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Mieux vaut en rire: Douze histoires grinçantes

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Pourquoi vous méfieriez-vous de cette charmante hôtesse qui vous offre le plus confortable des logements et le plus chaleureux des accueils ? Demandez-le à l'un
de ses locataires, si toutefois vous parvenez à les retrouver - vivants. Et ce prêtre jovial qui sillonne les routes de campagne au volant de sa camionnette, ce vieux monsieur si distingué qui vous propose d'échanger un magnifique parapluie de soie contre le prix d'une course en taxi, ce père de famille qui soigne sa fille avec dévotion, ce fin connaisseur en crus de Bordeaux, cette dame d'âge respectable qui rêve de rendre visite à ses petits-enfants... chacun de ces personnages, si inoffensifs en apparence, n'a-t-il pas quelque chose d'inquiétant ? Roald Dahl, de récit en récit, distille, dans ce recueil, situations cocasses et frissons d'effroi avec l'humour mordant qui a fait son immense succès auprès des lecteurs de tous les âges. Les lecteurs de Charlie et la chocolaterie, de Matilda, du Bon Gros Géant trouveront dans ces douze nouvelles le meilleur des sésames pour entrer dans l'univers adulte de ce conteur hors pair.

264 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 1999

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About the author

Roald Dahl

1,241 books26.8k 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 Eric Bertrand.
Author 20 books
February 13, 2024
Comment faire avaler des couleuvres à votre conjoint lorsqu’en vous quittant, votre amant vous remet un somptueux cadeau ? Comment s’enrichir en se faisant passer pour un curé sans le sou et amateur de vieux meubles ? Comment garantir à son enfant nouveau-né santé et prospérité ? Comment fréquenter les meilleurs pubs de Londres et passer la journée à y avaler des triple-whisky sans débourser le moindre argent ? Comment produire, par le biais d’une intelligence artificielle, des centaines de nouvelles destinées à satisfaire les colonnes des journaux et remplacer ainsi les auteurs ? ...
Voici quelques-uns des sujets qu’explore avec brio et humour (et dans les années 60) l’auteur de Charlie et la chocolaterie.
Profile Image for Philippe Lhoste.
381 reviews11 followers
May 26, 2012
Ce recueil de nouvelles peut paraître un peu vieillot (ambiance anglaise des années 20-50, avec aristocratie et gens du monde, entre autres) mais reste acéré...

Roald Dahl a une qualité : il fait confiance à l'intelligence du lecteur ! Là où un auteur aurait peut-être mis une conclusion plus ou moins habile, confirmant les soupçons du lecteur basés sur les indices semés dans les pages précédentes, Dahl cesse brutalement sa nouvelle, évitant de s'appesantir et provoquant le sourire par la surprise de la brusquerie du final...

Dahl met ses personnages dans des situations parfois inconfortables, on se demande s'il va aller jusqu'au bout, et si non, comment ils vont s'en sortir... Il manipule son lecteur, fournissant force détails pour amener en douceur sa conclusion.

Du grand art.
Profile Image for Sidonie.
135 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2015
Recueil de nouvelles donc assez inégal, mais plaisant dans l'ensemble.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews

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