Do old classic stories have a market in the modern world?

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

Written by: Ian Fleming @TheIanFleming

Illustrated by: Thomas Gilbert

Published by: Ian Fleming Publications

Published: June 13th 2024

Price: £7.99

First line: Most motor-cars are conglomerations (this is a long word for bundles) of steel and wire and rubber and plastic, and electricity and oil and petrol and water, and the toffee papers you push down the cracks in the back seat last Sunday.

Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Family

Thanks to @Toppsta for the review copy.

What’s it all about? The Pott family (Commander Caractacus Potts, Mimsie Pott, Jeremy and Jemima Potts – twin eight year olds) find a magic car and travel around with it on loads of adventures, including stopping some gangsters.

Why should I read it? This story, written in 1961 (just four years before he died), was first told to the author’s son, Caspar. It is now a classic for film fans too, with the book being turned into a popular film. This is now the 60th anniversary edition. Being 60 years old, the language (terrific and smashing are adjectives for exclamations) and social norms (like buying a car is a big event; mother making the picnic and father fixing the car; the children go to boarding school; the traditional stiff upper lip way of dealing with fear or a problem – being scared in a tunnel for example) are very traditional and Enid Blyton like. However, the storyline is still absorbing, especially with the children and the magic car chasing, outwitting, and finally capturing a gang of thieves. I like how there is lots of communication with the reader, breaking the 4th wall (is that the same concept as in films?). Additionally, there are some fantastic modern illustrations by Thomas Gilbert in this edition. There is a lot of really detailed information about cars, which I don’t think would particularly appeal to modern readers. Worthwhile reading for the understanding of a different, simpler era!