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The Missing Golden Ticket and Other Splendiferous Secrets
Secrets and surprises from Roald Dahl!
Feast your eyes on a secret! Between these covers is a long-lost chapter—and the original ending—from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and other delicious never-before-seen tidbits from Mr. Wonka's factory. Then slip into some tasty tales from Roald Dahl's life to discover more about the world's No. 1 storyteller. No Roald Dahl collection is complete without this splendiferous treat!
Feast your eyes on a secret! Between these covers is a long-lost chapter—and the original ending—from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and other delicious never-before-seen tidbits from Mr. Wonka's factory. Then slip into some tasty tales from Roald Dahl's life to discover more about the world's No. 1 storyteller. No Roald Dahl collection is complete without this splendiferous treat!
128 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2010
217 people are currently reading
1157 people want to read
About the author
Roald Dahl
1,473 books26.6k followersRoald Dahl was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
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October 21, 2013I love Willy Wonka. I've seen the original 1971 film more times than any other movie. I answer salutations and well-meaning questions with quotes from the film. I have collector's books about the film and have watched the director's commentary. I know the in-and-outs of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. And, to a lesser extent, I've loved the many other incarnations of Charlie and Willy: Roald Dahl's original novel, as well as the sequel Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, and the 2005 film. I was “born to be a Wonkerer.”
So I was excited when I came across this short ebook, The Missing Golden Ticket..., promising secrets and cut chapters from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Yeah, I knew I'd be disappointed; clearly, as slim as this volume is, I knew I wouldn't find much here. Most of the book is filler (quizzes, recipes, etc). A considerable amount is recycled, primarily from Dahl's autobiographies. The few cuts from CatCF were minor, but still interesting. Did you know, for instance, that in earlier drafts there were ten children? They're all described. And there are a couple cut scenes from earlier drafts. Neither are particularly shocking or enlightening, but I'm glad to have been able to read them.
So though I learned some things, I wasn't overly impressed. But it doesn't matter. Because the next time I sit down with friends to watch Gene Wilder and Co., I'll have some new information to thrust upon my fellow viewers. “Did you know that Dahl originally intended for there to be ten children? One was named Herpes Trout...” And what better conversation starter is there than the name Herpes Trout?
So I was excited when I came across this short ebook, The Missing Golden Ticket..., promising secrets and cut chapters from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Yeah, I knew I'd be disappointed; clearly, as slim as this volume is, I knew I wouldn't find much here. Most of the book is filler (quizzes, recipes, etc). A considerable amount is recycled, primarily from Dahl's autobiographies. The few cuts from CatCF were minor, but still interesting. Did you know, for instance, that in earlier drafts there were ten children? They're all described. And there are a couple cut scenes from earlier drafts. Neither are particularly shocking or enlightening, but I'm glad to have been able to read them.
So though I learned some things, I wasn't overly impressed. But it doesn't matter. Because the next time I sit down with friends to watch Gene Wilder and Co., I'll have some new information to thrust upon my fellow viewers. “Did you know that Dahl originally intended for there to be ten children? One was named Herpes Trout...” And what better conversation starter is there than the name Herpes Trout?
February 2, 2011
This is a sweet little hybrid of fiction and non-fiction for Dahl enthusiasts of all ages. It's a veritable chocolate "chomp"-endium and an author biography melted into one small volume.
Here's what you get:
*Fun facts about Roald Dahl's life.
*A deleted chapter and alternate ending for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
*A quiz to test your knowledge about Charlie's story.
*A month by month account of Dahl's most and least favorite things about the seasons.
*Some tips and encouragement for aspiring young writers.
*Recipes from Mr. Wonka's Chocolate Factory.
*A whole lot of other entertaining and informative trivia.
I was happy to learn that Dahl was a nature lover and devoted birdwatcher like me. His school report cards were funny, but also sad because his schoolmasters were so unkind. "This boy is an indolent and illiterate member of the class." "He reminds me of a camel." How rude! Just goes to show, future great achievers don't always fare well in the classroom.
Here's what you get:
*Fun facts about Roald Dahl's life.
*A deleted chapter and alternate ending for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
*A quiz to test your knowledge about Charlie's story.
*A month by month account of Dahl's most and least favorite things about the seasons.
*Some tips and encouragement for aspiring young writers.
*Recipes from Mr. Wonka's Chocolate Factory.
