嘉越．飛越

For decades, Roald Dahl’s stories have captivated readers of all ages. From “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” to “Matilda”, his books are staples in school curricula, and have been adapted into movies and episodes, such as “Wonka”, “The Witches” and “Matilda the Musical”.

Here is the good news to come! Readers now have the opportunity to step into a universe where chocolate rivers flow, giants dream of human beans, and clever children outwit rotten adults — welcome to the imaginative world of the legendary storyteller! “The Gloriumptious Worlds of Roald Dahl” is a treasure trove for both devoted Dahl fans and newcomers alike. Through lively analysis, the book invites readers to rediscover the magic of Dahl’s stories while igniting a passion for reading.

The book explores Roald Dahl’s creative process, highlighting how his childhood, wartime experiences, and vivid imagination shaped his stories. For instance, the character Matilda, a telekinetic girl, reflects Dahl’s belief that “books transported him to places beyond his small English village,” mirroring his own escape from a strict Welsh boarding school. On top of that, it also delves into Dahl’s World War II experiences as a pilot, including a near-fatal crash in Libya and his tales of mischievous creatures called “gremlins,” which were blamed for airplane malfunctions. These adventures allowed him to weave together elements of danger and whimsy, as seen in James and the Giant Peach, where thrilling journeys intertwine with magical escapes. Additionally, readers will discover that Dahl’s inspiration for “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” stemmed from his childhood as a chocolate taster for Cadbury. This experience sparked the idea for Charlie’s adventure that is filled with dreams of delicious sweets. Overall, the book provides a fascinating look at how Dahl transformed his life experiences into enchanting tales, showing that with imagination, even the most challenging moments can become delightful stories. 

There are even more worlds of Roald Dahl for readers to explore, such as “The Witches”, “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, and “The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me”. By immersing yourself in your favorite stories, accompanied by a variety of illustrations, photographs, and newspaper clippings, you will definitely get to know Roald Dahl better. Even if you are not already a fan, you are sure to become one!