De-constructing Dahl

"De-constructing Dahl by Laura Vinãs Valle is a reconsideration of the work of Roald Dahl for both adults and children. This is a comprehensive analysis which brings the criticism on Dahl’s work up to date. Her approach is to analyse the extant scholarship and to question the theoretical assumptions underpinning the work. She also includes Dahl’s own constructions of childhood and the implications of the underlying assumptions which formulate his notions of writing for children. Her examination brings together oppositional approaches to the appreciation of his output; those who admire and those who critique Dahl. This produces a thought provoking text which dispels much of the imprecise thinking which can pervade appreciation and, unfortunately, criticism of writing for children. A strength which emerges is discussion of the influence that writing for children has on cultural constructions of childhood and what values are associated with this construct. An added bonus is that she situates Dahl’s work within the cultural para-texts, such as the publication strategies, and practice in libraries which gives a wide-ranging assessment of how and why Dahl is so influential. This extension of the study serves as a model for those wishing to engage in literary criticism, especially in the area of children’s literature."