My first read of 2022, and I ADORED it!

One of my reading goals for 2022 is to read classics (and books in general) that have been on my TBR for ages! I’ve been wanting to read Matilda for such a long time. For some reason, perhaps due to other distractions or simply not getting around to it, I never did. But now, I’m incredibly happy to say that I finally have read it and loved every second of it!

Roald Dahl is such a fantastic writer. His imagination knows no bounds, and he has the ability to create worlds and characters that come alive on the page. I can’t wait to read many more of his books in the future and explore the wonderful universes he has crafted.

My favorite thing about this story was the mention of other books. It added an extra layer of depth and interest. Especially the reference to Nicholas Nickleby and how Mrs. Trunchbull resembled Mr. Squeers. It was a clever and humorous touch that made me appreciate the story even more.

Such a funny and brilliant book! It truly was a joy to read and has set a high bar for the rest of my reading adventures in 2022.

Matilda is an extraordinary five and a half-year-old. She can effortlessly read the works of Hemingway and Dickens and calculate complex sums in her head instantly. However, she has a terrible family that looks down on her and her precocious intelligence. And the hostility of her new school's headmistress, the monstrous Miss Trunchbull, is even worse! Fortunately, Matilda finds a kindred spirit in her teacher, Miss Honey, and together they decide to teach the bullies a lesson for good.

Matilda is Roald Dahl's final masterpiece. Although he wrote other books later, they don't compare to Matilda in terms of his greatest achievements. It truly is a masterpiece. I adore this book. This is perhaps my third or fourth time reading it, and every time, from when I was a single-digit-aged child to now in my thirties, Matilda never fails to amaze me and bring a smile to my face. Thanks to books like this, Dahl's reputation as the ultimate children's author remains unshakable.

Matilda is an instantly relatable character as she is introduced as "The Reader of Books" who falls in love with reading. And who can't relate to that? Characters are Dahl's strength. Some might criticize the one-dimensional nature of the good and bad characters - the good guys like Matilda and Miss Honey are almost saints, while the bad guys like Miss Trunchbull and Mr Wormwood are as evil as possible. But those kinds of exaggerated, unrealistic characters with black and white morality are a staple of the children's book genre. And anyway, Trunchbull and Wormwood are so much fun to read when they are being ridiculously nasty, especially when they get their just deserts!

Of course, they do. Matilda is a great book not only because it tells an always entertaining story with memorable characters in beautifully written and easily readable prose, but also because of what it promotes: kindness, honesty, and a genuine love for books and learning. The characters who uphold these virtues are rewarded, and those who don't and try to suppress them in others are dealt with creatively!

Quentin Blake's iconic illustrations perfectly complement Dahl's words and his depictions of the characters are excellent. This new edition, celebrating Matilda's 30th publication anniversary, also includes new drawings imagining Matilda's adult careers. She could be the Chief Executive of the British Library, an astrophysicist, or a world traveller.

I have no complaints about this book. It's not my favorite Dahl - that would be Fantastic Mr Fox, closely followed by The Witches - but it's definitely among his best and an undeniable masterpiece. It's a children's book that I believe any adult would enjoy as much as a child. I highly recommend it to everyone, everywhere, at any time - it's a great pick-me-up! Happy 30th anniversary, Matilda - here's to many more re-readings in the future!

Matilda is a book that holds a special place in my heart. It transported me into new worlds and introduced me to amazing people. I could never rate it lower than 5 stars. This book is filled with nostalgia for me. I remember picking up a dusty, old copy from my school library and being completely captivated. The characters, like Matilda and Mrs. Honey, taught me valuable lessons about being true to myself, not depending on others, and being kind to those around me. Matilda's family also showed me that not everyone will approve of me, but that's okay. This book explored important themes and portrayed everything in an amazing way. The plot was interesting and kept me hooked from start to finish. It was my comfort read and a huge part of my life. I'm so thankful to Roald Dahl for writing it. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

“The books transported her into new worlds and introduced her to amazing people who lived exciting lives. She went on olden-day sailing ships with Joseph Conrad. She went to Africa with Ernest Hemingway and to India with Rudyard Kipling. She travelled all over the world while sitting in her little room in an English village.”

~ Rating- 5 stars ~

I could never rate it lower.

This book just holds so much nostalgia for me.

I remember picking it up from my school library. It was a dusty, old copy with tattered pages but each and every word in it was worth the read. I vividly remember flying through the book. I was intrigued, skipped my meals and just sat with this book till it was over. And I read it several times again in the future.

“All the reading she had done had given her a view of life that they had never seen.”

I really liked this book for all the important themes it explored and the way everything was portrayed. The characters were properly fleshed out and developed. The plot is interesting and kept me hooked. Everything about this book was amazing, and if you haven't read it, you need to read it now.

I cannot properly review this book, but I have read it so many times in the past. It was my comfort read in a way. I'm just going to gush instead.

