Book Review: Danny, Champion of the World by Roald Dahl
The Movies of Roald Dahl
The Movies of Roald Dahl
James and the Giant Peach
Danny, Champion of the World
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The Fantastic Mr. Fox
Matilda
Danny, Champion of the World
General Overview
When reading Road Dahl’s, Danny, Champion of the World as a child, I was drawn into the idea of a tight-knit family consisting of simply a father and his son. The closeness between Danny and his father is unmatched in comparison to any other book I’ve read so far in my lifetime; Ernest Hemingway’s The Nick Adam’s Stories is certainly a very close second. Either son or father would do anything for one another.
Within the first few pages of Dahl’s beloved story, we learn that Danny lost his mother when he was only four months old (important to note that the number four could well be a symbol for death, as it is also the symbol for Hades, the ruler of the Underworld in Classic Greek Mythology). Immediately, we have sympathy for Danny whose only companion is his father who runs a filling station and automobile repair shop as their only source of family income. The two share an old caravan, much like the same ones used by traveling Gypsies. We also learn of our antagonist whose name is Mr. Victor Hazell who owns all of the land in town, that is, with the exception of the small plot of land owned by Danny and his father. No matter how much he tries, Mr. Hazell cannot get them to relinquish their land to him and throughout the course of our story, Hazell tries every trick in the book to take their land from them.
The Plot and Moral (minus the spoilers)
I relish the fact that both Danny and his father were dynamic in that they could be responsible in their undertaking in the matter of business and filial piety yet had the testicular fortitude to challenge authority by hunting illegal pheasant. As readers, we learn that the two are not well-off by any means, yet were not poor, as both were well-fed and cared for by each other. From their filling station and auto repair business, they made just enough to get by and seem content with what they had. The pheasant they hunted weren’t exactly needed in order for them to survive, as the two did so in spite of the law that prohibited them from doing so. Consequently, Dahl justifies their crime of pheasant poaching namely because it was crime against their antagonist Mr. Victor Hazell who everyone in town simply loved to hate.
However, the crime of pheasant poaching by both Danny and his father did not go unprovoked. We learn that Danny’s father refused Mr. Victor Hazell service one time, which made Hazell very angry. In turn, Hazell made life very difficult for Danny’s father by sending out inspectors (who were undoubtedly Hazell’s goons) who made false claims that the caravan Danny and his father used for lodging was “unfit” and that their filling station’s petrol (gas) did not meet industry standards. One could clearly argue that part of the reason why Danny and his father poached Hazell’s prized pheasants in the first place was payback for the harsh and unfair treatment they received in the hands of Mr. Hazell. Another reason was because pheasant was a delicacy reserved only for England’s Bourgeoisie or upper-class.
Parallels of Danny, Champion of the World
A few similar stories and even movies come to mind when observing the finer points in author Roald Dahl’s story (which I won’t call a children’s story because of its universal appeal). The story of Robin Hood certainly comes to mind, as Danny and his father’s intention of poaching Hazell’s prized birds was not a selfish act, as both planned to share their bounty with the underprivileged residents of their town who also craved its delightful taste. We could also view this story as being much like the classic Christmas movie, It’s A Wonderful Life, starring James Stewart, in Stewart’s character George Bailey is Danny’s father and Mr. Potter is Mr. Hazell. Both are in essence slumlords whose wish is to take ownership of every parcel of real estate within reach, so as to consequently enslave the masses. Surely, there is much to consider when looking at the differences between ownership and leasing of land. An internal struggle is at work here—between corporation and sole-proprietorship.
Conclusion
I won’t give away exactly what does transpire by our story’s end, but make no mistake that justice is served. There is a very good reason why Danny is hailed as the “Champion of the World” and deservingly so. If you haven’t already, I highly suggest that you read Roald Dahl’s, Danny, Champion of the World, regardless if you’re eight years old or eighty years old! It just might make you wish that you were young all over again. Thank you for reading and please enjoy!
The Penultimate Hub (Hub 29/30)
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Comments
nice story the filling station
This book is my childhood
Excellent book review
WOW THIS STORY IS GREAT!!!!!!!!YOU ARE A HERO FOR ME ROALD DAHL
roald dahl your books are great i love reading thank you for the books
of course
the stories are nice
sigh, I shouldn't read this book review. Now I'm dying to find out what happen.
This sounds like a good story. I will check it out.
You know I found this hub while doing some prelim research om hubs im interested in pursuing..Roald Dahl was my favorite writer growing up..I thought I had read everything, even "Boy" but this book is new to me..so cool, I love the big picture at the end, he looks exactly as I imagined he would..crazy zany old bugger
I loved reading your book review I enjoyed this book at school. There was something special about the closeness that Danny shared with his father that captured me. Loved it too.Great writing Dohn. I enjoy Roald Dahl books as well. I will enjoy reading some more hubs. I am only new to the hubbing world myself. Still learning the ropes. Pleasure to be your fan also. God Bless Dohn BB
Hi! Enjoyed the hub. A very good review. Back in the seventies, I was an avid fan of 'Tales of the Unexpected'. Thank you for an enjoyable read! Camlo
You should do book reviews more often- this was fascinating and I could see the book from a new angle. You mentioned 'it's a wonderful life' and I'm really curious because I still haven't got round to seeing the film - I shall will watch it with special interest now you mention the similarity with Danny the champion of the world. Have you read the Witches the way? I love that book - I'd be interested to know what you make of it..
hi DOHN< love your book review, simple and accurate, I saw this book in the children library some ten years ago but havent read it yet, I checked in the amazon ten dollars is worth it, thanks for introducing once more another book Dohn, will buy it for my children.
It has been a very long time since I have read this book, and after reading your review I may try to find a copy to read again, many thanks
Your intro made me think of the Italian film, Life is Beautiful. I don't think there is a more poignant father/son relationship expressed in any other media- that I have witnessed anyway. The experience of their connection and the obvious love moves me even now. Thanks for a great hub.
You know, this was one of my favorite books growing up. I just could never remember the name of it. Thanks for reminding me, have to go to Waldenbooks now!
wow, one of the few children's books I have not read...and I saw this in the store the other day too. interesting. now I have to go get it. I luv your book reviews...
I read the book as a child and again more recently to my own child. You are right - what a wonderful book. Nice review.
I haven't read this book but it sounds intriguing. Roald Dahl has such droll, dry wit. I love his book Witches. Now it's on my list. I too love your book reviews! I always learn something new in them! Cheers!
Great review and a great choice of a book to write a review on...I like what you have to offer...Thanks!
Great hub. I love your book reviews, they are so good. I have a lot to learn from you :) Roald Dahl was great.
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