WHO IS ROALD DHAL?

Roald Dahl (1916-1990) was a British novelist. He wore many hats and was basically of Norwegian descent. He has been rated as one of the best storytellers of the 20th century. In fact, in 2021, Forbes ranked him as the top-earning dead celebrity. His contribution to literature was lauded with the 1983 World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement. Also, in the year 1990, he was awarded British Book Awards' Children Author.

WORKS

*James and the Giant Peach

*Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

* Matilda

* The BFG, and such others

WHY IS DHAL IN TROUBLED WATERS, AND HIS WORKS UNDER SCRUTINY?

Dhal's works have been criticised for the following:

* racial stereotypes

* misogyny

* anti-semitism

Changes have been made to Dhal's books. This has sparked fierce debate. Dhal's estate and the publisher have removed references to the character's appearance and weight. The changes have been justified to be more suitable for the modern audience.

Rushdie called it absurd censorship'. PM's spokesman said that classic works should be ' preserved and not airbrushed.' 

Philip Pullman, on the other hand, wants Dhal to 'fade away' than be changed and denounces ' massive commercial gravity'.

Edited and rewritten to cut the offensive, what do you think? How far 'airbrushing' is justified?