Salman Rushdie decries 'absurd censorship' of Roald Dahl's classic children's books, with words like 'fat' removed.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding the British publisher Puffin Books' decision to alter the language in new editions of Roald Dahl's classic children's books to align with modern sensibilities. Critics, including author Salman Rushdie, have accused the publisher of censorship after changes were made to descriptions related to weight, gender, and race in works like "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Matilda." The Roald Dahl Story Company, which collaborated with Puffin and Inclusive Minds to review the texts, stated that the modifications were intended to ensure the stories remain enjoyable for contemporary readers while maintaining the original spirit of the narratives. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between cultural sensitivity and the preservation of literary integrity. [Extracted from the article]