Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Puffin / Roald Dahl Museum
Description
The author combines reminiscences of his early years with month-by-month reflections on the changing seasons.
User reviews
LibraryThing member armaduras
I am very fond of this book, but I suspect I have read the beginning and ending months of the year more often than the summer months. About the beginning of September I know I need to remind myself what Dahl has to say about conkers, and about a month later I want to know about the scrumping in his
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orchards. In January, when the year is laid out like a clear desk waiting for you to take your seat, I come back to this book and read about his jotter, his clutter and the view out of his window. I don't tend to think of richly detailed atmosphere when I think of Dahl's fiction, but anything remotely like a memoir instantly transports you to the sides of still Norwegian lakes and into dusty country lanes. In this, being so sensual and subjective, I suppose they bring us close to Dahl ourselves and to what we would like to imagine of him: a keen observer, a sensual man, who finds the world in its smallest details and most dear memories, but not fond - not quite melancholy - and always keen to share in what he offers (advice, or a particular view) and what he takes (such as the energy of enthusiasts - any enthusiasts, as he remarks). Blake's illustrations are perfection itself, as usual, and reflect the text's simplicity, its generosity with energy, its reflection and its relish at small pleasures. Show Less
LibraryThing member amtul.malik1
My Year, written by Roald Dahl is a delightful read for children. It was composed during the last year of his life detailing his thoughts. It’s a non-fiction memoir with 12 chapters indicating the 12 months of the year. Each chapter is delivered in an observational style about the seasonal
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changes, the holidays and festivities celebrated during the months. Roald Dahl also reminisces about his childhood and adolescence. In this case, he gives the readers a glimpse of his life of some of the most electrifying events and experiences which occurred in the sequence of the months along with useful tips he’s learnt in his lifetime. For instance: he recounts his time in the military, his collection of rare artifacts, his fascination with the World Conker Championships, and how to rid your garden of moles. This book is composed of witty, humorous and bizarre stories, tips and childhood memories. Illustrations are by Quentin Blake. The watercolors and ink illustrations are soft and dreamy to give readers the sense to envisage the author’s life stories. This book is highly recommended to readers of all ages who are fans of Roald Dahl’s works. It’s definitely a superb and quick read for young children as they can relate to the reflections of Roald Dahl’s youth and be captivated by his imaginative mind. Show Less
LibraryThing member themulhern
Really enjoyable, a bit acerbic, published posthumously. Nice illustrations by Quentin Blake, but sometimes his imprecise style of illustration does not fit with Dahl's precise descriptions of bird species.
Subjects
Local notes
Roald Dahl lived in Great Missenden in the Buckinghamshire countryside for 36 years, and had an enduring love for the nature that surrounded him. In the last year of his life he worked on a diary of notes about the flora and fauna around his home, and these notes transformed into a month-by-month account of the passing year. In this book you will find childhood memories, alongside tips, observations and beautiful illustrations by Quentin Blake.