Awful Auntie
 First edition | |
| Author | David Walliams |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Tony Ross |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's fiction |
| Publisher | HarperCollins |
Publication date | 26 September 2014 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 272 |
| ISBN | 978-0-00745361-0 |
Awful Auntie is a children's book written by David Walliams and illustrated by Tony Ross. It is the seventh book by Walliams, a television comedian best known as an actor on the show Little Britain, and as a judge on Britain's Got Talent.
The book tells the story of Stella Saxby, the sole heir to Saxby Hall, who is plagued by her awful Aunt Alberta and her giant owl, who will stop at nothing to take her inheritance from her.[1][2]
Plot
The book is set in December 1933. The central character is Stella Saxby, whose parents, Lord and Lady Saxby, have died in a tragic automobile accident. In the wake of the tragedy, Stella's Aunt Alberta launches a plot to trick Stella out of her inheritance. Also featured are Wagner (Aunt Alberta's enormous owl), Soot (a chimney sweep) and Gibbon (the Saxby's elderly butler who offers much comic relief).[3]
Alberta lives up to her moniker as being awful. She lacks all sympathy and morals, having chosen to fight on the German side in World War I simply because she preferred their uniforms. She has killed and tortured people and loves vicious owls. Stella rightfully fears her, and has to use all her wits to overcome the antagonism.[3]
Inspiration
Walliams says that actress Miriam Margolyes, known among other roles as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, was part of the inspiration for Aunt Alberta. The author is quick to note that he is a fan of her work and has nothing against her. He told The Telegraph in an interview, “She came to see me when I was appearing in A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the West End [...] I don’t know her well. I just met her once and she said something rude in front of my aunt.”
Walliams also notes that he often writes with actors and actresses in mind, stating for example that Michael Gambon was on his mind as he wrote Mr Stink.[4]
Reception
The book sold over 50,000 copies in a single week after its release, and has been met with high marks from reviewers.[4]
Television adaptation
On March 30, 2015, while announcing the Billionaire Boy movie, Walliams also announced a film of Awful Auntie to air during December 2016.
References
- ^ David Walliams, Awful Auntie overview, Author's website.
- ^ Harper Collins, Awful Auntie overview, Publisher's website.
- ^ a b Philip Ardagh, Awful Auntie review – David Walliams's best book yet, The Guardian, 25 September 2014.
- ^ a b Tim Walker, David Walliams: Miriam Margolyes is the real-life Awful Auntie, The Telegraph, 2 October 2014.