*A whole lot of other entertaining and informative trivia.
I was happy to learn that Dahl was a nature lover and devoted birdwatcher like me. His school report cards were funny, but also sad because his schoolmasters were so unkind. "This boy is an indolent and illiterate member of the class." "He reminds me of a camel." How rude! Just goes to show, future great achievers don't always fare well in the classroom.
August 18, 2021
فکر میکردم این کتاب دنبالهای چیزی برای «چارلی و کارخانه شکلاتسازی» باشه. در عوض با هر چیزی مواجه شدم غیر از اون. فقط یک فصل از کتاب، فصلی رو داره که رولد دال قبل از انتشار کتاب حذف کرده {خب به من چه} و بقیهی فصلها هم توصیفات رولد دال از ماهها و طبیعت بودند که قبلا توی کتاب «راز موتور سیکلت من» خونده بودم و شدیدا کسلکننده بودند. چندتایی چیز جالب هم داشت مثل دستور تهیهی شکلات و کوییز و گزارشهای مدرسهی رولد دال و ماجرای همکاریش با کوئنتین بلیک و...
در کل اگه به رولد دال علاقه دارین و دوست دارین بیشتر دربارهاش بدونین، خوندنش پیشنهاد میشه
در کل اگه به رولد دال علاقه دارین و دوست دارین بیشتر دربارهاش بدونین، خوندنش پیشنهاد میشه
May 14, 2014
I thought I knew all about Charlie and the Chocolate factor. After all, I read it with my brother. But when I came home for a weekend visit (to the doctors), my little brother proudly showed me this book, which I've never heard about.
Did you guys know that Charlie and the Chocolate factory had a lot more nasty kids at first? And that there was an alternate ending? (No, I'm not telling you what it is). There's also a quiz to see if you're a true fan(;
Of course, this book isn't just about Charlie and the Chocolate factory. It's actually divided into twelve sections, one for each month of the year. Each month starts with Roald Dahl's description of that month, and then something extra. For example, a recipe, copies of Roald Dahl's report cards, his advice to writers, etc.
Personally, I loved this little book. It's like a little treat for fans of Roald Dahl. While it can't compare to the fun of reading a full story, there's enough to satisfy the ever hungry fan.
In addition, my turning-ten year old brother loved it too! In fact, he was the one who recommended it to me. So if you're looking for a book for a little child, you may want to give him/her this along with a full set of Roald Dahl's books (Note: The Witches may be too scary. I'm currently reading Danny Champion of the World with my brother [and he's loving it], although I'm not sure how I'm going to continue over skype), or perhaps just a few selected books, depending on age and the child's character.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
Did you guys know that Charlie and the Chocolate factory had a lot more nasty kids at first? And that there was an alternate ending? (No, I'm not telling you what it is). There's also a quiz to see if you're a true fan(;
Of course, this book isn't just about Charlie and the Chocolate factory. It's actually divided into twelve sections, one for each month of the year. Each month starts with Roald Dahl's description of that month, and then something extra. For example, a recipe, copies of Roald Dahl's report cards, his advice to writers, etc.
Personally, I loved this little book. It's like a little treat for fans of Roald Dahl. While it can't compare to the fun of reading a full story, there's enough to satisfy the ever hungry fan.
In addition, my turning-ten year old brother loved it too! In fact, he was the one who recommended it to me. So if you're looking for a book for a little child, you may want to give him/her this along with a full set of Roald Dahl's books (Note: The Witches may be too scary. I'm currently reading Danny Champion of the World with my brother [and he's loving it], although I'm not sure how I'm going to continue over skype), or perhaps just a few selected books, depending on age and the child's character.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
December 16, 2020
“Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most likely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”
A lovely collection of snippets from Dahl's childhood, an initial draft of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a few recipes, illustrations, his collaboration with Blake and his message to be enthusiastic, imaginative, and crazy!
A lovely collection of snippets from Dahl's childhood, an initial draft of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a few recipes, illustrations, his collaboration with Blake and his message to be enthusiastic, imaginative, and crazy!
February 10, 2011
Being a Roald Dahl fan, I loved this book! Yes, there is a fair amount of fillers in the book. But, I enjoyed the fillers too. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is my favorite book. It was one of the inspirations for beginning my journey as a writer. So you can see, when I found out this book was going to be released, I told everyone I knew and blasted all my Goodreads friends a recommendation. Needless to say, I was excited.
