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The Visitor
The Visitor is found and often read published within the short story collection
Switch Bitch
, which includes three other black comedies which capture the ins and outs, highs and lows of sex (including another Uncle Oswald story, Bitch).
This story is an amusing and chilling tale from Roald Dahl, the master of the twist in the tale. Here he tells a funny, fruity story about one of his favorite characters, adventurer and seducer Oswald Hendryks Cornelius. During his travels, Uncle Oswald gets more than he bargained for in Arabia...
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.
This story is an amusing and chilling tale from Roald Dahl, the master of the twist in the tale. Here he tells a funny, fruity story about one of his favorite characters, adventurer and seducer Oswald Hendryks Cornelius. During his travels, Uncle Oswald gets more than he bargained for in Arabia...
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.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1974
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About the author
Roald Dahl
1,506 books26.9k 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 31 reviews
June 12, 2025
oh hon, absolutely no!
September 4, 2017
In The Visitor, Dahl introduces us to Uncle Oswald for the very first time, publishing the short story in the May 1965 issue of Playboy. Subsequently it was collated with three other stories and released as Switch Bitch in 1974.
Oswald is a middle-aged, bigoted and misogynistic philanderer who leaves twenty-eight volumes of handwritten diaries to his nephew, having never married or produced an heir. Oswald spends his days travelling the world copulating with women wherever he falls. One day Uncle Oswald meets a rich Syrian family-man who helps him out after his car breaks down in the desert. The Arab man introduces Uncle to his wife and daughter who he is very protective of. Lo and behold Oswald is drawn to the beautiful wife and daughter and plans to sleep with one or both. I won't give away the ending but let's just say Uncle gets his just desserts!
What I love about Roald Dahl is his unique style of writing which is undeniably distinct. Like many I was introduced to Dahl as a child and loved his use of vocabulary to weave an imaginative tale. I was pleasantly surprised that his style transcended into his adult fiction also.
What Dahl does a great job of is building a ghastly character that the reader grows to despise and shows that goodness and respect always prevails.
I look forward to reading more adult fiction from Dahl.
Oswald is a middle-aged, bigoted and misogynistic philanderer who leaves twenty-eight volumes of handwritten diaries to his nephew, having never married or produced an heir. Oswald spends his days travelling the world copulating with women wherever he falls. One day Uncle Oswald meets a rich Syrian family-man who helps him out after his car breaks down in the desert. The Arab man introduces Uncle to his wife and daughter who he is very protective of. Lo and behold Oswald is drawn to the beautiful wife and daughter and plans to sleep with one or both. I won't give away the ending but let's just say Uncle gets his just desserts!
What I love about Roald Dahl is his unique style of writing which is undeniably distinct. Like many I was introduced to Dahl as a child and loved his use of vocabulary to weave an imaginative tale. I was pleasantly surprised that his style transcended into his adult fiction also.
What Dahl does a great job of is building a ghastly character that the reader grows to despise and shows that goodness and respect always prevails.
I look forward to reading more adult fiction from Dahl.
October 20, 2015
Roald Dahl's style fascinates me.
This character amused me very much and the plot was greatly developed, as always.
This character amused me very much and the plot was greatly developed, as always.
December 8, 2018
is an amusing and chilling story from Roald Dahl, the master of the twist in the tale.
In The Visitor, Roald Dahl, one of the world's favourite authors, tells a funny, fruity story about one of his favourite characters, adventurer and seducer Oswald Hendryks Cornelius. Here, Uncle Oswald gets more than he bargained for in Arabia . . .
In The Visitor, Roald Dahl, one of the world's favourite authors, tells a funny, fruity story about one of his favourite characters, adventurer and seducer Oswald Hendryks Cornelius. Here, Uncle Oswald gets more than he bargained for in Arabia . . .
October 25, 2019
25october2019
read as part of the collection switch bitch.
read as part of the collection switch bitch.
May 3, 2020
The amazing story that introduces the most charming character of Oswald Hendricks Cornelius. Until I had read this story, I knew Roald Dahl as a writer of children's story books. The Visitor demonstrates that Dahl is a master in the genre of adult story telling as well.
