Gangsta Granny: A Review Of David Walliams' Hilarious Book

Mei Lin

4 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

4.6

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The Hilarious Plot and Unexpected Twists

The central plot of Gangsta Granny revolves around Ben, a young boy whose life takes a dramatically unexpected turn when he discovers his seemingly ordinary Granny has a secret life: she's a jewel thief! This revelation sets the stage for a hilariously daring plan to steal the Crown Jewels. The story is packed with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers – young and old – engaged from beginning to end.

Here are some of the key plot points that make Gangsta Granny such a captivating read:

• Granny's secret life as a jewel thief: This initial surprise immediately establishes the book's unconventional and humorous tone.
• The daring plan to steal the Crown Jewels: The sheer audacity of the plan adds a thrilling element to the story.
• The comical obstacles and near misses: The numerous mishaps and close calls throughout the heist provide endless opportunities for laughter.
• The unexpected involvement of Ben: Ben's reluctant participation adds another layer of humor and heart to the story.

Walliams masterfully blends slapstick comedy with genuinely suspenseful moments, creating a thrilling and hilarious read that keeps children on the edge of their seats. The pacing is perfect, ensuring that the humor never overshadows the excitement of the heist.

Memorable and Quirky Characters

Gangsta Granny boasts a cast of memorable and quirky characters, each contributing to the overall comedic brilliance of the story. The characters are well-developed and relatable, even the more eccentric ones.

Let's take a closer look at some of the key players:

• Ben: Initially bored by his Granny and her seemingly mundane life, Ben's reluctance to participate in the heist gradually transforms into enthusiastic involvement, making him a surprisingly endearing protagonist.
• Granny: The star of the show! Granny is portrayed as an eccentric, adventurous, and surprisingly skilled jewel thief. Her determination and resourcefulness, combined with her lovable quirks, make her a truly unforgettable character.
• Other characters (e.g., Grandpa, the security guards): These supporting characters provide crucial comic relief, adding to the overall hilarity of the narrative. Each character is distinct and plays a crucial, if often comical, role in the unfolding events.

Walliams' knack for creating memorable and eccentric characters shines through, each one contributing to the overall comedic brilliance of the story.

Walliams' Signature Writing Style

David Walliams' signature writing style is evident throughout Gangsta Granny. His comedic timing is impeccable, and his use of language is both witty and accessible to young readers. He employs silly voices and descriptive language that perfectly capture the tone of the story.

• Comedic timing and use of language: Walliams uses puns, wordplay, and unexpected turns of phrase to create a constant stream of laughter.
• Silly voices and descriptions: The vivid descriptions and use of different voices bring the characters to life and enhance the comedic effect.
• Illustrations: The illustrations perfectly complement the text, adding another layer of visual humor to the already hilarious narrative. They capture the essence of the story and enhance the overall reading experience.
• Dramatic irony and unexpected humor: Walliams cleverly uses dramatic irony and unexpected humor to keep readers engaged and entertained.

Themes and Lessons Learned

While undeniably hilarious, Gangsta Granny also explores some important underlying themes. Beyond the laughs, it subtly explores the importance of family bonds, defying expectations, and finding adventure in the most unexpected places. The book provides a wonderful opportunity to spark conversations with children about family relationships and embracing the unconventional.

• Family bonds: The story emphasizes the strength of the bond between Ben and his Granny, despite their initial differences.
• Defying expectations: Granny's secret life challenges readers to question preconceived notions and embrace the unexpected.
• Finding adventure: The narrative encourages readers to seek out adventure and excitement, even in everyday life.

Gangsta Granny is a great book to spark conversation about family relationships and finding the fun in unexpected places.

Conclusion

Gangsta Granny is a masterful blend of humor, suspense, and heartwarming themes. The hilarious plot, memorable characters, David Walliams' distinctive writing style, and underlying messages combine to create a truly unforgettable reading experience. From the unexpected twists to the perfectly timed comedic moments, every page is filled with laughter and charm.

If you're looking for a hilarious and heartwarming read for children (or yourself!), Gangsta Granny is an absolute must-have. Grab your copy of this classic today and experience the joy of David Walliams' brilliant storytelling!