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Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected #1
Tales of the Unexpected
A wine connoisseur with an infallible palate and a sinister taste in wagers. A decrepit old man with a masterpiece tattooed on his back. A voracious adventuress, a gentle cuckold, and a garden sculpture that becomes an instrument of sadistic vengeance. Social climbers who climb a bit too quickly. Philanderers whose deceptions are a trifle too ornate. Impeccable servants whose bland masks slip for one vertiginous instant.
In these deliciously nasty stories an internationally acclaimed practitioner of the short narrative works his own brand of black magic: tantalizing, amusing, and sometimes terrifying readers into a new sense of what lurks beneath the ordinary. Included in Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected are such notorious gems of the bizarre as "The Sound Machine," "Lamb to Slaughter," "Neck," and "The Landlady."
Cover illustration by Seth Jaben
Cover design by Heidi North
Contents:
- Taste
- Lamb to the Slaughter
- Man from the South
- My Lady Love, My Dove
- Dip in the Pool
- Galloping Foxley
- Skin
- Neck
- Nunc Dimittis
- The Landlady
- William and Mary
- The Way Up to Heaven
- Parson's Pleasure
- Mrs. Bixby and the Colonel's Coat
- Royal Jelly
- Edward the Conqueror
- The Sound Machine
- Georgy Porgy
- The Hitchhiker
- Poison
- The Boy Who Talked with Animals
- The Umbrella Man
- Genesis and Catastrophe
- The Butler
In these deliciously nasty stories an internationally acclaimed practitioner of the short narrative works his own brand of black magic: tantalizing, amusing, and sometimes terrifying readers into a new sense of what lurks beneath the ordinary. Included in Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected are such notorious gems of the bizarre as "The Sound Machine," "Lamb to Slaughter," "Neck," and "The Landlady."
Cover illustration by Seth Jaben
Cover design by Heidi North
Contents:
- Taste
- Lamb to the Slaughter
- Man from the South
- My Lady Love, My Dove
- Dip in the Pool
- Galloping Foxley
- Skin
- Neck
- Nunc Dimittis
- The Landlady
- William and Mary
- The Way Up to Heaven
- Parson's Pleasure
- Mrs. Bixby and the Colonel's Coat
- Royal Jelly
- Edward the Conqueror
- The Sound Machine
- Georgy Porgy
- The Hitchhiker
- Poison
- The Boy Who Talked with Animals
- The Umbrella Man
- Genesis and Catastrophe
- The Butler
471 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1979
437 people are currently reading
8601 people want to read
About the author
Roald Dahl
1,453 books26k followersRoald Dahl was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 629 reviews
March 6, 2022
I got the impression that this particular book by Roald Dahl would scare and give me night terrors but after reading it, I felt exactly the opposite.
The stories were hilarious and entertaining. I found myself laughing for the most part because of how clever the endings were executed. I could say that some of the characters deserved what happened to them, I mean, some of them were bad people driven by greed and avarice.
But I was really bushwhacked by the last episode involving a cat. I have learned to expect the unexpected but the last one infuriated me. “Edward, the Conqueror” would be “Edward, the dead”, if our paths ever crossed, I can tell you that much.
The stories were hilarious and entertaining. I found myself laughing for the most part because of how clever the endings were executed. I could say that some of the characters deserved what happened to them, I mean, some of them were bad people driven by greed and avarice.
But I was really bushwhacked by the last episode involving a cat. I have learned to expect the unexpected but the last one infuriated me. “Edward, the Conqueror” would be “Edward, the dead”, if our paths ever crossed, I can tell you that much.
April 4, 2020
ذهن رولد دال برای داستان های کودک و نوجوان دنیاهای جذاب و جادویی می سازه که اتفاق های جالبی در اون ها میوفته. یک طنز دلنشین هم همیشه به داستان گره خورده. نتیجه میشه آدم هایی که پرنده میشن، کارخانه شکلات سازی با اومپا لومپاها و یک غول مهربون
حالا همون خلاقیت رو وقتی به داستان های بزرگسال میاری داستان ها عجیب غریب و فیریک میشن و اون طنز، سیاه میشه
که نتیجه میشه این مجموعه داستان کوتاه نامنتظره
کتاب تکونی
99.1.16
حالا همون خلاقیت رو وقتی به داستان های بزرگسال میاری داستان ها عجیب غریب و فیریک میشن و اون طنز، سیاه میشه
که نتیجه میشه این مجموعه داستان کوتاه نامنتظره
کتاب تکونی
99.1.16
December 12, 2017
Tales of the Unexpected, Roald Dahl
Contents: "Taste"; "Lamb to the Slaughter"; "Man from the South"; "My Lady Love, My Dove"; "Dip in the Pool"; "Galloping Foxley"; "Skin"; "Neck"; "Nunc Dimittis"; "The Landlady"; "William and Mary"; "The Way Up to Heaven"; "Parson's Pleasure"; "Mrs Bixby and the Colonel's Coat"; "Royal Jelly"; "Edward the Conqueror"; "The Hitchhiker".
