Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Charlie Bucket, #1) in 100 books to read before you die

Oct 25, 2012 Katy Kelly rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

What child doesn't know this story? What child doesn't love this book? My son has now joined their ranks.

I did wonder if this would be too long for him, at 5. We finished our audiobook of The Twits and I asked what he'd like next and this was his choice. And all credit to him, he sat and listened. And was enthralled. We had to sit in the car for ten minutes after getting home to hear the moment when Charlie opens the wrapper to find the glint of gold underneath, my son's hand tightening on my sh What child doesn't know this story? What child doesn't love this book? My son has now joined their ranks.

I did wonder if this would be too long for him, at 5. We finished our audiobook of The Twits and I asked what he'd like next and this was his choice. And all credit to him, he sat and listened. And was enthralled. We had to sit in the car for ten minutes after getting home to hear the moment when Charlie opens the wrapper to find the glint of gold underneath, my son's hand tightening on my shoulder. A wonderful moment of parenthood.

I remembered the book as longer from childhood, but actually it's only around 3 hours as an audiobook (over 3 discs), and the only negative about the audio version is we don't see the illustrations (some of which are referred to early on in the text), but unlike The Twits, this isn't too much a shame.

As a grown-up, Charlie's situation is rather horrific - cabbage soup, one chocolate bar a year (his only birthday gift), all four grandparents bedridden, father loses his meagre job. My son of course was more interested in getting the Golden Ticket and getting to the factory.

We had lots of discussions about the other children and just why they are so horrible - my son found it hard to believe that their parents LET them grow up that way, but he did love their sticky ends.

I loved the same parts I used to, all those wonderful rooms full of toffee, cream and gooey chocolate, trees you could eat, a sweet boat to ride on, gobstoppers that last forever, Fizzy Lifting drink. I'm sure my own imagination took off as Dahl let his loose in his story.

I found the Oompah-Loopahs more heavy-handed on the moral lessons than I used to - especially regarding television. It's certainly full of good lessons, but it did feel a little over-the-top. Douglas Hodge was a good narrator, but he didn't sing the songs, which I thought was a shame. Lots of good voices for the parents and children.

I had forgotten that Charlie is very much, after entering the factory, a background character. It really is about the chocolate and Mr Wonka, Charlie goes whole scenes without saying more than a word or two, but he's there in the end, last man standing, to claim his reward for his honesty, good nature and kind heart.

The other children are just as repulsive as I remembered them, and wonderful characters to loathe, their parents equally so.

Such an enjoyable Memory Lane trip, and my son loved this too. It wasn't too long for him, the chapters make it perfect for 5 year olds, the content and evil glee make it suitable for children right through primary school.

And now I'm off to find some linkable wallpaper. I wish.

...more

Like · see review