By Roald Dahl
4 Stars
Ronald Dahl's The Witches is a fantastic classic of a novel that ingeniously mixes fantasy with a bit of horror. It plunges readers into a world where they introduce the idea that genuine witches are really not the fairy-tale characters people usually think about but child-hating creatures with creepy powers.
It is a story about a young boy who, together with his feisty and loving grandmother, who is an expert in witches, discovers real witches near the area. The boy and his grandmother will have to find a way to be safe and hopefully get rid of them. The way Dahl has portrayed those witches is unique and very unsettling; they are not your pointy-hat-and-broomstick-carrying witches but hide in plain sight among people wearing normal clothes and shoes, making them even more frightening and dangerous.
From the first few lines, you're hooked. Ronald has a way with words, combining wit and charm to build suspense that keeps people on edge. The book is fast-paced and gets the readers curious about what's going to happen next.
Quentin Blake's illustrations complement Dahl's story well. Quentin's drawings of the expressive characters in the book really help bring the story to life; Blake perfectly captures the nature of the witches and the bravery of the young boy.
The book expresses a great message too. The Witches showcases bravery. Through the young boy's adventure, we see that courage and clever thinking can overcome even the toughest challenges.
In sum, The Witches is an excellent book, which displays Ronald Dahl's childish charm. This book excites, spooks, and inspires all ages.
Reviewed by Becky
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