logo

73 pages 2 hours read

The Witches

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1983

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Book Brief

logo
Roald Dahl

The Witches

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1983
Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Norway And England • 1980s

Publication Year

1983

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

740L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Roald Dahl’s The Witches, a young boy and his grandmother discover a plot by witches to turn all children in England into mice. They embark on a mission to stop the witches' evil plan, ultimately confronting the Grand High Witch, the leader of them all. Themes include identity, family, and the battle between good and evil, infused with elements of fantasy. The book contains death of family members.

Mysterious

Unnerving

Fantastical

Playful

Reviews & Readership

4.4

415,169 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Roald Dahl's The Witches is praised for its imaginative and darkly humorous storytelling, engaging both children and adults. The vivid characters and unique plot captivate readers, but some criticize it for potentially frightening younger audiences. The illustrations by Quentin Blake complement the text well, enhancing the overall experience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Witches?

Readers enchanted by the darkly whimsical tales of Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling or the eerie charm of Neil Gaiman's Coraline will revel in Roald Dahl's The Witches. Ideal for those aged 8 and up, it entertains with its imaginative storytelling and subtly macabre humor, perfect for young readers who enjoy a blend of fantasy and suspense.

4.4

415,169 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

The Narrator/The Boy/The Mouse

An unnamed boy who serves as the protagonist and narrator, known for his optimistic and independent spirit. He becomes instrumental in confronting the antagonistic witches with the help of his quick thinking and adaptability.

The boy’s grandmother, who takes on a pivotal mentor role by sharing her extensive knowledge about witches. She is a supportive and caring figure who aids the boy in his quest.

The main antagonists of the story, with the Grand High Witch leading the group known for their dangerous intentions. They disguise themselves as ordinary women and plot with nefarious purposes.

Bruno is depicted as a foil to the protagonist, characterized by his love for food and wealthy background. His parents, notably his father, represent the skeptical and dismissive attitudes of adults unaware of the story’s magical elements.

Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Norway And England • 1980s

Publication Year

1983

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

740L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.