The Roald Dahl problem: Is it right to remove disturbing language from works of literature?
“James and the Giant Peach,” by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Lane Smith. (Penguin Random House/TNS) Penguin Random House/Penguin Random House/TNS Bookmark: Once again, the books of Roald Dahl have been rewritten to remove words and phrases that might offend. Years ago, when I was a small girl, I used to listen to “Chapter a Day” on Wisconsin Public Radio. When the host read aloud from “The Wind in the Willows,” I read along with my own copy of the book. I remember being deeply confused when we came to the line where Ratty calls Mole, “You silly ass!” and the … Continue reading The Roald Dahl problem: Is it right to remove disturbing language from works of literature?