14 August 2023 , 14:52
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Children's author Dame Jacqueline Wilson expressed her strong opposition to the editing of adult classics after the Roald Dahl row earlier this year. However, she conceded that sometimes it is justified to edit children's books as young readers "still haven't got the power to sort things out and have a sense of history".
The topic of editing stories by celebrated authors like Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl has been stirring up debates recently. Classic books penned by these beloved yet controversial writers have undergone revisions to accommodate contemporary audiences.
Both The Roald Dahl Story Company and Puffin Books conducted a thorough review of Dahl's classics, leading to the elimination or modification of content which is considered offensive including references to weight, mental health, violence, gender, and race.
Blyton, the creator of cherished book series such as The Famous Five, Noddy, and Malory Towers, has faced criticism for instances of racism and xenophobia in her works. Consequently, her novels have undergone "sensitive text revisions".
While discussing the merits of these changes on ITV's Good Morning Britain, Tracy Beaker author Dame Jacqueline stated: "I'm a kind of middle of the road person, I think it depends how it's done."
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(PA Wire)
She discussed the editing of children's classics such as Roald Dahl's books (PA Media)She added, "There are some things I think that would make us a bit worried if we returned to our old children's favourites and read them with fresh eyes. We might be a little surprised."
In a candid conversation, Dame Jacqueline shared her thoughts on children's literature and the importance of preserving adult classics. She said, "I think with children, they often absorb texts. They still haven't got the power to sort things out and have a sense of history."
She expressed her strong opposition to meddling with adult classics, saying: "However, I'm very against meddling with adult classics." Reflecting on Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, she noted, "I was just thinking about Jane Eyre the other day. I mean with the mad woman in the attic and the way she's depicted, you'd never find that sort of treatment of people with serious mental health problems." Despite this, she firmly believes in preserving the integrity of such works, adding, "And yet, I would be absolutely the forefront of people saying: 'No, leave it alone. It's my favourite book.'"
Dame Jacqueline also voiced her criticism of cancel culture, advocating for open conversations to resolve differences. She stated, "I'm of the old school, I think: why can't everybody just talk things over? Discuss things. You don't have to agree with someone."
She further emphasized the need for understanding the root cause of anger, saying, "But I think it's more helpful to actually get to the bottom of what's making people so angry." However, she admitted uncertainty about how she would react in a hostile situation, adding, "But whether I'd feel that in the midst of a baying crowd or not, I don't know."
Reflecting on societal changes, she acknowledged the importance of expressing feelings but stressed the need for discussion. She said, "I mean, life's changed so much. And I think it's good that people can make it clear what they feel, but I do think, a little bit of discussion (is necessary)."
She also supported the recent call for children to develop their speaking skills, stating, "There's been a call recently for children to develop their oracy, to become more articulate, to be able to assemble their ideas, and I think that would be a good idea."
The former Children's Laureate, Dame Jacqueline, has an impressive record of selling more than 40 million books. Last year, she breathed new life into a classic with the publication of The Magic Faraway Tree: A New Adventure. This imaginative work is a fresh take on Blyton's beloved tale of three children who stumble upon magical realms nestled atop a towering tree.
Her literary prowess doesn't stop there. Her most recent offering is The Best Sleepover in the World, a highly anticipated sequel to her 2001 chart-topping hit Sleepovers.
* This article was crafted with the help of an AI tool, which speeds up The Mirror's editorial research. An editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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