Matilda (Puffin Audio Book & Tape Packs) - Roald Dahl

Author's product rating:   

Story	Outstanding
Characters	Outstanding
How does it compare to other audio books by the same author?	Very good

Advantages:	Interesting plot; descriptive language
Disadvantages:	May be inappropriate

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Matilda Wormwood is a child prodigy. By three years old, she had taught herself to read by studying newspapers and magazines around her home. Unfortunately, her parents did not appreciate or even realise her brilliance.

Mr. and Mrs Wormwood were completely wrapped up in their own lives, they failed to notice anything different about their daughter. Mr. Wormwood was sold second hand cars and was absorbed in how best to cheat people out of their money with saw dust (to stop the rattling in the gears of crashed car) and electric drill (using it to change the mileage of a car). Mrs. Wormwood on the other hand, was obsessed in her television. Together, they enforce on their children that they need not books, they should watch television and have their dinner on their knees in front of the television. Should they even notice anything about their children, it would only be about their son, Michael who was probably just as gormless as his parents.

Matilda then finds her local library. It was a haven for her. Soon, she got through all the children's books and even got through some adult books such as Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. Through these books, Matilda learns of how ignorant her parents were and becomes more irritated with them. She then sets her marvellous mind into action into punishing her parents. Through these little pranks, Matilda manages to gave 'small victories' over her infuriating parents.
At age five and a half ,at least half a year after everyone else, Matilda attended starting school She went to a 'bleak brick building' called Crunchem Hall Primary School. The place was run by the formidable Miss Trunchbull.

Miss Trunchbull was once a famous athlete and still maintained the muscular body. She was massive with an odd fashion taste. She was just about the worst headmistress you could possibly get.

Despite the tyranny of Ms Trunchbull, Matilda finds love and happiness in her teacher, Miss Honey. Miss Honey was the first person to realise Matilda's genius.

Matilda's talents doesn't just stop there, she soon finds out that she has magical powers and can move objects around through her eyes. She uses this 'power' against the formidable Ms. Trunchbull.

Matilda is a tale of a young and brilliant girl who overcomes mean and dumb adults. This book will delight children though it may be thought to be inappropriate by adults. The 'violence' in this book is more ridiculous than troubling. In the book, there is a clear line between good and bad.