Sophiechen und der Riese
by Roald Dahl, 羅德．達爾
- First published 1982
- 256 pages
- German
- Classic
Late one night, during the witching hour when everyone else is asleep, an orphan named Sophie is snatched from her bed by a giant. Whisked away to the distant Giant Country, she is certain she is about to be eaten. But her captor is no ordinary, bone-crunching giant. He is the Big Friendly Giant, a gentle soul who catches dreams and delivers them to sleeping children, and who speaks in a wonderfully muddled language of his own invention.
Sophie soon learns that she is in great danger, not from the BFG, but from his nine neighbors - fearsome, human-eating giants with names like the Fleshlumpeater and the Bonecruncher. Together, the small girl and the kind giant must cook up a plan to stop the other giants from their gruesome nightly feasts. Their adventure is a journey into the magical world of dreams and a testament to the power of an unlikely friendship to overcome even the most terrifying of foes.
Sophie soon learns that she is in great danger, not from the BFG, but from his nine neighbors - fearsome, human-eating giants with names like the Fleshlumpeater and the Bonecruncher. Together, the small girl and the kind giant must cook up a plan to stop the other giants from their gruesome nightly feasts. Their adventure is a journey into the magical world of dreams and a testament to the power of an unlikely friendship to overcome even the most terrifying of foes.
What readers say
4.23
542K ratings across the web 8 in 10 readers loved it
Reviewers widely praise the book for its inventive story and extraordinary imagination, describing it as captivating and a delightful journey into fantasy. Many found the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) to be a unique and lovable character, with his distinctive "gobblefunk" language often cited as a source of great humor and charm, making readers laugh out loud. The narrative is celebrated for its warmth, heart, and the excitement it generates, offering a glimpse into a more exciting world. Aspects such as Sophie's heroic yet grounded character and the underlying themes of friendship and love are also highlighted as positive elements that contribute to the book's enduring appeal. For those who experienced it in childhood, it remains a fondly remembered classic.
Despite its positive reception, several reviewers express reservations. The BFG's unique dialect, while charming to some, is found confusing, repetitive, or even insulting by others, hindering comprehension and enjoyment, especially for adult readers. Sophie, the protagonist, is occasionally described as annoying, bossy, or lacking imagination. Critics also note that large portions of the book consist mainly of dialogue, leading to a perception that "nothing happens" for long stretches, particularly during scenes set in the giant's cave. Concerns are raised about outdated attitudes, including racial stereotyping and potentially misogynistic undertones, as well as the depiction of human-eating giants in a way that some find unsettling for very young children. The resolution with the giants is also critiqued for being a conventional "good guys win" ending, which some felt lost the moral ambiguity briefly explored earlier in the story.
Ultimately, "The BFG" is viewed as a creative and imaginative adventure that continues to evoke strong reactions, from fervent love to significant critique. Its unique blend of humor, fantastical elements, and distinct language makes it a memorable read. While it serves as a nostalgic revisit for many adults, new readers, particularly children, may find themselves enchanted by its whimsy or, conversely, challenged by its linguistic style and some of its dated cultural references. It is recommended for readers with an open mind and a vivid imagination who appreciate unconventional storytelling. Parents or educators might find it a valuable book for discussion with slightly older children, allowing them to engage with and critically examine its content rather than simply consuming it.
Despite its positive reception, several reviewers express reservations. The BFG's unique dialect, while charming to some, is found confusing, repetitive, or even insulting by others, hindering comprehension and enjoyment, especially for adult readers. Sophie, the protagonist, is occasionally described as annoying, bossy, or lacking imagination. Critics also note that large portions of the book consist mainly of dialogue, leading to a perception that "nothing happens" for long stretches, particularly during scenes set in the giant's cave. Concerns are raised about outdated attitudes, including racial stereotyping and potentially misogynistic undertones, as well as the depiction of human-eating giants in a way that some find unsettling for very young children. The resolution with the giants is also critiqued for being a conventional "good guys win" ending, which some felt lost the moral ambiguity briefly explored earlier in the story.
Ultimately, "The BFG" is viewed as a creative and imaginative adventure that continues to evoke strong reactions, from fervent love to significant critique. Its unique blend of humor, fantastical elements, and distinct language makes it a memorable read. While it serves as a nostalgic revisit for many adults, new readers, particularly children, may find themselves enchanted by its whimsy or, conversely, challenged by its linguistic style and some of its dated cultural references. It is recommended for readers with an open mind and a vivid imagination who appreciate unconventional storytelling. Parents or educators might find it a valuable book for discussion with slightly older children, allowing them to engage with and critically examine its content rather than simply consuming it.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Rowohlt Taschenbuch, 2005
- ISBN
- 9783499205828
- Language
- German
Original edition The BFG Originally published in 1982 · English · Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
