A review by james1star
The Witches by Roald Dahl

fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I’m slowly going back over Roald Dahl’s books as an adult and this was again an enjoyable read. I really like the original movie adaptation with Angelia Houston as the Grand High Witch, having seen it multiple times, and Octavia Spencer as the grandma was probably the best part of the new version. The book is good and I’d recommend giving it a read (or listen as I did - the new narration by Lolly Adefope was great). It follows a small boy who recently loses his parents, going to live with his grandmother in Norway but then they revisit England. Whilst staying at the hotel, the Witches of England are having their annual conference to share a new method of getting rid of all the children. From this there’s a lot more that takes place but I won’t spoil anything. Once again Dahl makes the reader really root for the underdog with a great exploration of his characters. The Grand High Witch is someone that rhymes with the last word but also AN ICON, she’s funny and wicked and on the whole the book made me want to read on. The Witches isn’t a favourite of mine but certainly a decent read and I’d for sure recommend it, a solid 4 ⭐️ book. 
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