A LITTLE MAGIC - #BLOGCHATTER #WRITEAPAGEADAY

 
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“Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world”. Matilda

The name ‘Roald Dahl’ brings a smile to the faces of most people, especially children. His stories are fantastical, unconventional and hilarious… three attributes that reel readers in, hook line and sinker. Not for nothing has Dahl been called one of the most popular children’s writers of all times with his creative use of language, the wisdom of his philosophy and the good humour that shines through like the sun that provides the silver lining on a cloudy day.

Dahl was raised by his Norwegian mother who would regale him with stories of witches, trolls and magical creatures from Scandinavian fables. This influence stayed with him when he began writing his books. His most popular books are ‘James and the Giant Peach’, ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’, ‘BFG” and ‘Matilda’.

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Roald Dahl caught the eye with ‘James and the Giant Peach’ in 1961. Every book of his thereafter turned into a bestseller. His books are available in 63 languages and are savoured by readers across the globe.

What is so special about Roald Dahl’s writing? Why does it attract attention and why is he considered the most popular writer after Enid Blyton? Is it his style of writing or the content he fills into every story with so much of imagination? Is it a combination of the two?

Quite simply, according to me, Dahl is a genius mainly because he uses universal themes, well loved themes that engulf the reader with a sense of well-being, much akin to chicken soup.  Some of these themes revolve around kindness and love, stories where good conquers evil, and the world turns into a better place, a lesson that shines out from many of his stories, casting a sheen over them.

One Dahl quote that exemplifies this theme goes this way.

“I think probably kindness is my number one attribute in a human being… to be kind – it covers everything, to my mind. If you’re kind, that’s it.”

Another theme that Dahl struck gold with was self-belief. His characters often start out, timid and lacking confidence. They meet different people in their lives and suddenly a friend walks in when the whole world has walked out, helping them to overcome their fears and aim high. The journey from self-doubt to self-belief is one that is often fraught with obstacles, and Dahl’s characters travel across this distance, inspiring their readers to do so as well.

“I’ve heard that what you imagine sometimes comes true.” Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

One of the most significant contributions of Roald Dahl was the gentle way in which he endorsed the power of reading and books. He lured his readers, especially children, into different worlds, turning them into excited armchair readers. One of his most loved characters, Matilda, found immense comfort when she was surrounded by books.

“So Matilda’s strong young mind continued to grow, nurtured by the voices of all those authors who had sent their books out into the world like ships on the sea. These books gave Matilda a hopeful and comforting message: You are not alone.” 

Dahl’s ideas were crystal-clear.

“Books shouldn’t be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.”

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Imagination can often run riot, and Roald Dahl has proved this, repeatedly. His tales are studded with magic, and through them, he tells his readers to be childlike and believe in magic. “A little magic can take you a long way.” James and the Giant Peach.

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The Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary is a delectable gift to children and adults alike, with almost 8000 words crafted out of onomatopoeia and sheer playfulness. These words slip off the tongue with ease, leaving the reader with a feeling of familiarity – gobblefunk, swashboggling, lickswishy, giganticus, fizzwiggler, churgle and of course, the magnificent scrumdiddlyumptious.

There are myriad quotes and words that populate the Dahl universe, making it richer and more exciting. His secret to a good children’s book? Make sure it “enthrals the child”.

“My candle shines at both ends

It will not last the night.

But oh my foes and ahh my friends,

it gives a lovely light!”

Roald Dahl’s motto

 
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