It is a very short book, with plenty of Quentin Blake's illustrations throughout. It would make a great gift to a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fan. There are lost chapters and the original ending is included. Finding out there were originally additional characters and what some of the characters names once were, was quite fun. Finding out more about Roald Dahl himself is worth the read. There are a couple recipes, a quiz, fun facts, and other tidbits.
I think it would be a great read for a teacher or anyone else who reads to children to discuss after they have read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
It is a very short book, with plenty of Quentin Blake's illustrations throughout. It would make a great gift to a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fan. There are lost chapters and the original ending is included. Finding out there were originally additional characters and what some of the characters names once were, was quite fun. Finding out more about Roald Dahl himself is worth the read. There are a couple recipes, a quiz, fun facts, and other tidbits.
I think it would be a great read for a teacher or anyone else who reads to children to discuss after they have read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
April 16, 2012
Exactly what I'd hoped for! A little insight into Roald Dahl and his life, some interesting facts (especially about chocolate!), some information about Quentin Blake the illustrator and how he got to work with Dahl, and some little known facts about how Charlie and the Chocolate Factory evolved - including a "deleted chapter". It was a very quick read but I quite enjoyed it. Knowing more about the author I can see how he is able to inject that little bit of magic found in all his books.
August 12, 2018
I was on a Dahl kick - part for inspiration, part for escape. I read this book a few years ago (whoops, I didn't realize it was a reread until halfway through), but was happy with my choice as this is perfect mix of Dahl's personal writings and some sweet and sour extra bits of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Recommended for any Dahl fan.
January 25, 2022
A scrumdiddlyumptious read for any Roald Dahl fan! It includes a secret chapter from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that didn't make it into the final book, which I was really excited about. It was also really interesting to learn more tidbits about Roald Dahl that weren't included in his two short autobiographies (Boy and Going Solo).
March 7, 2019
This slim book collects an unpublished chapter from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, an alternate ending for that novel, trivia and other details about the book, and snippets about Roald Dahl's life and writing. I found this very enjoyable, because even though I have never been a Dahl fan, I grew up appreciating Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and enjoy writing my own fiction.
Dahl said that writers must be perfectionists, because you cannot write a good novel without reworking and re-imagining it endlessly. Even though it seems inevitable to readers that Charlie Bucket's story would unfold exactly the way that it does, Dahl changed his characters and plot tremendously over multiple rewrites, and didn't give up until he got the story exactly right. I hope that lots of aspiring writers will read this book, because it debunks the cultural idea that creatives should produce instantaneous brilliance. Even though Western culture extols hard work, it tends to suggest that people can do whatever they want whenever they want, and that perfectionism is just a hindrance. I love Dahl's insistence that writers must have the endurance and the dissatisfaction to keep reworking their stories until they finally get them right.
Dahl said that writers must be perfectionists, because you cannot write a good novel without reworking and re-imagining it endlessly. Even though it seems inevitable to readers that Charlie Bucket's story would unfold exactly the way that it does, Dahl changed his characters and plot tremendously over multiple rewrites, and didn't give up until he got the story exactly right. I hope that lots of aspiring writers will read this book, because it debunks the cultural idea that creatives should produce instantaneous brilliance. Even though Western culture extols hard work, it tends to suggest that people can do whatever they want whenever they want, and that perfectionism is just a hindrance. I love Dahl's insistence that writers must have the endurance and the dissatisfaction to keep reworking their stories until they finally get them right.
November 20, 2015
"The Missing Golden Ticket" by Roald Dahl is a story about Roald Dahl. I liked this book because it showed Roald Dahl's favorite things about every month. I liked how it made me feel like i was learning about his life from him. I also liked how Roald Dahl added his adventures. Ronald Dahl's secret chapter of Charlie and the Chocolate factory was a hole-in-one with me. I liked Roald Dahls story.
May 13, 2025
If you like Roald Dahl and have an hour you will enjoy this book. I did.
April 17, 2020
This is an added-on biographical book about Roald Dahl. It goes through a year, month by month, and tells things Dahl liked about each month, plus things he remembered from his childhood, and tips for writing.
March 20, 2020
Fun to learn about Ronald dahl. And read the first deleted scenes.
September 15, 2016
Cool!! Wonderful, interesting facts; insights about Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake; notes from Roald Dahl's journals; and advice. Below are some of my favorites from the book.
