privileged childhood contrasted with the rampant medical brutality at the beginning of the 20th century and especially with the use of torture methods in private schools to discipline children, emerges the account of a life (or rather, of some early years) that allows us to see behind the scenes of the influences that little by little formed the great themes of a great writer. The children as mischievous champions, subversive and prone to a violence of almost caricaturish levels. The cruel, mean, miserable adults, already far from the realities of childhood. The absurd situations to resolve the disputes of injustices between children and adults. The sense of adventure, the purest escape and the desire to jump and fly all at once. All of this is in this very brief book, along with the energetic, confident and bouncy prose of the reader.

Second reading - still a great one, although not my favourite Dahl yarn.

Roald Dahl's works are always a delight to read, and this one is no exception. The story is filled with his unique brand of magic and imagination.

On the second reading, I was able to pick up on more details and appreciate the cleverness of the plot. The characters are vividly drawn and the dialogue is engaging.

However, for some reason, this particular story didn't quite capture my heart like some of his others. Maybe it was the lack of a certain emotional depth or the pacing that didn't quite hit the mark for me.

Nonetheless, it is still a great read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves Dahl's work or is looking for a fun and entertaining story.

Overall, while it may not be my absolute favourite Dahl yarn, it is still a wonderful addition to his body of work and well worth a second (or third) read.

I absolutely loved it.

You can truly envision where he derives his inspiration for his books from. It's fascinating to see the sources that fuel his creativity.

Moreover, reading about what life was like for him gives you a profound sense of gratitude for what you have today. His experiences and the challenges he faced make you realize how fortunate you are in your own circumstances.

It makes you appreciate the little things in life and understand that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most precious.

This book not only provides entertainment but also offers a valuable perspective on life and the importance of being grateful.

It's a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the author and be inspired by his journey.

Roald Dahl, in this autobiography, vividly describes the years of his childhood.

It was a time filled with jokes and wonderful vacations in Norway. However, it also included lessons, punishments with the cane, and painful encounters with various doctors.

Those who have already read the author's novels for children can see the traces that inspired them. Here, adults seem as big as giants in the eyes of children. There are also chocolate tastings and unjust teachers. But above all, there is a loving family behind him and a mother who is always ready to support her children in every situation.

Roald Dahl wrote this autobiography about his childhood years, a period that was a mix of joys and sorrows. The readers who have read and loved Dahl's children's novels can find here the sources of inspiration for those works. It shows the unique perspective of a child growing up, with all the challenges and the unwavering support of a family.

This autobiography offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a great author and the experiences that shaped his writing.

It doesn't really matter how much I like it.

The truth is, it's got some problems because it's so old.

As time passes, everything ages, and this particular thing is no exception.

Although I may have a certain affection for it, the fact that it's old cannot be ignored.

There are likely to be issues such as wear and tear, outdated features, or potential malfunctions.

However, I still plan to do a review on it.

This will allow me to thoroughly assess its current condition and functionality.

I will look at both the good and the bad aspects, taking into account its age and the context in which it is being used.

By doing so, I hope to provide a comprehensive and objective evaluation that can help others make an informed decision about it.

Stay tuned for the upcoming review.

This is truly an outstanding book that delves into Roald Dahl's life as a child.

It offers a fascinating and detailed account of his early years, from his birth to his formative experiences.

The author has done an excellent job of bringing Dahl's childhood to life, painting a vivid picture of the people, places, and events that shaped him.

Through this book, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the beloved children's books.

We learn about his family, his school days, his adventures, and his dreams.

It is a captivating read that will appeal to both fans of Dahl's work and those who are interested in learning more about his life.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to know more about the remarkable Roald Dahl.

The article was a breeze to read, which gave me a peek into the childhood and ancestry of Roald Dahl.

It provided a good overview of the British school system of those days. Through it, I was able to gain a better understanding of the educational environment that influenced Dahl's development.

Moreover, I also came to know about the motivation behind his famous book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". This added an interesting layer to my knowledge of the author and his work.

The article was not only informative but also engaging, making it a pleasant read. It left me with a greater appreciation for Roald Dahl and his contributions to the world of literature.

I look forward to reading more about his life and works in the future.