Gangsta Granny: A Review Of David Walliams' Hilarious Novel

5 min read Post on May 20, 2025

Gangsta Granny: A Review Of David Walliams' Hilarious Novel

The Hilarious Characters of Gangsta Granny

The comedic brilliance of Gangsta Granny lies not only in its plot but also in its unforgettable cast of characters.

Ben's Reluctant Participation

Ben, a typical, somewhat reluctant grandson, initially views his Friday night visits to his Granny's house with a distinct lack of enthusiasm. His perception of his Granny as a somewhat boring and frail old woman is dramatically challenged.

Relatable Character: Ben's initial boredom and reluctance are relatable to many children, making him an instantly engaging protagonist.
Transformation: As he discovers his Granny's secret life, Ben undergoes a fascinating transformation, becoming more adventurous and brave.
Unexpected Friendship: The unlikely bond between Ben and his Granny forms the heart of the story, filled with humor and unexpected affection.

Granny's Surprising Alter Ego

Granny is the undisputed star of Gangsta Granny, a masterclass in comedic characterization. Her outwardly docile personality masks a daring and skillful jewel thief with a surprising "gangsta" attitude.

Secret Identity: The contrast between her seemingly frail exterior and her inner "gangsta" is a source of endless amusement.
Hilarious Disguise: Her attempts at disguise, from wigs to disguises, add layers of slapstick comedy to the narrative.
Unexpected Skills: Granny's surprising agility and cunning during the heist sequences provide many laugh-out-loud moments.

Supporting Characters and their Roles

While Granny and Ben take center stage, the supporting characters add their own brand of humor to the mix. Ben's parents, for example, provide a contrasting backdrop of normality to the chaos unfolding around them.

Comic Relief: Each character, even the minor ones, contributes to the overall comedic effect, enhancing the book's entertainment value.
Plot Development: Their actions and reactions often propel the plot forward, adding depth and unexpected twists to the narrative.
Witty Dialogue: The witty dialogue between the characters keeps the story lively and engaging.

The Thrilling Plot and Unexpected Twists of Gangsta Granny

The plot of Gangsta Granny is a masterclass in building suspense and delivering unexpected twists.

The Jewel Heist Plan

The central plot revolves around a daring jewel heist at the local crown jewels exhibition. Granny, with Ben's unwitting assistance, meticulously plans the heist, creating a series of hilarious and chaotic events.

Creative Planning: The plan itself is incredibly creative and ingenious, full of humorous mishaps and near misses.
Unexpected Challenges: The heist doesn't go exactly as planned, throwing in plenty of curveballs and unexpected obstacles.
Thrilling Adventure: The high-stakes nature of the heist keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the outcome.

The Climax and Resolution

The climax of Gangsta Granny is a whirlwind of exciting events, showcasing Granny's resourcefulness and Ben's growing bravery. The resolution is both satisfying and unexpected, tying up all the loose ends in a way that will leave readers smiling.

Exciting Events: The final confrontation is tense and exciting, creating a satisfying conclusion to the thrilling adventure.
Resolution and Closure: The story provides a neat resolution, leaving readers with a sense of fulfillment and joy.
Unexpected Ending: While predictable in some aspects, the ending still possesses an element of surprise that makes it truly memorable.

Why Gangsta Granny Remains a Popular Children's Book

Gangsta Granny's enduring popularity stems from a combination of factors that appeal to young readers.

Age Appropriateness and Engaging Storytelling

Gangsta Granny strikes the perfect balance between excitement and age appropriateness, making it suitable for a wide range of children.

Fast-Paced Narrative: The fast-paced narrative keeps children engaged from beginning to end, preventing boredom.
Relatable Characters: The characters are relatable, allowing children to connect with them on an emotional level.
Humorous Situations: The humor is both silly and sophisticated, appealing to children of different ages and maturity levels.

David Walliams' Unique Writing Style

David Walliams' distinctive writing style is a significant contributor to the book's success.

Wit and Wordplay: Walliams' signature wit and wordplay add layers of humor that both children and adults can appreciate.
Comedic Timing: His comedic timing is impeccable, creating laugh-out-loud moments throughout the story.
Engaging Narration: The engaging narrative style ensures that readers are fully immersed in the story's world.

Conclusion

Gangsta Granny is more than just a children's book; it's a hilarious, thrilling, and heartwarming adventure that will capture the imaginations of readers young and old. The unforgettable characters, the exciting plot twists, and David Walliams' unique writing style combine to create a truly enjoyable reading experience. This hilarious children's book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates witty writing and engaging storytelling. If you haven't already, pick up a copy of Gangsta Granny or explore other David Walliams novels—you won't be disappointed! This captivating tale of a "gangsta" Granny and her reluctant accomplice makes for a truly unforgettable read, solidifying Gangsta Granny's place as a beloved classic in the world of children's literature.