“It takes a year's crop of cocoa beans from one tree to make just one tin of cocoa." (pg 16)
Wow! I am surprised cocoa does not cost even more than it does.
“Roald Dahl kept two idea books for about 40 years. …. He thought that good ideas were like dreams – soon forgotten – and made sure he wrote them down straight away. He then ticked the really good ideas and crossed out the ones he had used. Some ideas were developed years and years after they were jotten down.” (pg 36)
Roald did not do well in the boarding school his parents sent him too. He repeatedly got bad marks and reports from his teachers, even in English Composition. Yet, he became a famous writer. (pg 41-43)
Neat info...
“He was very tall – six feet five and three-quarter inches, or nearly two meters. His nickname in the RAF was Lofty, while Walt Disney called him Stalky (because he was like a beanstalk!). (pg 75)
“At the age of eight I became a mad diary enthusiast... I was a bit of a loner in those days and a bit of a dreamer and some of the things I wrote down for the next five or six years were thoughts that I don't think I would have dared even to speak out aloud to myself. That's the beauty of writing. You find that you can actually write things down that are quite outlandish and outrageous and you feel all the better for it.” (pg 84)
I need to get back to writing in my diary. I used to enjoy it and it was a great outlet for me.
“I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn't be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.” (pg 85)
I also have a passion for kids and reading and that is one reason I love my job at the library.
I especially like Roald Dahl's Secret Writing Tips from pages 105 to 108; but there is to much good stuff there to share a quote with you.
I really enjoyed reading this book.
“It takes a year's crop of cocoa beans from one tree to make just one tin of cocoa." (pg 16)
Wow! I am surprised cocoa does not cost even more than it does.
“Roald Dahl kept two idea books for about 40 years. …. He thought that good ideas were like dreams – soon forgotten – and made sure he wrote them down straight away. He then ticked the really good ideas and crossed out the ones he had used. Some ideas were developed years and years after they were jotten down.” (pg 36)
Roald did not do well in the boarding school his parents sent him too. He repeatedly got bad marks and reports from his teachers, even in English Composition. Yet, he became a famous writer. (pg 41-43)
Neat info...
“He was very tall – six feet five and three-quarter inches, or nearly two meters. His nickname in the RAF was Lofty, while Walt Disney called him Stalky (because he was like a beanstalk!). (pg 75)
“At the age of eight I became a mad diary enthusiast... I was a bit of a loner in those days and a bit of a dreamer and some of the things I wrote down for the next five or six years were thoughts that I don't think I would have dared even to speak out aloud to myself. That's the beauty of writing. You find that you can actually write things down that are quite outlandish and outrageous and you feel all the better for it.” (pg 84)
I need to get back to writing in my diary. I used to enjoy it and it was a great outlet for me.
“I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn't be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.” (pg 85)
I also have a passion for kids and reading and that is one reason I love my job at the library.
I especially like Roald Dahl's Secret Writing Tips from pages 105 to 108; but there is to much good stuff there to share a quote with you.
I really enjoyed reading this book.
January 28, 2015
A very short read, only 118 pages with lotsa illustrations by Quentin Blake. Contains Dahl's notes on each month of the year. It also has 2 candy recipes that seem simple enough for kids to try out. I especially love the discarded chapter from the published Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, just because its been a secret before haha.. The original ending is also quite ok, though the published one is much better by the mile. There's also some bits and pieces of trivia on Roald Dahl that I find amusing.
I think I'll give it.. Hmm.. 3.95 As you won't miss anything much if you don't read it.. But it will definitely complete your Chocolate Factory experience if you're a fan
P/S "Ages 7 and up" was written on the back. I certainly am..
I think I'll give it.. Hmm.. 3.95 As you won't miss anything much if you don't read it.. But it will definitely complete your Chocolate Factory experience if you're a fan
P/S "Ages 7 and up" was written on the back. I certainly am..
July 12, 2019
While both Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator are two very famous books, I had never even heard of The Missing Golden Ticket and Other Splediferous Secrets until I found all three books in boxed set at FYE. And my rating for these books have been all over the place. I mean, first, I rated Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 5 stars. Then I rated Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator 3 stars. Now I've given The Missing Golden Ticket and Other Splendiferous Secrets a 4-star rating. This book was really fun and interesting to read. I enjoyed it a lot.