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: بیست و یکم ماه سپتامبر سال 2009 میلادی
عنوان: داستانهای نامنتظره؛ نویسنده: رولد دال؛ مترجم: گیتا گرکانی؛ تهران، انتشارات کاروان؛ 1384؛ در 360 ص؛ شابک: 9789648497113؛ چاپ دوم 1388؛ موضوع: داستانهای کوتاه نوجوانان از نویسندگان انگلیسی قرن 20 م
داستانهای نامنتظره، شانزده (نسخ اصلی هفده) داستان کوتاه برگزیده از آثار: رولد دال است، رولد دال یکی از بزرگ ترین و مشهورترین نویسندگان انگلستان است و مجله ی تایمز، او را یکی از پرخواننده ترین و تاثیرگذارترین نویسندگان نسل امروزی نامیده است که داستانهایش از آثار کلاسیک آینده خواهد بود. هر داستان این مجموعه، گرهی حیرت آور در خود دارد. مثلا مردی که خطر میکند. و بر سر دخترش شرط میبندد، یا مسافری که برای بردن در شرط بندی، خود را به دریا میاندازد؛ در این مجموعه، داستان ادوارد فاتح هم هست، و گربه ای اسرارآمیز که امنیت خانواده را به خطر میاندازد؛ و بانویی که با ظاهر بی گناهش، اتاق کرایه میدهد و مهمانانش بیش از حد انتظار پیش او میمانند، و نباید داستان دلپذیر و تکان دهنده ی انتقام گیری بره ی قربانی را فراموش کرد. هر داستان با حوادث دور از انتظار ترسناک همراه است و هر کدام از قصه ها، ساختاری بی نقص دارند و بهترین و ظریف ترین شکل طنز تلخ را به نمایش میگذارند. داستانهای کوتاه رولد دال، نمونه ای است برای هر کس که میخواهد داستان کوتاه بنویسد یا بخواند. ا. شربیانی
Contents: "Taste"; "Lamb to the Slaughter"; "Man from the South"; "My Lady Love, My Dove"; "Dip in the Pool"; "Galloping Foxley"; "Skin"; "Neck"; "Nunc Dimittis"; "The Landlady"; "William and Mary"; "The Way Up to Heaven"; "Parson's Pleasure"; "Mrs Bixby and the Colonel's Coat"; "Royal Jelly"; "Edward the Conqueror"; "The Hitchhiker".
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: بیست و یکم ماه سپتامبر سال 2009 میلادی
عنوان: داستانهای نامنتظره؛ نویسنده: رولد دال؛ مترجم: گیتا گرکانی؛ تهران، انتشارات کاروان؛ 1384؛ در 360 ص؛ شابک: 9789648497113؛ چاپ دوم 1388؛ موضوع: داستانهای کوتاه نوجوانان از نویسندگان انگلیسی قرن 20 م
داستانهای نامنتظره، شانزده (نسخ اصلی هفده) داستان کوتاه برگزیده از آثار: رولد دال است، رولد دال یکی از بزرگ ترین و مشهورترین نویسندگان انگلستان است و مجله ی تایمز، او را یکی از پرخواننده ترین و تاثیرگذارترین نویسندگان نسل امروزی نامیده است که داستانهایش از آثار کلاسیک آینده خواهد بود. هر داستان این مجموعه، گرهی حیرت آور در خود دارد. مثلا مردی که خطر میکند. و بر سر دخترش شرط میبندد، یا مسافری که برای بردن در شرط بندی، خود را به دریا میاندازد؛ در این مجموعه، داستان ادوارد فاتح هم هست، و گربه ای اسرارآمیز که امنیت خانواده را به خطر میاندازد؛ و بانویی که با ظاهر بی گناهش، اتاق کرایه میدهد و مهمانانش بیش از حد انتظار پیش او میمانند، و نباید داستان دلپذیر و تکان دهنده ی انتقام گیری بره ی قربانی را فراموش کرد. هر داستان با حوادث دور از انتظار ترسناک همراه است و هر کدام از قصه ها، ساختاری بی نقص دارند و بهترین و ظریف ترین شکل طنز تلخ را به نمایش میگذارند. داستانهای کوتاه رولد دال، نمونه ای است برای هر کس که میخواهد داستان کوتاه بنویسد یا بخواند. ا. شربیانی
April 18, 2021
I listened to a selection of eight stories from this book, available from internet archive at https://archive.org/details/talesunex...
Some of the stories were better than others...the readers are excellent (in particular, Geoffrey Palmer).
The thing is that although I love Dahl's witty and twisted humor, many of the endings are predictable. Some of the stories are so famous that even I had read them before. In Lamb to the Slaughter, a wife feeds murder weapon to police colleagues of her husband, who come to the house to investigate his murder; in The Way Up to Heaven, emotionally abused woman is anxious for her six-week trip to France to visit her daughter and grandchildren. Her Tormenting Husband (TH) clearly intends to make her miss her flight. When TH deliberately orchestrates a detour to the airport, dropping him at his club, insuring that she will miss her flight, he relishes in further frustrating her beyond belief as he feigns having forgotten something and traces his steps back to the house to retrieve the missing item. It is clear that she will miss the flight unless drastic action is taken, and when she can no longer bear it she rushes back up to the house to see what is holding him up. As she nears the door, she hears the familiar sound of a technical failure inside. She stops in her tracks, turns on her heel, and tells the driver not to wait, but to take her straight to the airport stating that her husband can hail a cab and make his own way to the club. Six weeks later she returns home from France and calls the technician….The dark humor in this story is just toooooo delicious!
