When an author writes a book and publishes it, the last thing he wants is for others to decide to plagiarize or even change some parts of his works. At least that is what we believe would happen to Roald Dahl as well as other authors.
However, over time, some books become outdated or contain language that is considered "offensive". Foul words, adjectives that can hurt sensitivity... All of this can affect some people and consider that the book is not suitable for children. But, Do you know what happened to Roald Dahl's books?
Who is Roald Dahl?
Roald Dahl was a British writer known for his children's and youth works. He was born in Wales and was a pilot in the British Royal Air Force during World War II. before turning to writing.
Among his best-known works are "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", "Matilda", "The Witches", "James and the Giant Peach" and "The Big Good-natured Giant". In addition to these, he also wrote books for adults, as well as scripts for television and movies.
He passed away in 1990 but is still considered one of the most important authors of children's and youth literature of the XNUMXth century and has been translated into more than 60 languages.
However, his writing style often included dark humor and memorable, eccentric characters. And while we can't say he was a saint, he is now considered too "abusive" in certain descriptions.
What happened to your books?
It tienes roald dahl books, from now on, these are going to be considered "offensive" for children and in certain parts they are not going to coincide with the new versions that they have taken, and surely will take, from the books.
We put you in the background. Roald Dahl, as you have seen, is the author of children's books where humor and imagination, as well as a bit of satire and criticism. However, the language he uses to put some derogatory adjectives, has raised blisters.
Therefore, Puffin publishing, as well as the Roald Dahl Story Company, have decided to hire "sensitive" readers to reread the books and rewrite parts (or remove words) that are considered "offensive" or that may offend the reader's sensibilities.
It is not something that the publisher has decided to do without further ado, but the Roald Dahl Story Company has also been involved, which, in case you don't know, is a British production company founded by the author's family. Created in 1996, its function is to protect and promote the legacy of the writer and his works.
Even Minds
Inclusive Minds is the collective behind those "sensitive readers" who have retouched the work of Roald Dahl. They are defined as "passionate about inclusion, diversity, equality and accessibility in children's literature".
The co-founder of the collective herself has commented on the changes that they seek "to ensure authentic representation, working closely with the world of books and with those who have experienced any facet of diversity."
What has been removed from Roald Dahl's books
Let's go in parts, since what has come to light for now are only a few books. We do not know if there will be more present or future changes.
Yet here you go some books that have changed parts:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
If you remember, in the book it was said that Augustus Gloop was 'fat'. Well, now he's going to be 'huge'.
Oompa Loompas were considered little men, because there weren't really any women. But from now on you won't find that definition in Roald Dahl's books but in 'little people'.
the jerks
In The Cretins book, Mrs. Twit was considered an 'ugly and bestial' woman. Sensitivity experts have deemed those adjectives too strong. But instead of eliminating both, they have left the 'bestial' one.
The Witches
The witches, another of Roald Dahl's books, has something more from the author himself. And it is that he has added a sentence that he has not written.
We refer to the part of the story where the author describes witches as "bald" under their wigs. Well, from now on you'll be faced with the following: "There are many reasons why women may wear wigs and there is certainly nothing wrong with that."
Fantastic Mr. Fox
If you have read this book, you know that the main character has three children. Well, from now on there will be three daughters. Not a son and two daughters, or two sons and a daughter. We passed the gender from boys to girls.
Matilda
Matilda is one of Roald Dahl's best-known books, also because the movie helped many boys and girls want to read the book. In it, the little protagonist read Rudyard Kipling.
However, from now on it will no longer be like this because the 'sensitive' readers have decided that better than reading that author, you have to read Jane Austen. By the way, also Joseph Conrad disappears by John Steinbeck.
There are three more changes to Matilda:
- On the one hand, the witch who was a "cashier" now has another profession: a high-level scientist.
- On the other hand, the words crazy or insane disappear from the story, as well as black and white.
- And the last one, Miss Trunchbull goes from being a 'formidable female' to a 'formidable woman'.
James and the Giant Peach
In this story you may remember a song the centipede sings Well now you are going to have to forget it because it has been completely changed to eliminate words like flaccid or fat.
Opinions for all tastes…
The changes that have occurred in the books have not left everyone indifferent. There are those who have cried to heaven, not only readers, but also other writers who do not look kindly on other people touching and rewriting the books (even when the writer died) when there is no consent for it.
Others, however, see it as a way to "modernize" works, even if it means completely changing the work that an author made.
Each other's opinion has its pros and cons.. What would you think about it?