The Witches is a beloved children's book written by Roald Dahl that was first published in 1983. The story follows a young boy, who after losing his parents, goes to live with his grandmother. While staying with his grandmother, the boy discovers that witches are real and are planning to rid the world of children by turning them into mice.
The story is set in the United Kingdom in the 1980s and is narrated in the first person by the boy. The book's themes include the power of imagination, bravery, and standing up against injustice. The book is aimed at children aged 8-12 but has a broad appeal, including adults.
The main character is the young boy who remains unnamed throughout the story. His grandmother is a vital character and is portrayed as a wise and loving caregiver who helps her grandson navigate the dangers of the witches. The witches themselves are also essential characters and are depicted as hideous creatures with long claws, bald heads, and no toes.
The story unfolds in a series of exciting events as the boy and his grandmother work together to stop the witches' evil plan. The boy concocts a plan to turn the witches into mice, which involves creating a potion from various household items, including a live mouse.
The book's climax takes place during a witches' convention where the boy, now transformed into a mouse, attempts to thwart the witches' plan to kill all the children in England. The story ends with a satisfying resolution that sees the boy restored to his human form and the witches defeated.
The Witches has received widespread critical acclaim and has become a beloved classic. The book has been adapted into several forms of media, including a stage play, an opera, and two films. The 1990 film adaptation directed by Nicolas Roeg and starring Anjelica Huston is particularly well-known and has become a cult classic.
Overall, The Witches is an entertaining and engaging read that has stood the test of time. It's a testament to Roald Dahl's talent as a writer that his stories continue to delight and inspire generations of readers.
Details of e-book The Witches
- Author(s): Roald Dahl
- Title: The Witches
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 base on 5974 reviews
- Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group; Reprint edition (August 16, 2007)
- ISBN-10: 014241011X
- ISBN-13: 9780142410110
- Language: English
- Print length: 224 pages
- Categories: Children's Books
Readers' opinions about The Witches by Roald Dahl
Virginia Savage
The world created in this book was unlike anything I've ever encountered. The author's imagination knows no bounds, and I was completely mesmerized by the fantastical setting.
Aileen Menzie
I loved the powerful messages hidden within the story. The book tackled important social issues and made me ponder the world we live in. It's a must-read for everyone.
Laura Hill
The characters in this book felt like old friends, and I was sad to say goodbye to them at the end. It's a testament to the author's talent for creating memorable and relatable personas.