There are several familiar betting stories where the dupe is absolutely guaranteed to win but of course loses (some of you may remember Sky Masterson, in Guys and Dolls, warning about a card jumping out of the deck and squirting cider in your ear…) but even when losing there is the Dahl twist on a twist.
In Parson’s Pleasure two dim marks unwittingly get the better of a conning antique dealer trying to steal a Chippendale Commode from under their noses. There is a meh story about a cat who is the reincarnation of Franz Liszt (the point of this story might have gone over my head), in Neck, Narrator/Reporter tells of how a very wealthy and kind lover of art, bachelor Sir Basil Turton, is snagged by a determined pretty woman who had him hitched before the altar before he knew what hit him. Six years later she was very much ruling the roost; N/R and others are guests at the family estate for the weekend. N/R describes how he and Sir Basil witness her cuckolding coquettish flirtation with other weekend guest. When her head gets stuck inside an aperture of a treasured wooden sculpture in the garden….Sir Basil calls for the axe and the saw to extricate her head from the beloved statue….
Altogether a fun read/listen
Some of the stories were better than others...the readers are excellent (in particular, Geoffrey Palmer).
The thing is that although I love Dahl's witty and twisted humor, many of the endings are predictable. Some of the stories are so famous that even I had read them before. In Lamb to the Slaughter, a wife feeds murder weapon to police colleagues of her husband, who come to the house to investigate his murder; in The Way Up to Heaven, emotionally abused woman is anxious for her six-week trip to France to visit her daughter and grandchildren. Her Tormenting Husband (TH) clearly intends to make her miss her flight. When TH deliberately orchestrates a detour to the airport, dropping him at his club, insuring that she will miss her flight, he relishes in further frustrating her beyond belief as he feigns having forgotten something and traces his steps back to the house to retrieve the missing item. It is clear that she will miss the flight unless drastic action is taken, and when she can no longer bear it she rushes back up to the house to see what is holding him up. As she nears the door, she hears the familiar sound of a technical failure inside. She stops in her tracks, turns on her heel, and tells the driver not to wait, but to take her straight to the airport stating that her husband can hail a cab and make his own way to the club. Six weeks later she returns home from France and calls the technician….The dark humor in this story is just toooooo delicious!
There are several familiar betting stories where the dupe is absolutely guaranteed to win but of course loses (some of you may remember Sky Masterson, in Guys and Dolls, warning about a card jumping out of the deck and squirting cider in your ear…) but even when losing there is the Dahl twist on a twist.
In Parson’s Pleasure two dim marks unwittingly get the better of a conning antique dealer trying to steal a Chippendale Commode from under their noses. There is a meh story about a cat who is the reincarnation of Franz Liszt (the point of this story might have gone over my head), in Neck, Narrator/Reporter tells of how a very wealthy and kind lover of art, bachelor Sir Basil Turton, is snagged by a determined pretty woman who had him hitched before the altar before he knew what hit him. Six years later she was very much ruling the roost; N/R and others are guests at the family estate for the weekend. N/R describes how he and Sir Basil witness her cuckolding coquettish flirtation with other weekend guest. When her head gets stuck inside an aperture of a treasured wooden sculpture in the garden….Sir Basil calls for the axe and the saw to extricate her head from the beloved statue….
Altogether a fun read/listen
Read
February 9, 2017El lado más cínico y siniestro, macabro incluso, del autor inglés puede pillarnos muy por sorpresa a los que solo lo conocemos por sus obras infantiles. La maestría con la que juega con las tensiones tan diferentes de estos relatos es maravillosa y nos demuestra con creces su dominio del género. Consigue tenernos en vilo a pesar de que a veces podemos acertar a imaginar cómo acabará por resolverse el enredo. En otras ocasiones nos deja con cara de pasmo de la manera más espectacular.
Reseña completa y mi versión de la portada en https://sidumbledorefueralibrero.com/...
Reseña completa y mi versión de la portada en https://sidumbledorefueralibrero.com/...
to-be-considered
September 13, 2016Goofing around with Google Translate on Roald Dahl's 100th birthday ... and the result was quite – well – unexpected
October 18, 2022
Los cuentos de Road Dahl son un clásico, es difícil decir nada nuevo sobre ellos. Yo ya había leído esta recopilación, pero he disfrutado con la relectura, apreciando todos los matices de humor e ironía que contienen. Momentos espeluznantes se combinan con otros de pura carcajada, junto con un montón de personajes únicos que van desfilando como si nada. Clasicazo imprescindible para quien ame los relatos.
March 31, 2020
Perfect for all those in-between times when you need an excellent quick read! Rials Dahl is a master storyteller and these short quick reads are varied, and there’s sure to be one for all readers in this collection.
November 30, 2015
Estes contos são uma coisa maravilhosa!
