Limiting daily writing to two hours
Dahl strictly limits his writing sessions to two hours each morning from ten to noon, believing that peak concentration drops significantly beyond that point.
Roald Dahl
British
1916 – 1990
Roald Dahl was a British author of popular children's literature and short stories, a poet, screenwriter and a wartime fighter ace. His books have sold more than 300 million copies worldwide. He has been called "one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century".
On LuvemBooks, we've reviewed 3 of Roald Dahl's books, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG, and Matilda.
3
Books ReviewedIn Roald Dahl's own words
Author Roald Dahl invites viewers into his writing hut to share his daily writing routines, techniques, and the real-life inspirations behind his books.
Recorded 1988 · Uploaded by PDCS216, 2024 · Watch on YouTube ·
Stopping while the writing flows
Dahl adopts Ernest Hemingway's advice to halt writing while the work is going well and the next scene is clear, preventing the dread of returning to a blank page the following day.
Balancing humor and misfortune in Charlie
Dahl explains that bad fates suffered by children in Willy Wonka's factory remain comical because no graphic suffering or screams are depicted, only absurd outcomes like turning into fudge.
Exaggerating character traits for child readers
Dahl emphasizes that characters in children's books become captivating only when their good, bad, or physical qualities are heavily exaggerated.
Also in this interview
On The BFG
Roald Dahl books in order
51 books, 1 series; 3 reviewed on LuvemBooks. Dates and covers from Amazon.
Graphic2 books
1984Our review →
2005The WitchesAmazon ↗
Standalones and other books
1959Kiss KissAmazon ↗
1972Charlie and the Great Glass ElevatorAmazon ↗
1974Switch BitchAmazon ↗
1982Our review →
1983Roald Dahl's Book of Ghost StoriesAmazon ↗
1987The Complete Adventures of Charlie and Mr. Willy WonkaAmazon ↗
1988Our review →
1989Going SoloAmazon ↗
1990Tales of the UnexpectedAmazon ↗
1990The Best of Roald Dahl: StoriesAmazon ↗
1991The MinpinsAmazon ↗
1993The Enormous CrocodileAmazon ↗
1994The Vicar of NibbleswickeAmazon ↗
1994Complete Adventures of Charlie and Willy WonkaAmazon ↗
1996Esio TrotAmazon ↗
1997George's Marvelous MedicineAmazon ↗
1997Roald Dahl's Revolting RecipesAmazon ↗
2000James and the Giant PeachAmazon ↗
2000The Wonderful Story of Henry SugarAmazon ↗
2002Skin and Other StoriesAmazon ↗
2002Danny the Champion of the WorldAmazon ↗
2002Dirty BeastsAmazon ↗
2005Fantastic Mr. FoxAmazon ↗
2006The GremlinsAmazon ↗
2007The TwitsAmazon ↗
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
4.7/5
reader rating · 22,742 ratingsRoald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory sends poor, kind Charlie Bucket and four spoiled children through Willy Wonka's factory. Common Sense Media calls it a classic morality tale that is wildly entertaining, and Britannica names it Dahl's most popular darkly comic children's novel.
Reviewed Mar 19, 2026
The BFG
4.7/5
reader rating · 13,383 ratingsOriginally published in 1982, Roald Dahl's The BFG remains one of children's literature's most enduring novels, built on an unlikely friendship between a small orphaned girl and a gentle giant, and backed by sales of more than 37 million copies worldwide as of 2009.
Reviewed Feb 20, 2026
Matilda
4.7/5
reader rating · 23,968 ratingsRoald Dahl's Matilda follows a five-year-old prodigy, neglected by her parents, who faces the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull and finds telekinesis. Kirkus Reviews calls it whimsically grotesque fantasy that children beg for more, though also Dahl's most simplistic empowerment story.
Reviewed Feb 14, 2026
Ask LuvemBooks about Roald Dahl
Explore the whimsical, often darkly humorous world of Roald Dahl. We have reviewed three fantastic titles, giving the author an impressive average rating of 4.3/5 stars on LuvemBooks. His body of work features wonderfully imaginative tales perfect for all ages.
- Where should I start?
- We recommend starting with Matilda because it is a highly impactful and beloved story of intelligence triumphing over oppression. It introduces the themes and wit that define his best work.
- What's their writing style?
- Dahl’s voice is instantly recognizable: it's wonderfully imaginative, darkly satirical, and often quite witty. He uses vivid descriptions and exaggerated characters to create a tone that balances sheer fun with surprising moments of edge.
- Books we've reviewed
- We have covered some of his most popular works! Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a sweet adventure, while Matilda celebrates intellectual power. Both The BFG and Matilda are currently trending for special editions.
- How do their books compare?
- While all share Dahl's signature wit, Charlie is a whimsical journey into confectionery magic. Matilda focuses on intellectual self-empowerment against rigid authority, and The BFG offers grand, imaginative adventure in a different world.
- Why is Matilda trending?
- The adaptation of Matilda has brought renewed attention to the book, making it a highly desirable read right now. This resurgence highlights its timeless themes of intelligence and self-worth.
- What genre do they write?
- Roald Dahl primarily writes in the realms of Children's Literature and Fantasy. His work often blends elements of satire, magical realism, and adventure, making it highly versatile.
- Are any books being adapted?
- Yes, Matilda is currently trending due to a recent adaptation. Furthermore, his works are constantly being revisited by film and television creators, keeping them fresh for new audiences.
Who is Roald Dahl?
Where should I start?
What's their writing style?
Books we've reviewed
How do their books compare?
Why is Matilda trending?
What genre do they write?
Are any books being adapted?
Who is Roald Dahl?
Roald Dahl was a celebrated British author, known not only for his brilliant children's literature but also for short stories and screenwriting. He delighted readers with imaginative tales that often featured eccentric characters and surprising twists.
Follow up
What is his most famous character?
Did he write for adults too?
Synthesized from verified book data & published reviews · How we review
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