Thomcat
3/25/2023
First read as a kid, second read to my kids, read this time because it is in the news. This is a book with minor text changes between US and British editions already, but it is also a story that stands the test of time - and the film is pretty good also. ;)
Dahl grew up in Derbyshire amidst battles between two big chocolate companies - Cadbury and Rowntree. Secrecy and the stealing of secrets, promotions to outdo each other, and probably no Oompa Loompas. The author distilled this novel from his experiences, releasing it in 1964.
The film changed a few things, but the majority of the story is intact. Slugworth is mentioned, but the children and parents are not shown to be influenced by him - they just act their greedy selves to earn their just desserts. The songs of the Oompa Loompas are shorter, but catchier. In many ways they steal the show.
The Ooompa Loompas, originally written as African pygmies, were the first of many changes to the story over the years. Most recently, Puffin released a version with several minor changes to the language for more sensitive ears. They are also keeping the original version in print, with a likely increase in sales. Earlier drafts also had more kids and more rooms described, some of which have seen print in articles since Dahl's passing.
The other thing that sparked this reread was a discussion with colleagues about the sequel Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. I plan to reread (and review) that one soon.