Dezasseis histórias contadas com um humor muito negro e com uns finais cruéis e surpreendentes. De alguns lembro-me de os ter visto numa série, que passou há muitos anos na televisão, e que eu adorava: Hitchcock Apresenta.
Creio que não estão traduzidos para português, o que é uma pena; li-os em castelhano graças ao César Lasso, a quem muito agradeço.
Dezasseis histórias contadas com um humor muito negro e com uns finais cruéis e surpreendentes. De alguns lembro-me de os ter visto numa série, que passou há muitos anos na televisão, e que eu adorava: Hitchcock Apresenta.
Creio que não estão traduzidos para português, o que é uma pena; li-os em castelhano graças ao César Lasso, a quem muito agradeço.
June 26, 2009
The problem with this book is that all of the endings were expected! This would be a great book to use as a model for lessons in irony with a creative writing class, because that is the purpose of every story--to provide an ironic ending to an otherwise relatively mundane story. I like irony as much as anyone else, but none of the endings were surprising. It's hard to stay engaged in a suspenseful short story when you can predict the ending from page two. Luckily, I like to see execution, so I did read the book as a sort of self-exercise.
I'd recommend this book to creative writing teachers, but not too many other people. The verbiage is lovely--I'd use the words "quaint" or "old-fashioned" to describe the style. It makes me think of those work by Beatrix Potter mixed with Hemingway. The irony is well executed, but other than thinking, "wow, that was well set up!" I did not have much of a reaction to the stories.
I'd recommend this book to creative writing teachers, but not too many other people. The verbiage is lovely--I'd use the words "quaint" or "old-fashioned" to describe the style. It makes me think of those work by Beatrix Potter mixed with Hemingway. The irony is well executed, but other than thinking, "wow, that was well set up!" I did not have much of a reaction to the stories.
November 18, 2021
Gefühlt hat Mitte der 70er so ziemlich jeder Küßchen Küßchen gelesen, das Rowohlt Taschenbuch mit den skurrilen Männeken auf dem Umschlag. Das Buch lag überall rum, ähnlich verbreitet wie die grüne dreibändige Der Herr der Ringe-Ausgabe. Wer die Bücher nicht besaß, lieh sie sich, und meistens wurden sie auch gelesen.
Ende der 70er fand diese englische Taschenbuchausgabe den Weg in mein Regal, und auch die hier versammelten Geschichten mochte ich sehr. Ein nicht unerheblicher Reiz war übrigens, die Stories auf Englisch zu lesen. Bücher in englischer Sprache, man glaubt es kaum, waren damals in einer Kleinstadt nicht leicht zu bekommen und die Auswahl äußerst begrenzt. Roald Dahl jedoch war gewiß kein Notkauf.
Jetzt, beim Wiederlesen einiger Geschichten, ist der alte Reiz gleich wieder präsent. Der so schwarze wie britische Humor ist immer noch wunderbar, hinzu ist der Retro=Charme gekommen.
Ob ich meine deutschen Roald Dahl-Taschenbücher noch irgendwo in zweiter Reihe finden könnte? Ich sollte mal danach suchen ...
Ende der 70er fand diese englische Taschenbuchausgabe den Weg in mein Regal, und auch die hier versammelten Geschichten mochte ich sehr. Ein nicht unerheblicher Reiz war übrigens, die Stories auf Englisch zu lesen. Bücher in englischer Sprache, man glaubt es kaum, waren damals in einer Kleinstadt nicht leicht zu bekommen und die Auswahl äußerst begrenzt. Roald Dahl jedoch war gewiß kein Notkauf.
Jetzt, beim Wiederlesen einiger Geschichten, ist der alte Reiz gleich wieder präsent. Der so schwarze wie britische Humor ist immer noch wunderbar, hinzu ist der Retro=Charme gekommen.
Ob ich meine deutschen Roald Dahl-Taschenbücher noch irgendwo in zweiter Reihe finden könnte? Ich sollte mal danach suchen ...
June 12, 2019
Ετοιμολογες εξυπνες ιστοριουλες απο τον αγαπημενο συγγραφεα που γνωρισα στην παιδικη μου ηλικια.
Ισως ακριβως λογω αυτου να τον προτιμω λιγο περισσοτερο στα παιδικά του βιβλία. Κατα ενα περιεργο τροπο, εκει ειναι πιο ανελεητος.
Ή μηπως μεγαλωσα και δε μου φαινεται πια τοσο σκληρος; Ή μηπως μεγαλωσε κι αυτος;
3,5 αστερια συν μισο τιμης ενεκεν απο τοτε που ημουν 10 και επαιρνα απ τη Δημοσια Βιβλιοθηκη Σαμου ο,τι δικό του υπήρχε μεταφρασμενο.
Τον αγαπώ
Ισως ακριβως λογω αυτου να τον προτιμω λιγο περισσοτερο στα παιδικά του βιβλία. Κατα ενα περιεργο τροπο, εκει ειναι πιο ανελεητος.