“From then on, Matilda would visit the library only once a week in order to take out new books and return the old ones. Her own small bedroom now became her reading-room and there she would sit and read most afternoons, often with a mug of hot chocolate beside her.”

Matilda as a character taught me that you don't have to fit in. Everyone doesn't need to like you for you to be happy in life. She taught me that you don't need to be dependent on others to act on something. She taught me that it is ok to not be ok, and she taught me to be fierce, brave and do what you must to bring yourself joy, but never at the cost of another person's happiness.

“So Matilda’s strong young mind continued to grow, nurtured by the voices of all those authors who had sent their books out into the world like ships on the sea. These books gave Matilda a hopeful and comforting message: You are not alone.”

Mrs. Honey's character was an inspiration for me when I first read the book. I aspired to be like her, helpful and generous. I do not know if I achieved that, but I would say her character was one of my first role models in my life.

“What she needed was just one person, one wise and sympathetic grown-up who could help her.”

Mrs. Honey taught me that everyone goes through their own struggles in life. You don't know what the other person is facing, but you can be their strength. You can show them kindness and gratitude, and you can let them know they are loved.

“There aren’t many funny bits in Mr Tolkien either,’ Matilda said.
‘Do you think that all children’s books ought to have funny bits in them?’ Miss Honey asked.
‘I do,’ Matilda said. ‘Children are not so serious as grown-ups and love to laugh.”

Matilda's family taught me, that there will be people in your life who may not approve of you. They may not like how you behave, they may not like that element about you that makes you you. And that's ok. Improving yourself for the better is one thing, but these characters taught me that you do not have to change yourself to please others. You do not have to change who you are. You can still be you.

“There is little point in teaching anything backwards. The whole object of life, Headmistress, is to go forwards.”

They taught me that just because someone is an adult, that doesn't mean that every single thing they do or say is right.

“I'm right and you're wrong, I'm big and you're small, and there's nothing you can do about it.”

This book was a huge part of my life. If it wasn't for Matilda, my life would have been very different now. I might have still learned these lessons, but in a different way. This is a book I treasure with all my heart, and I am so thankful to Roald Dahl for writing it.

“Matilda said, \\"Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous. Go the whole hog. Make sure everything you do is so completely crazy it's unbelievable...”

DISCLAIMER- All opinions on books I’ve read and reviewed are my own, and are with no intention to offend anyone. If you feel offended by my reviews, let me know how I can fix it.

How I Rate-
1 star- Hardly liked anything/ was disappointed
2 star- Had potential but did not deliver/ was disappointed
3 stars- Was ok but could have been better/ was average / Enjoyed a lot but something was missing
4 stars- Loved a lot but something was missing
5 stars- Loved it/ new favourite

Roald Dahl indeed has a truly special story to tell here.

Growing up in a similar environment, where there are overbearing and abusive parents in an unhealthy setting, this book truly strikes a chord within me.

I firmly believe that it is every child's fantasy to be able to surmount their hardships with their own distinct abilities, and Matilda accomplished precisely that.

Beyond the menacing Trunchbull and the other less-than-ideal Wormwoods, and with the kind assistance of Miss Honey, this is a story that is truly heartwarming and suitable for all ages.

It shows how a young and determined child can rise above difficult circumstances and find hope and happiness.

The characters in the story are vividly portrayed, making it easy for readers to empathize with them.

Matilda's courage and intelligence are truly inspiring, and her journey is one that will stay with you long after you have finished reading the book.

Overall, this is a wonderful and engaging story that I would highly recommend to anyone.

This is a middle grade book that holds a special place in my heart.

As a child, it was one of my absolute favorites, and even as an adult, my love for it remains undiminished.

I do enjoy the movie adaptation, but there's something truly magical about the book that makes it far superior.

The characters in this book seem to come alive and leap right off the page.

I especially loved that Matilda has such a passion for reading.

I truly hope that this book serves as an inspiration to many kids, showing them that when they open a book, they can get completely lost in new and wonderful worlds.

The writing in this book is excellent, captivating readers from start to finish.

It's a book that I would highly recommend to anyone, regardless of age.

This was such a super cute, short read.

The illustrations within it were truly delightful! They added an extra layer of charm to the story.

This book was well written, and Matilda, the main character, is such a fun and endearing one. I simply couldn't help but like her.

Having watched the movie first, I am more than happy to report that the book is just as cute as the movie. In fact, there are no major differences between the two.

Both the book and the movie capture the essence of Matilda's adventures and her unique personality.

I definitely recommend this one to those looking for a good young children's read. It's a wonderful story that will capture the hearts of both kids and adults alike.

Whether you're reading it alone or sharing it with a child, it's sure to bring a smile to your face and leave you with a warm feeling inside.

So, if you're in the mood for a charming and entertaining story, give this book a try. You won't be disappointed!

