Pages: 240
Published: June 1, 1998
Publisher: Puffin Books
Synopsis: Matilda is a little girl who is far too good to be true. At age five-and-a-half she’s knocking off double-digit multiplication problems and blitz-reading Dickens. Even more remarkably, her classmates love her even though she’s a super-nerd and the teacher’s pet. But everything is not perfect in Matilda’s world. For starters she has two of the most idiotic, self-centered parents who ever lived. Then there’s the large, busty nightmare of a school principal, Miss (“The”) Trunchbull, a former hammer-throwing champion who flings children at will and is approximately as sympathetic as a bulldozer. Fortunately for Matilda, she has the inner resources to deal with such annoyances: astonishing intelligence, saintly patience, and an innate predilection for revenge.
She warms up with some practical jokes aimed at her hapless parents, but the true test comes when she rallies in defense of her teacher, the sweet Miss Honey, against the diabolical Trunchbull. There is never any doubt that Matilda will carry the day. Even so, this wonderful story is far from predictable. Roald Dahl, while keeping the plot moving imaginatively, also has an unerring ear for emotional truth. The reader cares about Matilda because in addition to all her other gifts, she has real feelings. (Goodreads)
My Bookish Thoughts:
This is one of my rereads for this year. I have always loved this book, and it is so near and dear to my heart. I have read it several times in my life. This book tells a story of a young girl named Matilda who is a lot wiser than her age.
I feel like this particular book is very much character driven. I initially connected with Matilda through her love of books. I visually can picture the first few chapters of the book so vividly in my mind and how Matilda goes to the library while her mom is out playing bingo. This book has stuck with me from the first time that I have read it back in elementary school until now.
I love how whimsical characters are. Matilda plays a lot of pranks on the evil Trunchbull. Matilda likes justice and throughout the book whenever the Trunchbull does something that seems to be unfair Matilda is the one to try to get revenge on the Trunchbull.
I really enjoyed the magical element in this book it really ties everything nicely together and gives the book a satisfying conclusion. I really enjoyed having Kate Winslet narrate the audiobook. She is such a fabulous narrator for this particular book. She brought all the characters and situations to life and it was very enjoyable. If you have not read this, what are you doing? You are literally missing out on a childhood favorite. Go check it out. Right now!!!
With Warm Cups of Tea and Just a Few More Chapters,
Rina
marinainw0nderland 
Ahh this brought me back! This was one of the first “long” chapter books that I read as a kid and it’s been a favorite ever since. Great review!
Yes, this is definitely one of my childhood favorites.:)
This is one of my favorite Roald Dahl books, the film adaptation with Mara Wilson is very enjoyable too. 🙂 Dahl’s dark sense of humor really shines here. I know Roald Dahl had some extremely questionable values as a human being but I don’t think that diminishes the value of his fiction and if I had kids I’d still encourage them to read his books.
Yes, I agree with you. I hope that my future kids will read Matilda. It is one of the books that got me into reading when I was a kid because I related to Matilda so much when she would go to the library and check out all the books.