Ή μηπως μεγαλωσα και δε μου φαινεται πια τοσο σκληρος; Ή μηπως μεγαλωσε κι αυτος;
3,5 αστερια συν μισο τιμης ενεκεν απο τοτε που ημουν 10 και επαιρνα απ τη Δημοσια Βιβλιοθηκη Σαμου ο,τι δικό του υπήρχε μεταφρασμενο.
Τον αγαπώ
December 13, 2018
Al principio no me estaba gustando mucho, porque tres de los primeros cuatro cuentos tratan de apuestas y, aunque con diferente anécdota, mostraban las mismas herramientas de persuasión entre personajes. Pensé en ese momento que si había un cuento más sobre apuestas, iba a lanzar el libro por la ventana. Pero por suerte los siguientes se van por otro lado y, antes de que me diera cuenta, ya estaba completamente involucrada en el juego que plantean: todos estos cuentos tendrán un final inesperado, y el trabajo del lector es tratar de resolver el enigma. Muchos de ellos son predecibles, pues el autor siembra el final mediante pequeñas claves, más o menos obvias, pero eso no les quita nada. De hecho, es muy divertido descubrir cómo se trenza la trama y se construye el final. Me gusta la palabra japonesa 面白い, que encapsula los conceptos interesante y divertido. Creo que estos cuentos logran esa mezcla a la perfección, a la vez que ofrecen un respiro entre lecturas más densas (estoy por leer a Fernanda Melchor, a José Luís Peixoto y a Joyce Carol Oates; debo cuidar mi salud mental).
Lo que no me gustó de este libro es que (además de que mi ejemplar estaba muy sucio) de pronto tiene cuentos más extensos de lo debido, como aquél en el que se explican todos los pormenores de la operación para preservar el cerebro ("William and Mary"), lo cual no tiene otra función en el relato que la de demostrar el conocimiento enciclopédico que Dahl tiene sobre determinada materia, aunque también hay cuentos en los que el recurso funciona muy bien, como en "Jalea real", que fue mi favorito, junto con "Placer de clérigo".
Lo que no me gustó de este libro es que (además de que mi ejemplar estaba muy sucio) de pronto tiene cuentos más extensos de lo debido, como aquél en el que se explican todos los pormenores de la operación para preservar el cerebro ("William and Mary"), lo cual no tiene otra función en el relato que la de demostrar el conocimiento enciclopédico que Dahl tiene sobre determinada materia, aunque también hay cuentos en los que el recurso funciona muy bien, como en "Jalea real", que fue mi favorito, junto con "Placer de clérigo".
July 10, 2019
آقای رولد دال، شما بینظیرید.
March 28, 2020
„Разкази с неочакван край“ – Роалд Дал за възрастни
Който ме познава, знае, че от ранна детска възраст живея и дишам с прозата на Роалд Дал. Вкъщи периодично се разхождаха „Вещиците“, „Матилда“ и „Чарли и шоколадовата фабрика“ (последната дълбоко разочарова баща ми, когато откри фантастичния елемент към средата), но в един момент човек пораства, а с него и литературните му предпочитания. Хубавото е, че Роалд Дал се е погрижил и за това.
„Разкази с неочакван край“ е вторият ми досег до творчеството на Дал за "възрастни" читатели, затова имах и бегла представа какво мога да срещна в този сборник. И въпреки това пак останах изненадана.
Сред най-любимите ми разкази от сборника се нареждат „Смъртоносният агнешки бут“, „Хазяйката“ и „Латиноамериканецът“, които се изпъкват с прост, но въпреки това грабващ криминален сюжет – ако сте почитатели на жанра, ще ги оцените дълбоко. Други, като „Пчелно млечице“ и „Уилям и Мери“, се докосват до научната фантастика. Но най-хубавото е, че стилът на автора си остава все така увлекателен, мрачен и по британски ироничен, както го помним от произведенията му за деца.
Разбирате ли, Роалд Дал прави с прозата това, което Алфред Хичкок с филмите си, а именно - събужда подозрението, оставя те да гадаеш и те държи в постоянно напрежение до самия край (неслучайно някои от разказите тук са екранизирани в предаванията на самия Хичкок).
А краят наистина е неочакван! В някои случаи е неочаквано забавен и ироничен, в други е неочаквано мрачен и потресаващ, но винаги те кара да поспреш за момент и да се запиташ какво по дяволите си прочел току-що (но в добрия смисъл). Дал си служи изкусно с думите и успява да впримчи читателя в дадена история благодарение на добре изградената обстановка, като понякога дори се хващаш, че чакаш и се чудиш какъв ли ще е тоя обрат накрая, обаче колкото и сюжети да си представиш, въображението ти пак е на километри от финала, който е измислил авторът.
И именно затова всеки един разказ в този сборник блести сам по себе си и ще остане да се спотайва някъде в тъмните кътчета на съзнанието ви дълго след като сте затворили и последната страница.
Който ме познава, знае, че от ранна детска възраст живея и дишам с прозата на Роалд Дал. Вкъщи периодично се разхождаха „Вещиците“, „Матилда“ и „Чарли и шоколадовата фабрика“ (последната дълбоко разочарова баща ми, когато откри фантастичния елемент към средата), но в един момент човек пораства, а с него и литературните му предпочитания. Хубавото е, че Роалд Дал се е погрижил и за това.
