So I finally finished reading this book. It’s quite a hard struggle due to the language and concepts in it, and I found myself spitting with rage in a few places, particularly in his most misogynistic places. It’s worth reading, in order to understand the people influenced by it, and the central message, that we need to live this life to strive for the best humanity can manage, rather than striving for a better afterlife, is a strong one.

For me however, I think the one line that will stick with me the most is the one that reflects modern Britain the best:

“Sick are they always; they vomit their bile and call it a newspaper.” (11 – The New Idol)

One of the best memories of my childhood. I saw Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake do a reading of Esio Trot in Croydon shortly before he died. It was fascinating to hear him reading it, and we got to see all the drawing too. ABsolutely wonderful.

It’s brilliantly written, very funny and full of the most fantastic ideas. Keep reading it over and over, and it never wears out.