Neck

by Roald Dahl

Neck is a short, sharp, frightening story from Roald Dahl, the master of the shocking tale

In Neck, Roald Dahl, one of the world's favourite authors, tells a sinister story about the darker side of human nature. Here, a sculpture comes between a scheming wife and her put-upon husband . . .

Neck is taken from the short story collection Someone Like You, which includes seventeen other devious and shocking stories, featuring the wife who serves a dish that baffles the police; a curious machine that reveals the horrifying truth about plants; the man waiting to be bitten by the venomous snake asleep on his stomach; and others.

'The absolute master of the twist in the tale.' (Observer)

This story is also available as a Penguin digital audio download read by Julian Rhind-Tutt.

Roald Dahl, the brilliant and worldwide acclaimed author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, and many more classics for children, also wrote scores of short stories for adults. These delightfully disturbing tales have often been filmed and were most recently the inspiration for the West End play, Roald Dahl's Twisted Tales by Jeremy Dyson. Roald Dahl's stories continue to make readers shiver today.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Horror

25 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2012

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Courtney Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn't call this a frightening story but like most Roald Dahl stories, the ending was the clincher.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

توقع نداشتم تهش تصور کرده باشه. با توجه به داستانایی که ازش دارم میخونم توقع داشتم جدی جدی کله‌شو زده باشه.

[Mayumi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apesar de achar que a americana é grosseira, "sem etiqueta", também acho que o marido é um grande de um bundão e foi deixando virar no que virou. Tá todo mundo errado, mas o marido tá mais errado e é um grande de um bocó.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple and amusing little story

[itchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

10October2022

Read as part of the collection Someone Like You.

[Forked Radish · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit of a pain in the titular itself.

[Chantal · Rating 2 out of 5]

This should be a sinister story, but I just didn't get the clue. Not my favorite one from Roald Dahl.

[Anirudh Mannattil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splendid short, with the obnoxious nature of rich women clearly articulated.

[Esha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in 2023 as part of Tales of the Unexpected, Someone Like You, The Great Automatic Grammatizator And Other Stories, and Twenty Nine Kisses From Roald Dahl.

[وائل المنعم · Rating 1 out of 5]

من أقل قصص دال رغم نهايتها، توقعات كثيرة أُحبطت لتشعر بعدما تنتهي منها بأنها رغم صغر حجمها طويلة دون مبرر.