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The Collected Short Stories of Roald Dahl #2

The Collected Short Stories of Roald Dahl, Volume 2

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V. 1. Kiss, kiss --
Over to you --
Switch bitch.
V. 2. Someone like you --
Eight further tales of the unexpected.

540 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1994

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58 people want to read

About the author

Roald Dahl

1,481 books26.7k followers
Roald 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.

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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Profile Image for Jake.
273 reviews
January 9, 2023
See my review here:

The Collected Short Stories of Roald Dahl: Vol I (The Collected Short Stories of Roald Dahl, #1) The Collected Short Stories of Roald Dahl: Vol I by Roald Dahl

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I like many of the Roald Dahl short stories.

When he writes well, he writes these perfect short stories.

But when they are bad, they are really very dull...

The good stories are written to near perfection. Dahl was great at setting the story up and leaving the reader with just enough clues for you to figure out the exact ending. He often didn't give away all the ending. These were the great stories.

But there were others that were set during the war, or set in some Edwardian setting that just seemed to drag.

His best work appeared in the short story collections like Tales of The Unexpected and Kiss Kiss.



View all my reviews
Profile Image for Sanjay Ghosh.
1 review
January 22, 2020
Roal Dahl combines intricate detailing of people, places, situations, command over language, fluidity of story telling and unexpected endings that only a master author - who is an immensely gifted writer, 'imaginer' and has seen it all in life - can achieve...
Profile Image for Kirsten.
12 reviews
May 30, 2007
Not only is Roald Dahl the quintessential author for children's literature/fiction, he is also a very talented adult writer. He proves it in these stories - creepy, suspenseful, and fun.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews

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