George's Marvellous Medicine
by Roald Dahl
- First published 1981
- 2 pages
- English
- Classic
George Kranky lives a quiet life on his family's farm, but his days are often overshadowed by his cantankerous, bullying grandmother. Fed up with her constant nagging and unkindness, George decides that her regular medicine simply isn't working. He resolves to concoct a brand-new, marvelous medicine himself.
Armed with an array of peculiar household ingredients, from toiletries and cleaning products to animal medicines and even engine oil, George brews a potent mixture intended to change his grandmother's disposition. What follows is a series of astonishing and unpredictable transformations that cause chaos on the farm and lead to unexpected experiments with the family's livestock. This tale of invention and its wild consequences explores the power of imagination and the surprising results of unconventional solutions. Discover a story filled with Roald Dahl's signature dark humor and imaginative scenarios, where a boy's mischievous creativity leads to unforgettable events.
Armed with an array of peculiar household ingredients, from toiletries and cleaning products to animal medicines and even engine oil, George brews a potent mixture intended to change his grandmother's disposition. What follows is a series of astonishing and unpredictable transformations that cause chaos on the farm and lead to unexpected experiments with the family's livestock. This tale of invention and its wild consequences explores the power of imagination and the surprising results of unconventional solutions. Discover a story filled with Roald Dahl's signature dark humor and imaginative scenarios, where a boy's mischievous creativity leads to unforgettable events.
What readers say
4.02
103K ratings across the web 7 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Reviewers frequently praise the book as a creative, captivating, and unique story that demonstrates Roald Dahl's genius for children's literature. Many found it to be a fun, absurd, and often hilarious read, with some enjoying it as a nostalgic re-read from childhood. The book is lauded for its universal appeal, with many asserting that it can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, not just children. Quentin Blake's illustrations are often highlighted as a perfect complement to the imaginative narrative. Readers appreciate the story's theme of a child standing up to oppressive adults and finding a way to get their own back in a mischievous and often delightful manner.
Despite its fans, the book garners significant criticism, primarily concerning its appropriateness for young children and its perceived moral implications. Some reviewers describe the main character's actions as "monstrous" or "psychopathic," expressing concern that the story might inspire children to dangerous experimentation with household items or foster negative attitudes towards older relatives. The language used by some characters is also cited as a negative, with instances of harsh dialogue deemed unsuitable for a children's book. A few critics found the plot to be flat, uninteresting, or too focused on listing ingredients, suggesting it doesn't reach the same "marvellous" storytelling heights as other Dahl classics. The ending is also described by some as abrupt or less satisfying than other works by the author.
Overall, "George's Marvellous Medicine" emerges as a divisive but characteristically Roald Dahl book. While it delights many with its dark humor, imaginative premise, and themes of child empowerment against tyranny, it equally raises concerns about its suitability for very young or impressionable readers due to its content and implied messages. It is recommended for readers who appreciate Dahl's signature style of blending the whimsical with the wicked, enjoy stories where children outsmart adults, and are not put off by unconventional or potentially controversial themes. Parents considering this book for their children may want to review the content themselves, as reactions vary widely regarding its appropriateness and moral lessons.
Despite its fans, the book garners significant criticism, primarily concerning its appropriateness for young children and its perceived moral implications. Some reviewers describe the main character's actions as "monstrous" or "psychopathic," expressing concern that the story might inspire children to dangerous experimentation with household items or foster negative attitudes towards older relatives. The language used by some characters is also cited as a negative, with instances of harsh dialogue deemed unsuitable for a children's book. A few critics found the plot to be flat, uninteresting, or too focused on listing ingredients, suggesting it doesn't reach the same "marvellous" storytelling heights as other Dahl classics. The ending is also described by some as abrupt or less satisfying than other works by the author.
Overall, "George's Marvellous Medicine" emerges as a divisive but characteristically Roald Dahl book. While it delights many with its dark humor, imaginative premise, and themes of child empowerment against tyranny, it equally raises concerns about its suitability for very young or impressionable readers due to its content and implied messages. It is recommended for readers who appreciate Dahl's signature style of blending the whimsical with the wicked, enjoy stories where children outsmart adults, and are not put off by unconventional or potentially controversial themes. Parents considering this book for their children may want to review the content themselves, as reactions vary widely regarding its appropriateness and moral lessons.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Penguin Random House Children's UK - Puffin, 2022
- ISBN
- 9780241541913
- Language
- English
Original edition George's Marvelous Medicine Originally published in 1981 · English · Perma-Bound Books
