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In Search of Adam
“There is little in the way of relief in this harrowing first novel, but Smailes' sensitivity towards her subjects – and the poetry of her writing – carry the story.” Financial Times.
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Black Boxes
'Black Boxes is bursting with creative ideas, beautiful language, and unforgettable characters. You may need to be a little bit brave to read it - but if you take the plunge, you'll be very glad you did.'
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{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
But I guess those of you who have read In Search of Adam already knew that? Oh and Danny Champion of the World gets a mention too x
Hey,
Yeah I kinda spotted the “subtle” references… Loved RD books when I was growing up and read them all. Favourites were Danny Champion of The World and Fantastic Mr Fox… of course once you’re grown up (levels of grown up-ness vary) you realise the similar themes of the little guy fighting his corner against the big bad guy.
Elliott
He is a genius!
George’s Marvellous Medicine
Happy Roald Dahl Day Caroline!
xxxxx
Oooooh, I very much liked that he blew up grandma. Happy Roald Dahl Day to you too! x
I have a feeling you’re going to have a busy comments thread, Cas!
Mine’s Matilda, or James and the Giant Peach. My gran used to read me Fantastic Mr. Fox, and I’d be absolutely terrified and bawl my eyes out when he got his tail shot.
Am so late to posting today, because of grown up work and then Littlest came home from school thrilled to be able to tell me that Roald Dahl’s favourite colour was yellow! Perfect! James and the Giant Peach scared me. I liked the first chapter of Danny Champion of the World because it made me feel like it was OK to cry over a book x
I lovedddddd The Witches! Couldnt believe the way they changed the ending for the film…terrible times!
Also Boy: Tales of Childhood -when they put the dead rat in the sweet jar had me dreaming up similar fates for horrible teachers :’)
and of course The Enormous Crocodile! My teacher used to read it to us in reception in primary school.
Still have many of his books on my bookcase…and just maybe might take them with me to uni
!
All of my kids have a full set of RD books! Do take them to uni with you, just in case you ever feel like you want to escape into a wonky world. Good luck with everything, Missy. And be sure to pop back here or on twitter to tell me what you’re getting up to x
Loved Matilda when I was a kid but nowadays my favourite is the autobiographical Boy: Tales of Childhood. Such a wonderful storyteller, even when recounting real events in his life.
I agree – there is so much to discover and learn about him. I love his short stories. My children have all discovered him and the Revolting Rhymes have been very much enjoyed. Genius!
Danny the Champion of the World gets me every time. The relationship he has with his father is just lovely. Also the idea of drugging pheasants with raisins and sleeping pill powder appealed to me greatly as a child and still does as an adult. I still haven’t tried it yet but I intend to some day!
The Witches always used to freak me out quite a bit (especially the story of the girl who ended up in the painting for some reason) so that is my very close second.
Also I found a little book called My Uncle Oswald in a charity shop not so long ago by the great Mr Dahl, it’s one of his lesser known adult books and it’s absolutely hilarious! Well worth a read if you can pin a copy down.
I used to read that opening chapter over and over again – I don’t know if (as a child) I ever read on past it! It made me cry so much. The Witches is simply terrifying! Especially now as an adult whenever I see a woman wearing gloves…
Bit predictable, but Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. Love the (original) film too . Eldest loves the new one.
James and The Giant Peach scared me too x
I like both versions… nothing like a bit of Mr Depp to brighten my day! x
My favorite has always been The BFG. Everything about it screams exciting adventure.
So try! He was amazing.
Matilda is probably my favourite too, and I had that exact cover!
We are practically twins! x
Its my favourite book its amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!