Daniel Kelly - Novel : Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda by Roald Dahl is an all-time classic children’s novel.  This story was first published in 1988. The illustrations are by Quentin Blake. Roald Dahl is renowned worldwide for his story telling. Almost everyone knows the story of Matilda. The story is of a young girl who is living in an area with a family that just doesn’t value her. She is lonely and finds comfort in books and reading. This reading drives her intellect and soon she finds herself at school. The school is run by a terrible headmistress who despises children. Matilda finds friendship and eventually one teacher protects and guides Matilda through her love for learning.

The illustrations by Blake are simple black and white sketches. Although simple, the illustrations are powerful and add depth to the characters. Somewhat cartoony, the characters are essential to this story.  The text of the novel is not extremely difficult by the way in which the language is used is so exceptional. The most difficult aspect of this novel for the younger reader would be appropriately reading the dialogue which is prevalent throughout. The dialogue is essential in shaping the characters and the point of view of the story.

Roald Dahl passed away in 1990 but his stories are still loved and very popular.