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myjourneywithbooks's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Ever wondered about Willy Wonka's backstory?
Wonka, by Sibéal Pounder (based on the movie by the same name), sets out to do just that. And it does a fairly decent job.
The prologue introduces us to Willy Wonka as a young boy, living in absolute poverty with his mother. Willy, however, sees his life as grand, bolstered by an imagination that is nurtured by his mother. The highlight of his life is the chocolate his mother makes for his birthday after scrounging for ingredients throughout every year. Willy's dream is to one day open a shop selling the most amazing chocolates. And seven years later, after a life at sea, that's exactly what he sets out to do. But he has to overcome many obstacles first, like a trio of conniving chocolatiers and being tricked into a lifetime of work and imprisonment in a wash-house. Willy will need some luck, a lot of magic and his newfound friends to get out of this sticky situation.
I haven't watched the movie but from what I've seen of the trailer, the book seems to be almost an exact replica, down to the dialogue and everything. That doesn't mean the book is anything to be looked down upon; it takes some skill to turn a screen adaptation into a book, especially to describe the settings and to give life to the characters with just your words. The writing, the character and the humour, though not exactly on the same level as that of Roald Dahl, is still quite reminiscent of it. One of my only complaints is that I wish there had been more about the Oompa Loompa.
Wonka, by Sibéal Pounder (based on the movie by the same name), sets out to do just that. And it does a fairly decent job.
The prologue introduces us to Willy Wonka as a young boy, living in absolute poverty with his mother. Willy, however, sees his life as grand, bolstered by an imagination that is nurtured by his mother. The highlight of his life is the chocolate his mother makes for his birthday after scrounging for ingredients throughout every year. Willy's dream is to one day open a shop selling the most amazing chocolates. And seven years later, after a life at sea, that's exactly what he sets out to do. But he has to overcome many obstacles first, like a trio of conniving chocolatiers and being tricked into a lifetime of work and imprisonment in a wash-house. Willy will need some luck, a lot of magic and his newfound friends to get out of this sticky situation.
I haven't watched the movie but from what I've seen of the trailer, the book seems to be almost an exact replica, down to the dialogue and everything. That doesn't mean the book is anything to be looked down upon; it takes some skill to turn a screen adaptation into a book, especially to describe the settings and to give life to the characters with just your words. The writing, the character and the humour, though not exactly on the same level as that of Roald Dahl, is still quite reminiscent of it. One of my only complaints is that I wish there had been more about the Oompa Loompa.
rory_john14's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Classism
Moderate: Addiction, Bullying, and Slavery
Minor: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Drug use, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Torture, Violence, Vomit, Police brutality, Murder, and Toxic friendship
boooksforbreakfast's review against another edition
3.0
It feels wrong to say this, but it's better to watch the movie
vhlm's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely ridiculous and silly, if I were still a child I would have giggled through out the entire book!
liencheol's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
amborg's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
gloeilampje's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
yas_sezer's review against another edition
3.0
i dont really have much to say with this one other than it felt like i was reading the movie script.
i knew it was based off of the film, but i didnt realise it would be word for word, action for action.
even though i love the movie, i didnt really need to read exactly what i watched.
i had the expectation that there wouldve been more added to the elements of the movie. for example, i thought we would get more of noodle teaching willy how to read, or more scenes with willy and the oompa loompa, or to see the friendship between the entire group develop more.
the only things added really were the actual details of the plan to break into the vault and some more details about noodles mum. other than that, nothing new.
i cant say i didnt like the book because i love the movie and theyre essentially the same. but i also gained nothing while reading this.
id suggest you either read the book or watch the movie. if you want to do both, read it first so you dont feel as indifferent as i do.
i knew it was based off of the film, but i didnt realise it would be word for word, action for action.
even though i love the movie, i didnt really need to read exactly what i watched.
i had the expectation that there wouldve been more added to the elements of the movie. for example, i thought we would get more of noodle teaching willy how to read, or more scenes with willy and the oompa loompa, or to see the friendship between the entire group develop more.
the only things added really were the actual details of the plan to break into the vault and some more details about noodles mum. other than that, nothing new.
i cant say i didnt like the book because i love the movie and theyre essentially the same. but i also gained nothing while reading this.
id suggest you either read the book or watch the movie. if you want to do both, read it first so you dont feel as indifferent as i do.
malin_ernst's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hmorgz11's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5