5th December, 2007
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
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Probably this book became even more popular after a movie based on this story came out in cinemas. Unfortunately, I did not watch the whole movie yet and I think that Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka is quite suitable. After all, Mr. Wonka is an eccentric character and I’m sure Depp plays the role to perfection.
Anyway, the hero is Charlie Bucket and his family is extremely poor. His father is the only one in his family who is working but his pay is not enough to buy the proper amount of food for his whole family. Also, Charlie’s grandparents are very old and they stay on their bed all day and night. But, everyday, Charlie will sit on the bed and talk with his grandparents. This cheers them up despite having to live in such poor conditions.
And every day on the way to school, Charlie passes Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. When Charlie’s birthday was coming up, something exciting happened too. After so many years since he’s reopened his chocolate factory, Willy Wonka is inviting 5 children to visit his factory. He’s inserted 5 golden tickets in 5 random chocolate bars and the lucky 5 kids who find those tickets can see what it is like inside the factory.
As luck would have it, Charlie is the fifth person to find the last Golden Ticket. The other four lucky finders are Augustus Gloop – a boy who loves to eat, Veruca Salt – a rich, spoilt brat, Violet Beauregarde – a girl who likes to chew on chewing gum, and Mike Teavee – a boy who always watches television. Aren’t they an interesting mix?
The day of the visit is on Feb 1. Charlie is accompanied by his Grandpa Joe. As they enter the factory, all the visitors are overwhelmed by the beauty and the heavenly chocolatey smell there. Wow, wouldn’t I want to drink a cup of melted chocolate from the chocolate river? How I wish there’s a real Chocolate Room somewhere like the one in Wonka’s factory!
Besides that, the children got to see Willy Wonka’s secret workers, the Oompa-Loompas! These Oompa-Loompas are small people who love singing and eating cacao beans. It’s certainly a magical chocolate factory and new surprises lie in wait for all the visitors. Good and bad surprises.
The book that comes after Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. Oh, Dahl probably doesn’t like the television very much. The joy and wonders of reading is clearly stressed in one of the Oompa-Loompas’ songs!
Other Bloggers’ Reviews: Tatiana, 20223banana, Alice
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Posted in Authors D, Children's Books, Fantasy, Humour, Modern Classics, Science Fiction, Titles C at 12:04 pm |
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On December 6, 2007 at 9:17 pm usws said:
I sort of remember reading it and at the same time it feels like i haven’t. Anyhow, i’ve watched the movie and i think i’ll just live with that. OR i could pick this book up later together with the glass elevator when i’m done with my never-ending current read.
I’ve always enjoyed Roald Dahl’s books and the ideas in this one are quite fascinating (based on the movie at least). Makes me wish there was such a thing as a chocolate factory and multi flavored gum. YUM!
BYE!
p.s. Johnny Depp doesn’t have a beard like the one Willy Wonka has.
On December 7, 2007 at 3:48 am nylusmilk said:
definitely one of roald dahl’s better children’s books! my absolute favourite is still danny, champion of the world, even though i’m a self-confessed chocoholic.
On December 14, 2007 at 1:02 pm Darren Morman said:
Have to agree with nylusmilk, Danny Champion of The World is my favourite too although it could be that I read it at exactly the right age.
I’ve created a website to keep track of the books you have read, thought you might be interested in it.
http://www.bookwormr.com.
On December 16, 2007 at 1:45 pm Josette said:
usws: Actually, I’ve only read 2 of Dahl’s books. This and the Glass Elevator. But I’ve watched the Matilda movie! Need to read that book.
Oh yeah, wish I was working in the factory too. Then perhaps I’ll get free chocolates everyday!
nylusmilk: Ah…this is the first time I’ve heard of this Danny book! Hmm…it’s a favourite among children for generations. Well, will add it to my list of books to read.
Haha! I’m sure many people love chocs as much as you do. I know I’m one of them.
Darren Morman: Hi, I’ve checked out the site. Pretty useful for book lovers who wish to catalogue their books. Thanks for sharing!
On December 16, 2007 at 6:37 pm KittyCat said:
Hmm…I haven’t read this one by Dahl. My first book was ‘Mathilda’ after I stumbled upon the movie. There’s a more serious, different, almost horror side of him in the book ‘Tales of the Unexpected’ (I think, sorry, I forget). See if you can get your hands on it…
On December 20, 2007 at 9:52 am Josette said:
Well, you better read it soon! It’s a classic. Oooh, tales of the unexpected huh? I’ll consider it. =D
On February 8, 2008 at 3:26 am Alice said:
I’m going to have to read this very soon. I’ve heard so much about it. I think I want to start the whole Dahl collection…
On February 8, 2008 at 3:50 am Josette said:
Alice: Hmm..not bad. It’s good to start any collection. A Dahl collection would be interesting. =)
On October 1, 2008 at 11:35 pm Alice Teh said:
Woot! That was me just before this comment - I checked this out in Feb this year. LOL.
On October 2, 2008 at 1:33 pm Josette said:
Alice: Yeah! You were the last to comment! What a coincidence. Well, good to know that you’ve read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. A must-read book for both children and adults alike.