It's been ages since I've last read "Matilda" and recently I picked it up as a reread. At the beginning of this year, I listened to the audiobook performed by Kate Winslet. And while I liked the production, I can't say that I liked it as much as I did as a child. Which is understandable as it is middle-grade. However, I did find that the story was less impactful than the film, which was also unfortunate.
The film definitely expands on the themes further than the book, as well as adding in some fun scenes that were missing from the text.
My main issue with the text is the verbal abuse and neglect from the parents, that is never really explicitly told that it is wrong. Which has the potential to be quite damaging to children who do have abusive parents. It has the power to validate this behaviour in the eyes of a child, as being a norm. I wish that the parents got more of their comeuppance or that Miss Honey was more honest with Matilda. I think then that the story's messages about bullying would be more effective.
Otherwise, it was a fairly good story. But perhaps, I would find myself recommending the film over the book.
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