I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Witches by Roald Dahl Narrator: Miranda Richardson
Length: 4 Hours 29 Minutes
Also by this author: The Twits, Esio Trot, The Magic Finger, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Published by Penguin on August 16, 2007
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy & Magic, Classics, Action & Adventure
Pages: 208
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
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From the bestselling author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG!
This is not a fairy tale. This is about real witches.
Grandmamma loves to tell about witches. Real witches are the most dangerous of all living creatures on earth. There's nothing they hate so much as children, and they work all kinds of terrifying spells to get rid of them. Her grandson listens closely to Grandmamma's stories—but nothing can prepare him for the day he comes face-to-face with The Grand High Witch herself!
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Why Did I Listen To This Book?
It is October which means I want ALL THE THINGS HALLOWEEN STYLE. And you guys, what better to celebrate Halloween than Roald Dahl teaching me about witches? For real. I grabbed this audiobook for my car and prepared to settle in and drive along through the leaves and reminisce about how awesome The Witches is. While this is not my FAVORITE audiobook of all time, it is pretty okay. There are parts that are a little much for me, as far as the narration went, and I will get to that. However, if you’re looking for something you can listen to in a single day while doing some marathon work, the audiobook of The Witches by Roald Dahl, narrated by Miranda Richardson should be right up your alley.
What’s The Story Here?
Man, that Roald Dahl really makes use of orphans, I swear. So this book is about an unnamed boy who is orphaned when his parents are in an accident and goes to live with his Norweigan grandmother. Y’all, Grandma is the best ever. She lets the boy know all about Witches and how to spot them so you can avoid them. She also smokes cigars because she is cool and I am sorry I will always find cigars cool judge away my friends, judge away. Anyways, the two go on holiday to England to a hotel by the sea. While there they encounter the Royal Society For The Protection Of Children, only omfg you guys that society is totally a front for WITCHES. And they have got a diabolical plan. And the boy encounters the grand high witch. Hijinks ensue and y’all, it’s awesome times ahead.
How Was The Characterization?
Great. Duh. This a Roald Dahl book. Haters go home.
How Awesome Were The Witches?
Bahahahha I LOVED THEM YOU GUYS. Basically they have these awesome long finger nails so you can bet their manicures are great. They have cool wigs like Nicki Minaj. They wear neat shoes because their feet are weird shaped. Also, they can smell children so they can avoid them. They punish bad kids by turning them into mice. YOU GUYS THE WITCHES ARE MY IDOLS. Hahahaha. I just, ahhh, I loved them and they cracked me up. Basically, I could have been a witch like 3 years ago given my intense dislike of children.
What Did I Think Of The Narration?
The Witches by Roald Dahl is narrated by Miranda Richardson who really puts her all into it. As an adult, I thought she got a little intense and loud and kind of annoying. But you know what, this book is not aimed at adults, it is for children. And for children, her narration is pitch perfect. She’s got like awesome accents for the witches who pronounce W as V. She does a voice for the boy that is all enthusiastic and whiny a bit and great. And her voice for Grandmama is great too.
Really, the keyword here is great. There are also sound effects which I found distracting because I am an adult, but I think actual children are going to be like I WANT TO LISTEN TO THE WITCHES because it really is like listening to TV or something on the radio. This is an audiobook that truly is perfect for actual children. It’s 4.5 hours long and produced by Penguin Audio.
Sum It Up With A GIF:
Bitch, Witches are fabulous. Hahahaha
Disclosure: Review Copy Provided By Publisher.
Other reviews of The Witches by Roald Dahl:
The Book Nest – “Oh Roald Dahl. Your IMAGINATION!â€
Things Mean A Lot – “there are thrills and chills and humour and transformationsâ€
The Cheap Reader – “This book was a lot of funâ€
Purchase or Preview The Witches by Roald Dahl:
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Funny story…was reading this book to my kids. While reading, my 8 year old was checking my fingers, toes and hair line to see if I was a witch. Luckily I passed inspection. *giggle* But…a couple days later I noticed him looking deeply into my eyes. I immediately realized he was checking again–looking to see if I had multicolored pupils. After a quick examination, he deemed me safe by announcing that I did not have multicolored NIPPLES. I jumped in, suggesting he meant PUPILS. He looked at me, shrugged his shoulders and said…”Whatever–same thing.” *head thunk*
And that is when all the problems begin. :o)
Just another reason to love this book. LOL!
I do so love this one. Well, all Dahl books (seconded: Haters, go home!) but this one is perfect for Halloween! And, actually, I really enjoyed the movie, too.
OMG. ahahahahhahahahahha First, when I saw your comment on twitter about his use of orphans I LOLed but this: “Basically, I could have been a witch like 3 years ago given my intense dislike of children.” STOP IT. We should be best friends, this is my life. The witches ARE the shit. I love them so hard, and the movie? Huston? SHE ROCKS. The gif. LOLOL. You are my fav.
I read this book a long, long time ago and I really loved it 🙂
I adored this book ever so much as a child, so it kind of makes me supremely happy that you loved it during your audio read of it! The Witches is a FANTABULOUS book indeed.
Someday when I am less busy with audio than I am now, I will break down and buy ALL of these. How awesome do they sound? ALL OF THE AWESOME.
OMG, your characterization section is perfect. *applauds*
Hmm, sound effects can be either amazing or terrible. Not sure about that, but I still want it for sure.