Matilda is, hands down, one of Roald Dahl’s greatest creations. It is hard to imagine a story written so ahead of its time, addressing strong issues like vulnerability, poor parenting, and bullying. It also takes a jab at the blunt patriarchy, which, strangely, remains prevalent even today. The book hints at feminism in a satirical way. The tale remains brimming with entertainment, using visual cues to elicit laughter effortlessly, and remains funny, engaging, and extremely empowering throughout.
The story revolves around the life of a bright little girl named Matilda, gradually unveiling her absolute brilliance and the clever ways she tackles tricky situations. Her pranks are a reflection of her repressed emotions, a rational secret war she wages against the wrongs and follies of the world. When you think of it, kind of like God, you know, letting things happen first, then making sure the punishment is levied. Matilda is a precocious, lonely child with barely a trace of conceit in her nature. She is observant enough to notice and confront the injustices around her. Her ways are, well to be fair in a child’s book, impeccable retributions.
As the story progresses, Matilda’s character develops on a deeper level, especially as we reach the climax. This highlights her empathy, mental growth, and her ability to recognize problems well and address them with her unique flair. Her problem-solving skills and witty comebacks shine through her clever deeds, where she changes the course of wrong to set things right.
Dahl includes great references and poems, offering readers a glimpse into the things he personally enjoyed, all seen through Matilda’s eyes. One of my favorites is the reference to Dylan Thomas’s poem In Country Sleep, which beautifully adorns the backdrop of Miss Honey’s little cottage in the woods:
‘Never and never, my girl riding far and near
In the land of the hearthstone tales, and spelled asleep,
Fear or believe that the wolf in the sheepwhite hood
Loping and bleating roughly and blithely shall leap, my dear, my dear,
Out of a lair in the flocked leaves in the dew dipped year
To eat your heart in the house in the rosy wood.’
The conversations between Miss Honey and Matilda evoke nostalgia for school days and beloved teachers, taking you back to cherished classroom moments. The vivid depiction of Miss Trunchbull is as graphic as it gets. You can’t help but play everything in your mind as if it is happening right in front of you.
Roald Dahl’s true genius lies in his ability to depict problematic scenarios while crafting deeply satisfying resolutions. His strength is in making every victory feel personal to the reader. Dahl’s simplicity is unparalleled, and his works resonate with readers of all ages. Whether or not his target audience is children, his books strike the perfect balance of fantasy, wonder, and emotions.
Quentin Blake’s illustrations are the icing on the cake. They vividly complement the narrative, painting striking imagery that captures the humor and essence of each scene. His illustrations help place every situation perfectly in your mind.
Matilda will always remain at the top of my bookshelf as one of the simplest yet most remarkable books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. It is, without a doubt, the most enjoyable book I’ve read in a long time and a highly recommended one too. Go ahead and get one!