Roald Dahl's The Twits captivates with its dark humor and memorable characters. Praise highlights its clever writing and imaginative plot, engaging both children and adults. Critics, however, note its harshness and potential to be unsettling for younger readers. Overall, it's a distinctive, entertaining read with a caution on its mature themes.

A reader who enjoys quirky, humorous tales with a touch of the grotesque will revel in The Twits by Roald Dahl. Comparable to those who appreciate the whimsical darkness of Matilda by Dahl or the mischievous antics in James and the Giant Peach, this book is perfect for children and adults who delight in imaginative storytelling with a moral twist.

The Twits tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Twit, a cruel couple who mistreat each other and the animals around their home until the animals, with the help of the Roly-Poly Bird, outsmart them, leading to the Twits' downfall and the animals' eventual freedom.

Humorous / Playful / Mysterious / Unnerving / Dark

- The Twits features illustrations by Quentin Blake, who collaborated with Roald Dahl on many of his books, creating iconic and whimsical images that perfectly complement the humor and style of Dahl's writing.
- Roald Dahl wrote The Twits partially as a response to his desire to write about purely nasty characters, showcasing how unbecoming and horrific people can become if they lead an ugly life.
- In 2002, The Twits ranked 81st on the BBC’s poll "The Big Read" to find the nation’s best-loved novel, indicating its lasting popularity and appeal among readers.

**Mr. Twit**  
A main character known for his beard, whose outward appearance reflects certain characteristics and plays a significant role in the story's events and themes.

**Mrs. Twit**  
Another central character who once was different but has become unkind and is depicted as having changed in appearance due to her personality.

**Muggle-Wump**  
A recurring character in Dahl’s works, known for his ability to work with others, he contributes to overcoming challenges faced by the group of animals.

**Roly-Poly Bird**  
A character from Africa who can communicate in multiple languages, providing humor and aiding in the plot with his unique abilities.

Roald Dahl

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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The Twits Summary

Background

The Twits Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-14

The Twits Chapters 1-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-29

The Twits Chapters 15-29 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Twits Character Analysis

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Themes

The Twits Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Twits Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Twits Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Twits Essay Topics

Introduction

The Twits Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

The Twits Before Reading

During Reading

The Twits During Reading

After Reading

The Twits After Reading

The Twits

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Twits?

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Book Details