Book Title Review

Summary

Matilda follows Matilda Wormwood, a young girl with an extraordinary love of reading and a remarkable intelligence that sets her apart from her neglectful family. As Matilda begins school, she encounters both kindness in the form of her teacher, Miss Honey, and cruelty under the rule of the terrifying headmistress Miss Trunchbull. Through her wit, courage, and growing confidence, Matilda learns how to stand up for herself and those around her while discovering her own strength.

What I Loved

This book is incredibly cute and comforting. I’ve loved the movie since I was a kid, and the book gave me that same feeling of warmth and nostalgia. Matilda herself is easy to love. She’s smart, kind, and brave in a quiet way that makes her empowering without being unrealistic.

I also really enjoyed the contrast between the adults in the story. Miss Honey’s kindness stands out even more because of how cruel and over the top characters like Miss Trunchbull and Matilda’s parents are. That balance makes the story feel whimsical while still touching on serious themes like neglect, unfairness, and standing up to authority.

The humor throughout the book is another highlight. It’s playful and exaggerated, but it never feels mean spirited. Even as an adult, the story is still fun to read and easy to get lost in

What I Didn't Love

There isn’t much to criticize here. The story is simple and meant for a younger audience, so it doesn’t go very deep, but that works in its favor. It’s not trying to be anything more than a charming and meaningful children’s story.

Final Thoughts

Matilda is a sweet, timeless read that holds up just as well as an adult reread as it does as a childhood favorite. It’s funny, heartwarming, and quietly empowering, making it perfect for readers of all ages. If you loved the movie or enjoy stories about clever, resilient kids standing up to unfair adults, this book is absolutely worth reading.