„Разкази с неочакван край“ е вторият ми досег до творчеството на Дал за "възрастни" читатели, затова имах и бегла представа какво мога да срещна в този сборник. И въпреки това пак останах изненадана.
Сред най-любимите ми разкази от сборника се нареждат „Смъртоносният агнешки бут“, „Хазяйката“ и „Латиноамериканецът“, които се изпъкват с прост, но въпреки това грабващ криминален сюжет – ако сте почитатели на жанра, ще ги оцените дълбоко. Други, като „Пчелно млечице“ и „Уилям и Мери“, се докосват до научната фантастика. Но най-хубавото е, че стилът на автора си остава все така увлекателен, мрачен и по британски ироничен, както го помним от произведенията му за деца.
Разбирате ли, Роалд Дал прави с прозата това, което Алфред Хичкок с филмите си, а именно - събужда подозрението, оставя те да гадаеш и те държи в постоянно напрежение до самия край (неслучайно някои от разказите тук са екранизирани в предаванията на самия Хичкок).
А краят наистина е неочакван! В някои случаи е неочаквано забавен и ироничен, в други е неочаквано мрачен и потресаващ, но винаги те кара да поспреш за момент и да се запиташ какво по дяволите си прочел току-що (но в добрия смисъл). Дал си служи изкусно с думите и успява да впримчи читателя в дадена история благодарение на добре изградената обстановка, като понякога дори се хващаш, че чакаш и се чудиш какъв ли ще е тоя обрат накрая, обаче колкото и сюжети да си представиш, въображението ти пак е на километри от финала, който е измислил авторът.
И именно затова всеки един разказ в този сборник блести сам по себе си и ще остане да се спотайва някъде в тъмните кътчета на съзнанието ви дълго след като сте затворили и последната страница.
March 6, 2017
Very suspenseful, and some of them are downright chilling.
July 14, 2018
Leído allá por principios de los años 2000. Me lo pasé muy bien con su lectura, aunque algunos relatos no estuvieran tan bien.
Se puede considerar un clásico.
Se puede considerar un clásico.
March 30, 2013
I decided to forgo reading the 900 page volume of all of Roald Dahl's short stories and purchase a smaller collection to make sure I actually liked them first. And I did. Tales of the Unexpected is full of just that - tales with so many unexpected events. This is Roald Dahl at his morbid best. His children's books may be morbid, but they're nothing in comparison to his adult short stories. I particularly liked "Lamb to the Slaughter"; it was funny in a bleak sort of way. "Man From the South" is of course, genius. It's about a ridiculous bet that happens. "Taste" also deals with a huge, and plain foolish, bet. "Dip in the Pool" was really good too. There were more that I loved, but it would take too long to list them here. But Roald Dahl is a genius. In about 10 pages, he manages to make you drawn into the story, makes you feel chilled, and makes you gasp. All of the stories take place in the ordinary world, but what lurks beneath it is stunningly portrayed. Human nature is laid bare, events are laid bare, and Dahl draws heavily from his own childhood experiences in many of the stories.
The stories also never end in anything definitive; Dahl gives just enough of a conclusion to keep you wonder and guessing and thinking. In "Nunc Dimittis" for example, the ending is such a teaser. The story itself is wonderful, and at the end, you think you know what happened, but you can't be 100 % sure. Roald Dahl's tales really are unexpected; there were many instances when the story took a twist that I was shocked by, a twist that I hadn't expected at all. And that makes the stories all the more delicious. They're aptly named, that's for sure, and I loved them.
I don't know if I have a specific favorite story; they were all really good, and all really chilling and effective. Some of them were perhaps a bit too effective. "Parson's Pleasure" for example had me literally gasping out loud at the end. No, gasping isn't the right word; more like, exclaiming. It was just so...evil, the ending. I could almost hear Roald Dahl laughing as he wrote it.
Often (but not always), Roald Dahl writes from the first person, but the narrator is a witness to the events. "Man From the South", one of his most famous and chilling stories is narrated by someone who witnesses the sinister bet that takes place. They're not actually a main character in the events, but they just happen to see it all. However, not all of his stories are told like that.
I really, really loved this collection of stories, and Roald Dahl was really a genius writer. I've been reading a lot of morbid fiction lately (mostly Roald Dahl), so I think I might take a break and read something lighter. Still, I would highly recommend this one.
www.novareviews.blogspot.com
The stories also never end in anything definitive; Dahl gives just enough of a conclusion to keep you wonder and guessing and thinking. In "Nunc Dimittis" for example, the ending is such a teaser. The story itself is wonderful, and at the end, you think you know what happened, but you can't be 100 % sure. Roald Dahl's tales really are unexpected; there were many instances when the story took a twist that I was shocked by, a twist that I hadn't expected at all. And that makes the stories all the more delicious. They're aptly named, that's for sure, and I loved them.
I don't know if I have a specific favorite story; they were all really good, and all really chilling and effective. Some of them were perhaps a bit too effective. "Parson's Pleasure" for example had me literally gasping out loud at the end. No, gasping isn't the right word; more like, exclaiming. It was just so...evil, the ending. I could almost hear Roald Dahl laughing as he wrote it.
