The Reader of Books

Matilda is a young girl who was born into a family with parents and an older brother that did not appreciate her. As described in the book " Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood... looked upon Matilda in particular as nothing more than a scab." (p. 10) They did not care for her and most certainly did not understand her. In response to the lack of love, Matilda had taught herself to read by the age of three. She started tearing through newspapers, magazines and eventually found her OWN way to the Library. At the library she established a relationship with the librarian, Mrs. Phelps who guided her in selecting books. Matilda was reading books such as Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Books were her escape from reality.