I must have written about this book at least half a dozen times and I recommend it whenever I get the chance. My close circle of friends have perhaps all received copies of this glorious book and I might as well confess that I have forced them into watching the movie as well. It’s my feel-good, happy, and calming book that I turn to when I’m feeling anxious, facing a reading slump, or simply need a distraction from what’s going on around me. 

Roald Dahl is a master storyteller. His books transport you into worlds you could have never imagined. ‘The BFG’, ‘The Twits’, and ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ are some of his works that I am fond of and think everyone should read. But ‘Matilda’ is my favorite and a book that I can’t talk about without gushing and becoming super excited. 

On the surface, it seems like a simple story about a girl who is an outcast in her own family. Her parents don’t think highly of her despite her obvious genius. But Matilda is far too advanced for her age. She can read and write before anyone else in her class and she can multiply big numbers in her head. Her teacher thinks she has a bright future but her school principal and her own parents think of her as a nuisance. Matilda soon learns that she has to take care of herself as no one is looking out for her. And she does so with a lot of charm, style, wit, and a little bit of magic. 

What I love about the book is that it’s hilarious but teaches you some invaluable lessons along the way. It’s an interesting take on carving your own path in life, no matter how dire your circumstances. It’s also about being true to who you are and not letting the world shut you down. Matilda knows her worth, even when people around her make her question it and she’s not afraid to stand up for what’s right. It’s really heartwarming and inspiring. 

Reading Matilda as an adult just hits differently. I first read it when I was in school and just thought of it as a funny story. Then after a couple of rereads, I started understanding the nuances of it. If you think a children’s book couldn’t be so poignant, then you haven’t come across some really great ones, Matilda being one of them. The themes of the story—parental affection, bullying, and the need to belong—are universal and highly relatable. Matilda teaches you to stand up for yourself, even when it feels like the hardest thing to do. 

I really like how she maintains her sanity during difficult times by finding solace in books. It’s also something I tend to do. When I was in school and college, if I were upset about something, my mother would always tell me to go to my room and read. It was the best way for me to relax and not lose my cool. Matilda reads when she’s upset and angry and books are her best friend. It’s a reminder of how something as simple as a good story can help you get out from the depths of despair. 

Another good thing about this book is that you can breeze through it in a single afternoon—a perfect holiday read. And it makes you fall in love with books and reading as well. Miss Jenny, Matilda’s homeroom teacher, is kind and caring. Her life hasn’t been easy but she hasn’t lost touch with her real self. She makes you believe in the goodness in people and how it’s possible to rise above your circumstances if that is what you truly want.

All in all, Matilda is one of my favorite books because it calms me down while making me look at the positive side of things even when nothing seems to be going my way. It’s a short, sweet read that will leave a lasting impact. Read it out loud to your children or by yourself on a sunny afternoon—whatever you choose to do, you are in for a treat. 

Matilda 

Roald Dahl 

Illustrations by Quentin Blake

Published: 1989

Publisher: Puffin Books

Pages: 229, Paperback