Horror: The Witches

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Evaluation of the book:

Quentin Blake’s illustrations and Roald Dahl’s stories are a match made in heaven. Blake’s illustrations in The Witches perfectly reinforce text by being just as creepy as written descriptions. Absurd sketches of bald, pimply, toe-less women make the idea of witches in real life even more horrific than simply reading about them.

The tone of The Witches is very matter of fact. Told from the point of view of a little boy whose grandmother knows all about witches, this little boy tells his story directly, without embellishing. Because of this tone, it makes the reader look twice at the women around them because, after all, witches are not ridiculous ideas, they’re very real.

This book touts the heroism of a little child. Even in the most horrific of situations and after suffering from horrific things, it’s the little boy protagonist who has the idea - and actually goes through with the idea - of how to abolish the witches once and for all. The protagonist of The Witches remains unnamed throughout, making it easy for any child to put themselves into his heroic shoes. Any child can be a hero.

Response:

Critique?

I honestly don’t know how Roald Dahl can get away with telling a story so creepy and yet it becomes a childhood favorite and classic. The little hero, his wise grandma, and the horrific witches are beloved to all readers of the book, new and old. There’s something about Roald Dahl’s writing that just captivates the reader, no matter the horrors he’s writing about.

How well did you enjoy the text (or not) as entertainment or as a work of art?

When I was a kid, I think this book gave me nightmares for a week. I might not have been able to finish it, I was too creeped out (and that’s a big deal because I finish everything I start reading). And yet, when faced with a list of horror titles to read for this class, I immediately chose to re-read The Witches because there is something about it that is bewitching (pardon the pun). Yes, I did enjoy the book as entertainment.

What is your overall reaction to the text?

Confusion. Disturbed. Amazed. These are a few reactions I have when I read this book. On the one hand, it is ridiculous enough to be a fun read. On the other hand, it’s just realistic enough to be horrifying. That’s the tension that I think Roald Dahl is master of, and the tension that keeps bringing readers back to him.

Conclusion:

I recommend this book to young readers of a strong mind and spirit, like the protagonist of the book itself. Little people who are able and willing to be brave should read this book; those who are more squeamish and prone to already seeing dangers around them? Maybe pick a different one.

APA Style Reference:

Dahl, R. & Blake, Q. (1985). The witches. New York, NY: Puffin Books. (Original work published 1983).