August 20, 2017
A must for fans of Dahl. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory took me a terrible long time to write. The first time I did it, I got everything wrong," he begins. Learn the background to his book, learn more about him and his illustrator Quentin Blake, and learn what a Whipple-Scrumpet is. (Hint: they help make the chocolate.)
September 8, 2017
Less like a novel, and more like a hodge-podge of random silliness, this is a fun little book full of random facts and tiny snippets of stories. Kind of like the musings of an ADHD brain...on caffeine.
May 5, 2017
A fun, easy read about the author Roald Dahl.
May 29, 2017
This book just made me smile.
July 1, 2017
The kids and I enjoyed this one immensely.
August 19, 2018
Scrumdiddlyumptious! Short and sweet with interesting facts and tidbits about Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake and the chocolate factory itself!
September 27, 2018
I loved reading about some of the “behind the scenes” of Roald Dahl’s writing and some extra scenes from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, too.
January 22, 2019
A lot was rehashed from Boy, Going Solo, My Year, Lucky Break etc. But it was great to discover the extra chapter and alternative ending to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in here.
February 11, 2019
Very cute and brief. Learned a lot of interesting things about Roald Dahl and his works.
May 31, 2020
This just makes me miss Lofty all the more.
June 10, 2021
An entertaining read, but not exactly full of new work or splendiferous secrets as the name might suggest.
The majority of the book is very short miscellaneous writings done by Dahl. They're loosely grouped around his writing about each month, although how they've been split up is anyone's guess. At the start, there's the questionable editorial decision of saying "read on to find out...", which puts me in mind of naff magazines more than a book by one of the best British children's authors. I've opened the book, it's pretty certain I'm going to read on - putting that implies to me that the contents is not believed to be good enough to entice you to finish it on its own.
There's a real mix of writings in here, from his ruminations on things to his school reports, as well as excerpts from his books and redacted chapters. The missing Golden ticket in the name of the book is in reference to the fact that there were at first ten children in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which was interesting to know. These little tidbits about some of his books were great to see, and one of my favourite parts of the book. One of the excised chapters, from the same book, would have been a great inclusion to the finished product, but I'm glad I've got to read it now, at least.
Although it wasn't exactly what I was expecting, and there wasn't quite so much in here that was new (it is fairly well padded with excerpts from his other works, especially his autobiographies), it was still a fun read. His description of his Mecano prank, for example, is wonderful, and makes me want to emulate him. With all the typical Dahl writing, and these great bits, I can't give it less than 4 stars, as I did really enjoy it. But it's by no means an essential read, and definitely not the best Dahl work around.
The majority of the book is very short miscellaneous writings done by Dahl. They're loosely grouped around his writing about each month, although how they've been split up is anyone's guess. At the start, there's the questionable editorial decision of saying "read on to find out...", which puts me in mind of naff magazines more than a book by one of the best British children's authors. I've opened the book, it's pretty certain I'm going to read on - putting that implies to me that the contents is not believed to be good enough to entice you to finish it on its own.
There's a real mix of writings in here, from his ruminations on things to his school reports, as well as excerpts from his books and redacted chapters. The missing Golden ticket in the name of the book is in reference to the fact that there were at first ten children in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which was interesting to know. These little tidbits about some of his books were great to see, and one of my favourite parts of the book. One of the excised chapters, from the same book, would have been a great inclusion to the finished product, but I'm glad I've got to read it now, at least.
Although it wasn't exactly what I was expecting, and there wasn't quite so much in here that was new (it is fairly well padded with excerpts from his other works, especially his autobiographies), it was still a fun read. His description of his Mecano prank, for example, is wonderful, and makes me want to emulate him. With all the typical Dahl writing, and these great bits, I can't give it less than 4 stars, as I did really enjoy it. But it's by no means an essential read, and definitely not the best Dahl work around.
July 29, 2020
I am an enthusiast of Roald Dahl’s work, so I enjoyed this brief “bonus feature” book. It contains sort of a behind-the-scenes look about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, one of my favorite children’s stories. There are also chocolate recipes, chocolate facts, information on more “naughty” children that Dahl considered including in the story. The book does include the missing golden ticket, i.e. chapter featuring “Spotty Powder” and Miranda Mary Piker’s fate after she tries to destroy Wonka’s latest invention.