Matilda is an extraordinary little girl who seems almost too good to be real. At the tender age of five-and-a-half, she is already solving double-digit multiplication problems with ease and devouring the works of Dickens at an astonishing pace.

However, Matilda's life at home is far from pleasant. She is often mistreated by her parents and older brother, Michael. In response, she resorts to playing pranks on them. When she starts school, things don't improve much as the school principal is even worse than her parents. Fortunately, her class teacher, Miss Honey, is the only person Matilda can truly believe in.

This book is a delightful read. Roald Dahl is a brilliant author who has crafted a heart-warming tale of a girl facing a difficult life and finding the strength to persevere. It is a book that kids will surely love, whether they read it on their own or have it read to them. Adults will also enjoy this charming story.

I am grateful to NetGalley, Penguin Random House UK, Children's, and the author Roald Dahl for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Reading Matilda was indeed a pleasant and effortless experience. It offered an engaging story that kept me hooked from start to finish. However, I must admit that I have a clear preference for the movie adaptation. I have watched it several times, and each viewing has only deepened my admiration for the character of Matilda in the movie. She truly shines as a little star, captivating the audience with her charm, intelligence, and courage.

Now, my copy of the book is on its way to two small girls who are eagerly waiting to read it. I have no regrets about passing it on to them. I am confident that they will also enjoy the story and be inspired by Matilda's character. It is wonderful to think that the magic of Matilda will continue to touch the lives of these young readers and bring them joy and excitement.

Matilda is a book that I first read when I was in second grade of primary school, and I still read it, at least once a year, for almost thirteen years now. And I continue to enjoy it. It was (and is) a milestone book in my life. It made me love reading and books even more, it gave me my childhood role model (Matilda), and it provided me with countless hours of pleasure and exploration within its pages. And I love its tattered cover more than anything else. Thank you, Roald Dahl!

This wonderful story has accompanied me through different stages of my life. Each time I pick it up, it's like embarking on a new adventure. The characters are so vivid and the plot is full of excitement and surprises. Matilda's intelligence and courage have always inspired me. She shows that even a small child can make a big difference. The way she uses her powers to stand up for herself and those she loves is truly remarkable. I am grateful to Roald Dahl for creating this magical world and sharing it with us.

The book also has a lot of valuable lessons to teach. It emphasizes the importance of education, kindness, and perseverance. It shows that we should never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem. Matilda's journey is a testament to the fact that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. I will always cherish this book and the memories it has brought me.

Which Roald Dahl book does a book lover choose to read first? Well, the answer is Matilda, of course! I was a huge fan of the film adaptation and couldn't wait to see how closely it followed the book. To my delight, I wasn't disappointed. The horrid characters in the book are just as, if not more, horrid than in the film, and the loveable ones are equally charming.

Matilda Wormwood, as we all know, is an extremely intelligent young girl whose parents simply don't appreciate her. I was surprised by how dark the book was, even darker than the film. Miss Honey's story is especially upsetting. She's so poor that she can't afford furniture, food, or heating, and as a child, Miss Trunchball held her head under bath water. (And let's not forget the terrifying chokey.)
I absolutely loved being able to read a story that I had grown up with. If you, like me, didn't get to read Matilda as a child, I highly recommend picking it up. It's wonderful to immerse yourself in such a fantastic, magical story and read it almost in one sitting.

This is a short blogpost taken from Thoughts on Roald Dahl: Matilda, Esio Trot & The Twits.



I’m wondering what to read next.” Matilda said. “I’ve finished all the children’s books”.



I also reviewed this book over on Pretty Books.

The best!!! Thanks to Samra!!!! She brought back great memories.

This was a favorite of my daughters when she was around 8 or 9 years old. It was a time when we would spend countless hours together, lost in the pages of this wonderful book.

Some books just have a special charm that makes you smile. They have the power to connect mothers and daughters, creating a bond that lasts a lifetime. This book was no exception. It made us laugh out loud and reminded us of the simple pleasures in life.

Reading this book with my daughter was a truly magical experience. It was a time when we could forget about the outside world and just enjoy each other's company.

This is 'that' type of book! The kind that you can read over and over again and still find something new to love. It's a book that will always hold a special place in my heart.

I know that I realized a bit late that I should read it :))) But who said that only children should read children's books and watch animations!! :)

In fact, these kinds of literary works and animated creations can bring joy and inspiration to people of all ages. They often contain simple yet profound moral lessons, vivid and imaginative stories, and charming characters.

Adults can also benefit from them. We can rediscover the purity and simplicity of childhood, relieve stress, and gain new perspectives on life. Moreover, sharing these wonderful things with children can enhance our relationship and create precious memories together.

So, don't limit yourself to the so-called "adult" books and movies. Open your heart and explore the colorful world of children's books and animations. You might be surprised by what you find.