Roald Dahl Omnibus

Like many American readers, I only knew Roald Dahl from his children's books. I picked this book up expecting lighter fare. Wow, was I in for a chilling surprise.This book is one of the best-written horror collections that I own. In this case, horror does not mean monsters but simply people being cruel and spiteful to each other in clever and interesting ways. The language and writing of the stories is captivating. Descriptive text flows from every page. The pacing of the stories is precise. This is a talented writer in full command of his skills.A few examples of the stories: A man with new money hosts a dinner party, and a famous epicurean is invited. The host bets the epicurean that he can not name the wine being served. The stakes of the bet is the host's unwilling daughter. A homeless man bears the tattoo of a famous artist on his skin. Many wealthy collectors plot for the man's skin. The man is not needed. There are many other tales, each with a distinct brand of meanness.Strangely enough, a few of these tales are very familiar. I realized later that they were dramatized on "Alfred Hitchcock Presents." I highly recommend the "Roald Dahl Omnibus."

For anybody who thinks that Roald Dahl writes only for children, think again. He may be the only children's author / Playboy contributor on record. His range is enormous. Every single one of these short stories is a gem. The wonderful thing about Dahl is not just his ability to slip a twist in at the end of a story, or his incredibly imaginative plots, but his use of the language. Fantastic!

There is no author like Roald Dahl. You thought that Stephen King was the master of terror and suspense? Dahl makes his stories look like a stroll on a warm summer's day. I read "Poison" a half-hour ago and I literally still have chills. "Lamb to the Slaughter" is an absolute classic. Read one story and you will agree that Dahl was not alright: These stories are not for the faint of heart. It is truly ADULT WRITING. It covers everything from death to sex to mutilation to death, sex and mutilation. If you enjoy short stories, read this book. If you enjoy horror stories, read this book. If you enjoy twists and turns, read this book. If you can read, read this book. If you can't read, have someone read this book to you. What else is there to say?