There are different topics from just Charlie’s and the Chocolate Factory, which are surprising and random, but delightful. Dahl wrote notes about each month of the year and these portraits are included. His school reports are there as well (not very flattering!), tips about writing, descriptions of family vacations. He also wrote notes about each month of year and these snapshots are included as well. One of my favorite parts of the book was the section where Quentin Blake, Dahl’s illustrator was spotlighted.
Easy to read, not a “must read” but goes down nice and easy like a Snicker’s “fun size” candy bar, which you rarely regret indulging in.
6/10.
No concerning content.
Favorite Quote:
“That’s the beauty of writing. You find that you can actually write things down that are quite outlandish and outrageous and you feel all the better for it.”
“In the grassy banks on either side, an enormous number of different wild flowers and ferns grow. On weekends I see group of enthusiastic botanists from London hunting for rare specimens. They walk slowly up the lane peering into the banks and calling to one another when they find something interesting. I like these people. I like enthusiasts of any kind.”
-from his October section.
There are different topics from just Charlie’s and the Chocolate Factory, which are surprising and random, but delightful. Dahl wrote notes about each month of the year and these portraits are included. His school reports are there as well (not very flattering!), tips about writing, descriptions of family vacations. He also wrote notes about each month of year and these snapshots are included as well. One of my favorite parts of the book was the section where Quentin Blake, Dahl’s illustrator was spotlighted.
Easy to read, not a “must read” but goes down nice and easy like a Snicker’s “fun size” candy bar, which you rarely regret indulging in.
6/10.
No concerning content.
Favorite Quote:
“That’s the beauty of writing. You find that you can actually write things down that are quite outlandish and outrageous and you feel all the better for it.”
“In the grassy banks on either side, an enormous number of different wild flowers and ferns grow. On weekends I see group of enthusiastic botanists from London hunting for rare specimens. They walk slowly up the lane peering into the banks and calling to one another when they find something interesting. I like these people. I like enthusiasts of any kind.”
-from his October section.
July 9, 2021
A strange little book compiling some fun facts alongside excerpts from Dahl’s memoirs. What confuses me is this: if you want to read Dahl’s memoirs, why don’t you just go read them? The organization of this book into months is cute, but having read Boy as a child, I can vouch for its being quite easily readable; I don’t really understand the need to excerpt it in a separate book. What I’d far prefer would be more bonus content and less of what’s already been published, but for a child just looking for snippets this will be more than enough.
I re-read this to see whether it was worth keeping in my house, and I won’t throw it out. My largest concern, if I’m honest, is how antisemitic and racist Dahl was, and how books like this can obscure that—it’s not that you can’t write a biography of someone to praise their writing, just that it’s worth noting a major fact about his political beliefs which affects how one might read his work (particularly The Witches.) Sure, it’s hard to do that for children, but it’s also hard to be a child who finds after the fact that an author so widely idolized was so hateful. It might seem silly to take issue with that in this book, but this book is, in fact, concerned with venerating Dahl, and it’s specifically about his life and thoughts. You won’t see me knocking stars off of The BFG for Dahl’s personal life, but I do find the total lack of reference to it off-putting.
Ah well! This book is not for me. (Arguably, none of Dahl’s books were for me.) If you want a butterscotch recipe, a little behind-the-scenes, or some writing tips from Dahl, head on over. The missing chapter was certainly worth reading once. For now, I’ll be leaving this on some unknown shelf to gather dust.
I re-read this to see whether it was worth keeping in my house, and I won’t throw it out. My largest concern, if I’m honest, is how antisemitic and racist Dahl was, and how books like this can obscure that—it’s not that you can’t write a biography of someone to praise their writing, just that it’s worth noting a major fact about his political beliefs which affects how one might read his work (particularly The Witches.) Sure, it’s hard to do that for children, but it’s also hard to be a child who finds after the fact that an author so widely idolized was so hateful. It might seem silly to take issue with that in this book, but this book is, in fact, concerned with venerating Dahl, and it’s specifically about his life and thoughts. You won’t see me knocking stars off of The BFG for Dahl’s personal life, but I do find the total lack of reference to it off-putting.
Ah well! This book is not for me. (Arguably, none of Dahl’s books were for me.) If you want a butterscotch recipe, a little behind-the-scenes, or some writing tips from Dahl, head on over. The missing chapter was certainly worth reading once. For now, I’ll be leaving this on some unknown shelf to gather dust.
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