Roald Dahl’s children’s books are being rewritten to remove language deemed offensive by the publisher Puffin.
Puffin has hired sensitivity readers to rewrite chunks of the author’s text to make sure the books “can continue to be enjoyed by all today”, resulting in extensive changes across Dahl’s work.
Edits have been made to descriptions of characters’ physical appearances. The word “fat” has been cut from every new edition of relevant books, while the word “ugly” has also been culled, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Augustus Gloop in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is now described as “enormous”. In The Twits, Mrs Twit is no longer “ugly and beastly” but just “beastly”.
Hundreds of changes were made to the original text – and some passages not written by Dahl have been added. But the Roald Dahl Story Company said “it’s not unusual to review the language” during a new print run and any changes were “small and carefully considered”.
In The…
2023-02-18 08:20:59
Post from www.theguardian.com
The beloved works of popular children’s author Roald Dahl have captivated the imaginations of readers around the world for decades. From classics such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG to James and The Giant Peach and Matilda, Dahl’s stories have brought joy to children and adults alike, with vivid plots and eccentric characters filling the pages.
Dahl was born in Wales in 1916 and began his writing career during World War II. He soon became famous for his stories, which blend the fantastical with the familiar. Whether it’s the story of a young, poor boy winning a chocolate factory or the daring journey of a group of insects, Dahl’s stories are full of unexpected and imaginative magic. He creates characters that feel real and struggles they can relate to, sparking the imaginations of readers everywhere.
Even more than 30 years after his death, the impact of Dahl’s work still stands strong. People of all ages have read his stories and found something to enjoy. He has inspired countless writers and filmmakers, including the recent adaptions of his stories into feature films. From the original books to their timeless adaptations, Dahl’s stories will continue to bring joy to readers for years to come.