Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Key Details
- Genre: fiction
- Sub-Genres: children’s book
- Publication Date: 1964
- Pages: 192
- Themes: honesty, kindness, bravery, good behavior, following rules
- Accolades: widely considered to be a children’s classic
My Rating
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is scrumptiously well-written and, dare I also say, delectable, to any lover of words being perfectly strung together to form a memorable plot. And this is true for all ages. There’s mystery, and magic, and golden tickets, and chocolate!
Gilmore Girls Episodes
Learn where this book (and movie) on the Gilmore Girls reading list was referenced:
| Season 1, Episode 17 (“Kiss and Tell”) | Rory, Lorelai, and Dean watch the 1971 adaptation. |
| Season 3, Episode 8 (“Happy Birthday, Baby!” | Luke refers to Oompa Loompas. |
| Season 3, Episode 20 (“Say Goodnight, Gracie”) | Taylor sings “The Candy Man” from the adaptation |
| Season 4, Episode 4 (“Chicken or Beef?”) | Lorelai refers to the character Augustus Gloop. |
| Season 5, Episode 1 (“Say Goodbye to Daisy Miller”) | Dean’s and Rory’s song is “The Candy Man,” from the adaptation. |
| Season 5, Episode 10 (“But Not as Cute as Pushkin”) | Lorelai refers to the character Willy Wonka. |
| Season 6, Episode 1 (“The New and Improved Lorelai”) | Paris refers to the chocolate factory. |
| Season 6, Episode 10 (“He’s Slippin’ ‘Em Bread, Dig?”) | Christopher says “Oompa Loompas.” |
| Season 6, Episode 11 (“The Perfect Dress”) | Sookies says, “the Golden Ticket.” |
Best Quote
“Violet, you’re turning Violet!”
Book Review
Description
In 1964’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie Bucket is a poor, but kind, kid who wins a coveted Golden Ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory.
Inside, he visits whimsical, candy-filled rooms with four other kids. One by one, though, the others get kicked out for being greedy, spoiled, or careless. Not Charlie! He follows the rules and remains respectful.
This prompts a very handsome reward from Wonka. And, I’ve got to say, chocolate is one cheeky way to teach a lesson!
Why It Matters on Gilmore Girls
Gene Wilder’s invitation (as Willy Wonka in the beloved 1971 film adaptation) to “Come with me and you’ll be / In a world of pure imagination,” feels like an exhale so enchanting that Lorelai Gilmore selected this of all movies for Rory’s first unofficial date with Dean.
In later episodes, we also hear references to Oompa Loompas, “The Candy Man” (yes, I went there), Willy Wonka, the chocolate factory, and Golden Tickets—all evidence of whimsy!
One of the main reasons we return again and again to Gilmore Girls— both the show and the books—is the whimsy of Stars Hollow, and to me, that’s what makes Charlie and the Chocolate Factory matter too.
Who It’s Best For
The fact that “whimsy” and “year of whimsy” are trending may be evidence that all ages could use fanciful escapism from children’s classic books. I recommend this book to readers of all ages who seek escapism, but do note my reading tips.
Reading Tips
- I read the print edition of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory last year, and I listened to the audiobook this year. Both were five out of five stars for me.
- As mentioned, the 1971 film adaptation Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is blissful. So, go ahead and have a pizza-and-movie night like Lorelai, Rory, and Dean. Add some Wonka candy while you’re at it!
- The 2003 Tim Burton film adaptation, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, is exactly what you may expect of Tim Burton and star Johnny Depp.
- 2023’s feature film Wonka, starring Timothée Chalamet, takes a different approach— Wonka’s origin story. It was “good” for me, but not “great.”
- Listen to my podcast episode about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
- You should also know that this book has had its share of controversy, as many classics do: from racially charged language to “fat shaming” and beyond. Dozens of changes have been made to it over the years, so you may want to read a modern edition (post 2023). The BBC dove deep into Roald Dahl’s dark side.
Related Books to Read Next
If you liked Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, read these books next:
- Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