Often (but not always), Roald Dahl writes from the first person, but the narrator is a witness to the events. "Man From the South", one of his most famous and chilling stories is narrated by someone who witnesses the sinister bet that takes place. They're not actually a main character in the events, but they just happen to see it all. However, not all of his stories are told like that.
I really, really loved this collection of stories, and Roald Dahl was really a genius writer. I've been reading a lot of morbid fiction lately (mostly Roald Dahl), so I think I might take a break and read something lighter. Still, I would highly recommend this one.
www.novareviews.blogspot.com
February 29, 2020
Sono un lettore che è sempre stato poco attratto dalle antologie perché troppo spesso si trovano affastellati insieme racconti validi e paccottiglia riempitiva di poco o nessun valore letterario ma questa raccolta di racconti di Roald Dahl è davvero superlativa! Leggere questo libro è stato uno spasso grazie alla fantasia e all'ironia che pervadono queste storie molto ben scritte e intriganti che nel finale presentano immancabilmente un deus ex machina che capovolge l'andamento del racconto assicurando sbalordimento genuino e ulteriore godibilità della lettura per un finale inaspettato ma perfettamente logico e inappuntabile. Tutti i racconti sono sullo stesso piano qualitativo, non sono eccessivamente lunghi e se letti, come ho fatto io, la sera prima di dormire, assicurano un riposo notturno piacevole e rilassante...
June 6, 2017
Ok so we all know that I don't like short stories so why am I reading this book??
Well, I WANT to like them and I thought if anyone can write short stories I'll like surely it would be Roald Dahl?!?!?! I just loved Tales of the Unexpected TV series (admittedly that was many years ago!).
Unfortunately, it didn't work - there are a couple of good ones but mainly I remain baffled.
The stories are too abstract and random for my taste.
Well, I WANT to like them and I thought if anyone can write short stories I'll like surely it would be Roald Dahl?!?!?! I just loved Tales of the Unexpected TV series (admittedly that was many years ago!).
Unfortunately, it didn't work - there are a couple of good ones but mainly I remain baffled.
The stories are too abstract and random for my taste.
September 21, 2020
Eine Kurzgeschichtensammlung mit herrlich schwarzem Humor. Die Geschichten sind jedoch sehr unterschiedlich. Einige fand ich wirklich grandios und musste laut lachen. Andere fand ich dagegen so langweilig dass ich sie nur überflogen habe. Im Gedächtnis geblieben sind mir aber nur wenige. Generell eine gute Kostprobe des vielgelobten Humors Roald Dahls. Ich würde auf jeden Fall noch andere Bücher von ihm lesen.
December 28, 2020
Chocada com a vibe dos contos
April 22, 2022
As the Title says, the book promises stories that have unexpected endings.
My Favorite was Mrs. Bixby and the Colonel's Coat, about a woman who tries to outwit her husband.
"The Way Up to Heaven" was the best, which tells you never to outsmart your wife.
"Royal Jelly" gave a shudder.
"Edward the Conqueror" tells you about a woman obsessed with a cat, which she thinks is a maestro reborn.
Enjoyed almost each and every story.
Epitome of Wits and human pysche at its cruelest.
My Favorite was Mrs. Bixby and the Colonel's Coat, about a woman who tries to outwit her husband.
"The Way Up to Heaven" was the best, which tells you never to outsmart your wife.
"Royal Jelly" gave a shudder.
"Edward the Conqueror" tells you about a woman obsessed with a cat, which she thinks is a maestro reborn.
Enjoyed almost each and every story.
Epitome of Wits and human pysche at its cruelest.
March 28, 2025
My negative review, below, is probably influenced by having recently seen many of the original TV programme of 'Tales of the Unexpected' and it was somewhat disheartening to see how little variation there was between the TV shows and the printed page. I enjoyed the series when I was an adolescent but I found the stories limited, at best, as an adult. But because of my history with the material I have given it three stars and let my original review remain. Not that it was a eulogy of praise but if I wrote it now it would be, unkind in tone.
My original review:
I enjoyed this collection when I first read it years ago but I can't help feeling that stories haven't aged well. Maybe I haven't aged well but upon rereading these stories I left feeling, not disenchanted, just indifferent. I'd rather reread the stories of M.R. James, Ramsey Campbell, Christopher Fowler or many others.
I am sure this collection will bring immense pleasure to many, but I am not going to join the chorus encouraging people to read it. Go find writers who aren't a franchise.
My original review:
I enjoyed this collection when I first read it years ago but I can't help feeling that stories haven't aged well. Maybe I haven't aged well but upon rereading these stories I left feeling, not disenchanted, just indifferent. I'd rather reread the stories of M.R. James, Ramsey Campbell, Christopher Fowler or many others.
I am sure this collection will bring immense pleasure to many, but I am not going to join the chorus encouraging people to read it. Go find writers who aren't a franchise.
July 14, 2024
Debo reconocer que, a pesar de no ser muy de relatos, este libro me ha gustado mucho.
Hay algún relato que me ha querido incluso recordar a la serie Black Mirror. Están muy bien escritos, con bastantes diálogos, lo que agiliza la lectura.
