June 8, 2010

Dahl book makes you laugh and wince


Boy: Tales Of Childhood
by Roald Dahl

Some critics of Roald Dahl have often been appalled by his depictions of sadistic and cruel adults. They must not have read Boy, Dahl's story of his childhood. He has some wonderful, idyllic memories of his family vacations, but his most vivid descriptions come from his boarding school experiences. Canings were a regular occurrence, given with a tremendous amount of precision and relish. No wonder Dahl never forgot it, and explains a great deal about such characters as the menacing Miss Trunchbull of Matilda fame. It may be a little horrific, but kids will enjoy the Great Mouse Plot and the Goat's Tobacco.

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