WEBmikey: Boy: Tales of Childhood / Roald Dahl : 5 of 5

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Boy: Tales of Childhood / Roald Dahl : 5 of 5
2.27.2005 8:02 AM \| Link	I can't believe I waited so long to read this book. Since I knew this was an autobiographical work primarily aimed at adults, I figured it wouldn't be as entertaining as the children's books I was enjoying so much. I was completely wrong! Boy is a collection of memories of Dahl's life from his earliest childhood through his high school graduation and the beginnings of his life in the working world (all before World War II). Dahl was almost an obsessive letter writer to his mother, and since she saved every last letter, he had a huge chronicle of his life as his source. Many segments of letters are reproduced in the book - in fact, the title comes from the way Dahl signed his letters. Two things really made this book incredible for me. First, the stories themselves are so amazingly removed from today's world - from children receiving severe beatings at school to doctors removing tonsils without anesthesia, along with the simple joys of visiting the local candy store. Second, the way Dahl writes is incredibly conversational - you really feel like you're sitting with him in front of a fireplace or having a beer at a pub while he spins these wonderful tales, and they're all true! Reading about the trials and happiness that shaped Roald Dahl gives me even more appreciation for him as an author of wonderful stories. I can't wait to read the sequel Going Solo soon!


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