“fat” became “enormous” and “small men” became “small people”. Just two of the many changes editors have made to Roald Dahl’s children’s books. They should soften the old language and make it more sensitive. But the publisher’s decision has caused controversy.
There is talk of censorship, of excessive cuts in the work of authors. Now writers are apparently getting support from the royal side. Queen Consort Camilla spoke at a reception at Clarence House. “Please remain true to your vocation and do not be constrained by those who want to restrict your freedom of expression or limit your imagination,” she told the audience, including some well-known figures from the literary world.
With a smile that said a lot, Camilla added, “Enough said.” At the end she had a declaration of war ready: “Let’s not squeak like mice about your achievements, but roar like a pride of lions,” she said resolutely.
Her short speech was rewarded with clapping and shouts of “Hear, hear” from the audience. After The Telegraph first reported the change to Dahl’s books, several writers opposed it.
Writer Salman Rushdie said he thought the move was “absurd censorship,” even though Dahl was “no angel” by a long shot. The publisher Puffin Books should be ashamed, Rushdie added in his tweet.
Author Philip Pullman had a slightly different take on things in an interview with BBC Radio 4. He said if Dahl’s books were offensive, they should let Dahl “walk out of print.” He has only one message for the people out there who are interested in literature: “Read all these wonderful authors who are writing today and who do not get as much attention because of the enormous commercial importance of people like Roald Dahl.”
Sources: Daily Mail / The Telegraph / Twitter / BBC Radio 4
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