Roald Dahl - The Collected Short Stories

Once again! the Everyman's Library has outdone any other publisher's job of creating a thorough and precise piece of book history. This is the third book I have purchased and read through Everyman's Library and I sincerely feel their books are the only ones I will buy when creating my own hardcover collection. The quality of paper, the texture of the outer red cover, the beauty of the chronological timeline of events in the author's life, they not only think of it all, but go so far beyond what is called for in a $20 book. If I were a tree that died in the name of paper, I would only hope my flesh would go towards another Everyman's success. On to Roald Dahl. Best writer Ever. Best collection Ever. Best stories I have Ever read. Best organization of stories contained within a single volume. This book is Paper Gold. My favorite writer and my favorite book publish company smooshed into a magnificent creation that is the perfect size for the average human; hand and lap!!! Touch the hard cover. Feel it upon your cheek. Smell the pages... In the name of all that is holy!

Simply put, Roald Dahl's short stories are fantastic. This collection provides an entertaining variation in content and themes from "the absolute master of the twist-in-a-tale". Dahl's characters and settings are well-rounded even in short-story format, and I had no trouble being sucked right into the stories. Collected tales of war, sex, revenge and adventure (sometimes in the same story), all spiced with sarcasm, irony and more often than not, a sinister twist. Don't be surprised if you find yourself silently cheering for a character. However, by the same token don't be surprised if the character in question is subjected to a well-conceived plot twist! I believe one of the best features is that Dahl doesn't beat you over the head with resolutions to his stories. He gives you all the details needed to predict where events will inevitably end, allowing you to formulate and imagine it yourself. In an age of spoon-fed plots in both film and literature, this is a valuable and wonderful thing indeed. I highly recommend this book for people with a dark sense of humour, an appreciation for sarcasm and irony, and readers who prefer their characters to not be of the transparent 'cookie cutter' variety. I would rate this book higher than five stars - 10 out of 10 easily.

Dive into this right in the middle and you will find fantastic stories about sex, foolishness, human failings and greatness. Each story ends with a twist, which will make you giggle, ponder or contemplate. You will be left at the end of each story craving the next one. Among theese stories are the best in the english language and by far the peak of Dahls adult literature. Each makes a mark on human desires and silliness. He also pays great attention to the divisions between the sexes. The hunders of characters are so beautifuly defined in such a short period of space. You will identify yourselves with so many of their traits. At times you will root for one character. Other times you will laugh at them. In the end however you will remember myth of theese stories, with clarity. Quite possibly you will even pass them on, as folk lore. Dahl is not just for children. He is universal. Five Stars.

This book is packed solid with 52 highly entertaining stories that have so many twists and turns you will not want to stop reading. Each well-written story is unique in its own way, whether it be amusing, thrilling, sad or altogether intriguing. The characters, even the dislikable ones, are so splendidly created and lifelike that you will be completely engrossed in their lives. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read for those who love a good twist-in-the-tale story.