Be it Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory or Matilda’s sheer grit, none other than Roald Dahl could’ve penned it better. His stories are a fan favourite and are read to children to this day. As we celebrate the iconic writer’s birthday, we take a look at his life and the amazing work that immortalised him.
Dahl’s Life In a Glimpse
In 1916, Roald Dahl was born to Norwegian parents in Wales. Today, he’s known to the world as one of the greatest authors. However, not many know that he was also a soldier and intelligence officer. Writing came to him naturally but so did flying fighter jets during World War II. Dahl also served as an intelligence officer to Winston Churchill. In addition to such daring feats, he authored a series of famous stories and even wrote adult fiction and screenplay for James Bond’s You Only Live Twice.
That said, we have listed out 5 of his best works that we feel is worth a read (although all his stories are) – no matter what your age.
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory
You can’t say you’ve never waited to stumble upon your Golden Ticket to Willy Wonka’s strangely fun chocolate factory (at least we did). Dahl’s love for chocolates isn’t unknown so it was rather obvious that he would find himself immersed in his chocolate haven. If you haven’t read the book, you must have seen the movie starring Johnny Depp as Will Wonka – if you haven’t done either, we suggest you pick up the book and follow Charlie Bucket on his wild tour of the lunatic Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory along with the 4 other children.
The BFG
The story revolves around an 8-year-old orphan girl named Sophie who is kidnapped by an elderly giant after he spots her near the window. It is during Sophie’s stay with the giant that she learns his name is Big Friendly Giant, understands his kindness, and eventually befriends him. Life for the orphaned Sophie with was going great until everything turned upside down as the other giants discovered her presence.
Matilda
Dahl didn’t just write, he was a man who highlighted social concerns through his writing – Matilda is one such story. It revolves around a 6-year-old girl who was gutsy and had a thirst for knowledge. Neglected by her own family and restricted from attaining education, Matilda fights her way into a school. Fast forward, Matilda’s real troubles start when in school. Daring adventures, taking on bullies (yes, we do mean Miss Trunchbull) and moves are lined throughout the story. To lighten the plot and make it interesting for kids, Dahl provides Matilda with telekinetic powers.
The Twits
An old, vindictive, lunatic married couple unleashing prank wars on each other – we cannot come up with anything more apt as this. Mr. and Mrs. Twits are described as hideous. They live in a windowless brick house and play mean practical jokes on each other to seek revenge. A lot like us besties, we think and although the title reads Twits, we’re fairly confident that it should’ve been Twats.
The Witches
Dahl has tried his hands at every genre, but his protagonists were always children. Even though the lead in this story doesn’t have a name, we do know that it is a 7-year-old boy going up against the most ruthless and dark witches of England. With spooky, terrifying witches using their powers and the boy’s unconventional ideas to fight back – it makes for an engaging read. Plus, ideal for the autumnal weather.
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