Matilda by Roald Dhal

Ocita

...”You were born into a family that doesn’t always appreciate you

But one day things are going to be very different”...

Matilda is a timeless novel written by Roald Dahl, one of the most celebrated authors in children’s literature. Known for his vivid imagination and moral storytelling, Dahl created Matilda not merely as entertainment, but as a story that speaks to the hearts of both children and adults. Accompanied by Quentin Blake’s whimsical illustrations, the book feels alive humorous, colorful and also filled with emotion. Blending between comedy, drama, and a touch of fantasy,

Dahl’s purpose in writing Matilda goes beyond crafting a tale for children it is a gentle yet powerful reminder that wisdom, empathy, and courage can grow even in the most neglected places. The story resonates deeply with children who feel unseen, teenagers struggling to find their voice, and even adults who once felt unappreciated in their own homes or workplaces. It speaks to anyone who has ever felt that their efforts go unnoticed, that their light is dimmed by the indifference of others. Through Matilda’s journey, Dahl teaches that being different is not a flaw or something the be ashamed of, but a form of strength. Her story inspires readers to value their own uniqueness and to rise above the ignorance that tries to silence them. Matilda is not just a story about a clever girl, it is about the universal desire to be seen, loved, and understood. It reminds us that even in a world that often overlooks quiet brilliance, the human spirit when nurtured by kindness and courage will always find its way to shine.

Matilda by Roald Dahl is one of those rare stories that stays with you no matter how old you are. When I first read it as a child, I was amazed by Matilda’s clever tricks and funny adventures. But when I read it again as an adult, I found something deeper  a story about courage, loneliness, and the quiet power of kindness.

The novel tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a little girl with an extraordinary mind. From a young age, she teaches herself to read and quickly falls in love with books. Her parents, however, are the complete opposite of what loving parents should be careless, selfish, and blind to their daughter’s brilliance.

 While they spend their days glued to the television or bragging about dishonest business deals, Matilda escapes into the world of stories, where imagination and knowledge are endless.

When she finally goes to school, Matilda meets Miss Honey, a gentle and caring teacher who quickly realizes that Matilda is far from ordinary. Miss Honey is everything Matilda’s parents are not kind, patient, and genuinely interested in her students. Their connection becomes the emotional heart of the story.

Through Miss Honey, Matilda experiences real care for the first time in her life.

But not everything at school is bright and cheerful. Standing in sharp contrast is the fearsome headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, a cruel woman who believes that children are meant to be punished, not loved.

Her terrifying presence brings tension and suspense into the story and you can’t help but wonder how someone as small as Matilda could ever stand up to someone as powerful as Miss Trunchbull.

As the story unfolds, secrets begin to surface, and the bond between Matilda and Miss Honey grows stronger. There are moments of laughter, moments of fear, and moments that will make you stop and think about what it truly means to be brave and kind. But what exactly is Miss Honey hiding? And how will Matilda, with her clever mind and mysterious new abilities, change both their lives forever?

This book has truly taught me many things. When I was a child, I saw Matilda simply as a story about a little girl with superpowers, a bad family, and a loving teacher. Never thought that this book really have the other meaning.

But then as I grew older, I began to understand it differently. I realized that Matilda’s “superpower” was never really about magic it was about her inner strength, her courage to stay kind and intelligent even when the world around her was unkind. Her true power was her ability to rise above sadness and turn pain into strength.

And then there’s Miss Honey a character who has deeply inspired me. She’s one of the reasons I feel even more certain about wanting to become a teacher. What I learned from Miss Honey is that being a teacher is not just about teaching lessons from a book, it’s about creating warmth and safety inside the classroom. Miss Honey makes her students feel at home she listens, she cares, and she understands that every child comes from a different story. What moves me the most is how she gives love so freely, even though she herself has long been starved of it.

Roald Dahl did not write Matilda without purpose, behind its humor and charm lies a meaningful message. Dahl wrote Matilda to celebrate the power of children  their intelligence, curiosity, and sense of justice  even when they are neglected or mistreated by adults. Through this story, he wanted to inspire a love of reading and imagination in young readers, showing that knowledge can be a child’s greatest strength.

Personally, I have read this story several times and also watched its film adaptation. Both are equally captivating  funny, heartfelt, and emotionally powerful. Matilda is not just entertaining, it’s a story that gently teaches us about empathy, resilience, and the quiet strength that comes from believing in ourselves.

I would honestly give Matilda a solid 10 out of 10. It’s a timeless masterpiece that never fails to inspire me every time I revisit it.

Have you ever read the book or watched the movie adaptation? I’d love to know what you think about it!

Until next time! 🌻

-ocita