La única pega es que después de dos relatos, ya sabes que en los demás habrá algún giro final y ya tratas de adivinar qué será, perdiendo así la fuerza del efecto sorpresa. Aún así recomiendo su lectura.
Hay algún relato que me ha querido incluso recordar a la serie Black Mirror. Están muy bien escritos, con bastantes diálogos, lo que agiliza la lectura.
La única pega es que después de dos relatos, ya sabes que en los demás habrá algún giro final y ya tratas de adivinar qué será, perdiendo así la fuerza del efecto sorpresa. Aún así recomiendo su lectura.
January 1, 2011
I wish I could give this a 3.5
Roald Dahl is one of my favorite authors, and I love all his children's books. However, I was not sure what to expect from this collection of short stories aimed at older readers.
I think the main problem, was the first few stories were EXCELLENT, and set the bar way too high for the remaining tales. That is not to say they were bad. Every story was good and enjoyable, its just the first few were truly marvelous.
By far my favorite of the stories was: "Lamb to the slaughter", the ten page story of Mary Malony, who murders her husband with a chicken leg-then calls the police over to investigate. This story is easily some of the best ten pages I have ever read.
Other magnificent stories were:
"Man from the South"-its about an man who loves betting fancy cars for peoples fingers...
"Dip in the pool"-a man jumps over board on a cruise liner, just to win some money...
"Skin"-A man has a tattoo worth millions of dollars on his back...
"Parsons Pleasure"=A business man tries to buy a priceless antique for 20 pounds.
These were the ones that really stood out and amazed me, but each and every story in here was magnificent.
"Tales of the Unexpected" is highly recommended!
Roald Dahl is one of my favorite authors, and I love all his children's books. However, I was not sure what to expect from this collection of short stories aimed at older readers.
I think the main problem, was the first few stories were EXCELLENT, and set the bar way too high for the remaining tales. That is not to say they were bad. Every story was good and enjoyable, its just the first few were truly marvelous.
By far my favorite of the stories was: "Lamb to the slaughter", the ten page story of Mary Malony, who murders her husband with a chicken leg-then calls the police over to investigate. This story is easily some of the best ten pages I have ever read.
Other magnificent stories were:
"Man from the South"-its about an man who loves betting fancy cars for peoples fingers...
"Dip in the pool"-a man jumps over board on a cruise liner, just to win some money...
"Skin"-A man has a tattoo worth millions of dollars on his back...
"Parsons Pleasure"=A business man tries to buy a priceless antique for 20 pounds.
These were the ones that really stood out and amazed me, but each and every story in here was magnificent.
"Tales of the Unexpected" is highly recommended!
January 13, 2014
Dahl is an absolute master of brevity, drawing the reader in and painting vivid character studies with just a few words. The stories in this collection have a fairly common structure (something unusual or macabre happens to some ordinary-ish characters), but he manages to get something different out of each tale. They're all gripping and whilst Dahl doesn't always hit a satisfying high note at the end, when he does it's a joyous thing. Favourites for me in this collection were 'Man from the South', 'Lamb to the Slaughter' and 'Mrs Bixby and the Colonel's Coat'.
HUGELY recommended.
HUGELY recommended.
November 9, 2014
Започнах тази книга без никакви очаквания. Беше интересно преживяване. Може би за първи път се сблъсках с разкази, които ме увличаха и дразнеха едновременно - с нарегнатата си атмосфера на безумни залагания, спорове и болни/износени семейни отношения, интриги и машинации. Едно обаче е сигурно - четата се на един дъх, майсторски разказани през диалози и градации на детайла.
Това ми е първата среща с автора и може би няма да е последната. Но не скоро.
Това ми е първата среща с автора и може би няма да е последната. Но не скоро.
March 11, 2015
3.5 stars
An entertaining book, some stories were very predictable but others were great.
My personal favorites are The Landlady, Nunc Dimittis, and Skin. And the best one: The way up to Heaven.
I didn't like the fact that the author portraited every women in the book in such a grotesque way but most of the characters were very interesting, the stories were original and the imagination of the author is noticeable.
I want to keep on reading his work.
An entertaining book, some stories were very predictable but others were great.
My personal favorites are The Landlady, Nunc Dimittis, and Skin. And the best one: The way up to Heaven.
I didn't like the fact that the author portraited every women in the book in such a grotesque way but most of the characters were very interesting, the stories were original and the imagination of the author is noticeable.
I want to keep on reading his work.
January 11, 2019
نشر قطره این کتابو به اسم داستانهای نامنتظره منتشر کرده اما متاسفانه از 28 تا داستان فقط 8 تا ترجمه کردن. همه داستانا قشنگ بودن ولی از بینشون "گردن" و "سعادت کشیش بخش" به نظرم قویتر بودن و بیشتر از بقیه دوستشون داشتم. واقعا حیرتانگیزه که نویسندهای هم میتونه چارلی و کارخانه شکلات سازی رو بنویسه هم این داستانای کوتاه رو! و در آخر یکی به من بگه ۲۰ تا داستان دیگه رو از کجا میتونم پیدا کنم؟
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