The GLAMOUR team reveal their favourite Roald Dahl books
In honour of the release of the much-anticipated movie The BFG, based on beloved author Roald Dahl’s 1982 children’s book of the same name, we asked the GLAMOUR team which of his books is their favourite – and what they learnt from it. Since we’re all about inspiring women, it’s no surprise that Matilda, the story of an overlooked little girl who believed in her own power, came out on top.
Pnina Fenster – Editor, pnina@condenast.co.za
I love Matilda, the teacher’s pet super-nerd who loves books and blitz reads Dickens as an escape from her awful parents and hideous headmistress. Typical of a Roald Dahl heroine, she’s feisty, loyal, brave and a whizz when it comes to devising a little revenge. And, as the cherry on top, the book was gorgeously realised in a London musical that was so beautiful, charming and moving that it literally brought tears of happiness to my eyes.
Staci Lazarus – Managing Editor, staci@condenast.co.za
James and the Giant Peach taught me that life is an adventure and no matter what your circumstances, you never know what’s around the corner. Embrace change and people who are different to you because you can always learn from them.
Ziyaad Bassier – Art Director, ziyaad@condenast.co.za
I grew up on Roald Dahl and one of my favourite books of his was Boy, his autobiography. It inspired me at a young age to pursue a career in publishing.
Karen Tennent – Senior Copy Editor, karent@condenast.co.za
Rhyme Stew is a collection of children’s poems that are a little naughty – and so appealed to young me immensely! The one that has always stuck with me is “The Price of Debauchery”, which teaches that “there are no joys in ever kissing silly boys” – believe in your self-worth and always hold out for The One.
Zulpha Meyers – Designer, zulpha@condenast.co.za
From Matilda, I learnt that you have to be positive and believe in yourself in order to achieve great things. Matilda’s family was negative and unsupportive, yet she had great abilities. I think everyone can learn something from her character.
Sam O’Dowd – Junior Designer, sam@condenast.co.za
The Twits showed me that we should be kind to everyone or one day, it will bite you in the behind (or you will get put into a pie). And also, animal cruelty is never OK!
Nandi Ndlovu – Features Writer, nandi@condenast.co.za
The Witches taught me that good will always triumph over evil – even if you have to live out your remaining years as a mouse.
Micarla Lucas-Kadir – Senior Syndication & Editorial Executive, micarla@condenast.co.za
Matilda is such a great story as it reminds me that no matter how tough life can be, happy endings are real.
Lesley Mathys – Beauty Assistant, lesley@condenast.co.za
Matilda was mesmerising to read when I was younger as I definitely wanted magical powers and would even try moving a glass just by staring at it! It taught me that evil will never win if you don’t allow it to, even if it means you have to be a little naughty to achieve greater good.
Danica van der Veen – Online Editorial Assistant, dan@condenast.co.za
My favourite piece by Roald Dahl is definitely The Witches. I learnt not give away my trust too easily – people aren’t always what they appear to be.
Lauren Williams – Promotions Assistant, laurenw@condenast.co.za
Matilda taught me that the mind is a very powerful asset and shouldn’t be taken for granted. It also made me aware of the types of people I surround myself with on a daily basis as well as the power of a fearless female – plus, it’s hilarious!
Tumi Moletsane – Junior Copy Editor, tumi@condenast.co.za
Lamb to the Slaughter was the first adult literature piece I read by Roald Dahl and I loved how it showed me a totally different side to his writing – a lot more sinister and wicked than I expected! This taught me that there are two sides to every person and opened up a whole new world of reading for me.
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