Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today is Friday, and it’s time for another review. Today, I’m sharing my review of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s novel, George’s Marvellous Medicine.
George’s Marvellous Medicine was published in 1981 by Puffin Books and is 96 pages long.
The Plot
George, tired of his grandma’s constant nagging, grumpy mood and mean-spirited comments, decides to make his own medicine to replace the one she takes regularly. His concoction, made from an outrageous blend of household items that range from shampoo to animal pills, sets off a series of fantastical events, transforming Grandma in unexpected and hilarious ways.
Characters
George Kranky
George is a resourceful and inventive child who invents a special mixture, or medicine, hoping to teach his mean and grumpy grandma a lesson. Despite his mischievous nature, George has a good heart and only wants to help his family. His determination and quick thinking make him a lovable protagonist that readers will root for throughout the book.
Grandma
Grandma is a cantankerous old lady and serves as the book’s antagonist. She has a foul temper and is incredibly demanding, making life difficult for poor George. She is stubborn and ungrateful, constantly belittling him and calling him a liar. However, although her character has no redeeming qualities, she does add humour to the story with her exaggerated behaviour and outrageous reactions to George’s antics.
Mr Kranky and Mrs Kranky
Mrs Kranky, at first deeply cares for Grandma, not wanting her to come to harm, but when Grandma finally shrinks away, she feels relieved and that a burden has been lifted from her.
Mr Kranky sees a business opportunity in George’s medicine when he witnesses its effects on the farm animals and attempts to recreate it, hoping to sell it to other farmers, while showing no regard for the consequences.
Writing Style
Dahl’s writing style is characteristically playful, vividly descriptive, and effortlessly humorous. His prose is rhythmic, making it especially enjoyable to read aloud. His knack for capturing the imagination of young readers while entertaining adults with subtle satire remains unmatched.
His characters, particularly George and Grandma, are painted in bold strokes with clear personalities, allowing readers to easily cheer for the underdog and recoil from the villain.
Illustrations
Quentin Blake’s iconic illustrations are an inseparable part of Dahl’s storytelling. Each illustration complements the text, bringing the characters and their exaggerated mannerisms to life. Blake’s unique, sketch-like style captures the whimsy and chaos of the story perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Overall, George’s Marvellous Medicine stands out as a wonderfully entertaining read for children and adults alike, brilliantly showcasing Roald Dahl’s mastery in creating stories that are both captivatingly funny and gently provocative.
Whether you’re rereading this classic as an adult or reading it for the first time, it’s impossible not to be captivated by George’s Marvellous Medicine. It’s not just a book—it’s a bottle of laughter, a pinch of chaos, and a spoonful of childhood nostalgia.
Thank you, as ever, for reading my review!
Until next time,
George
© 2026 GLT
Categories: Reading, Book Reviews
GEORGE L THOMAS 
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