If you have not heard of Uncle Oswald, I would suggest to start from this story followed by 'Bitch' and then continue the thrilling adventures of Oswald in the book titled 'My Uncle Oswald'
If you have not heard of Uncle Oswald, I would suggest to start from this story followed by 'Bitch' and then continue the thrilling adventures of Oswald in the book titled 'My Uncle Oswald'
April 5, 2022
Bear in mind this isn’t a novel.
What Dahl achieves in 40 pages is nothing short of astounding. The depth of character described is perfectly done, Oswald Cornelius is your poor man’s James Bond, without the weapons and way more salacious.
This story is not for the prudish, however for a certain type of reader I think this is the short story of short stories. I couldn’t believe it was rated less than 4 stars.
What Dahl achieves in 40 pages is nothing short of astounding. The depth of character described is perfectly done, Oswald Cornelius is your poor man’s James Bond, without the weapons and way more salacious.
This story is not for the prudish, however for a certain type of reader I think this is the short story of short stories. I couldn’t believe it was rated less than 4 stars.
June 11, 2015
Humorous, witty with an unexpected punch line.
April 4, 2017
Clever and witty.
October 31, 2020
Dreadful. Glad this is the last grown up Roald Dahl book have on my kobo. Awful character. For a short story took me nearly a month to read
February 16, 2021
I have to admit that the beginning is completely boring, but the end it's completely O.M.G. totally worth it and well deserved to Mr. Cornelious. A surprising short story by Roald Dahl.
July 25, 2022
The Visitor is one of the many letters that Roald Dahl received from his Uncle Oswald in 1965. In this short story, Oswald Dahl, an excentric and womanizer uncle, tells one of his crazy adventures in a desert.
Roald Dahl receives eighteen manuscripts written by his uncle Oswald, where he narrates his adventures with different women all over the world. The Sinaí Desert Episode, the safest episode to be publicated, starts with Oswald with a Moorish aristrocatic descent in Cairo. After running away from that lady, Oswald goes to Sinaí Desert to find scorpions. After a successful search, his car ran out of gasoline and had a fan-belt broken. Oswald finds Mr. Azis, a millionaire man that is willing to help him. Mr. Azis offers Oswald to stay for the night at his place, but what would happen to Oswald that night?
My favorite character is, of course, uncle Oswald. Oswald Dahl is the most unpredictable character I´ve ever read before. He likes opera and have a strange collection of walking-stick, scorpions and spiders. Even though the character is kinda arguable if we see him with a modern eye, it´s really fresh and innovator in 1965.
Roald Dahl is an excelent writer with innovating ideas that catch the reader´s attention with a few words. He was really clever in telling Uncle Oswald´s story but censored. Roald talks about how he and his Family remembers Oswald and then, shows how Oswald really is.
I truly recommend this story now and always. It´s the perfect short story to read when you´re boring. So, what are you waiting for? You NEED to read this story now.
Roald Dahl receives eighteen manuscripts written by his uncle Oswald, where he narrates his adventures with different women all over the world. The Sinaí Desert Episode, the safest episode to be publicated, starts with Oswald with a Moorish aristrocatic descent in Cairo. After running away from that lady, Oswald goes to Sinaí Desert to find scorpions. After a successful search, his car ran out of gasoline and had a fan-belt broken. Oswald finds Mr. Azis, a millionaire man that is willing to help him. Mr. Azis offers Oswald to stay for the night at his place, but what would happen to Oswald that night?
My favorite character is, of course, uncle Oswald. Oswald Dahl is the most unpredictable character I´ve ever read before. He likes opera and have a strange collection of walking-stick, scorpions and spiders. Even though the character is kinda arguable if we see him with a modern eye, it´s really fresh and innovator in 1965.
Roald Dahl is an excelent writer with innovating ideas that catch the reader´s attention with a few words. He was really clever in telling Uncle Oswald´s story but censored. Roald talks about how he and his Family remembers Oswald and then, shows how Oswald really is.
I truly recommend this story now and always. It´s the perfect short story to read when you´re boring. So, what are you waiting for? You NEED to read this story now.
November 26, 2022
Read as part of The Complete Short Stories: Volume One 1944-1953
A man receives some books from his uncle, the letter says that the books are his uncle's journals and that he shouldn't publish them because bad things would happen if he did. He publishes part of a story which his lawyer thinks is safe. Later he is driving when he stops for gas. The man at the station says his fan belt is broken and needs replacing. He ends up going home with a man who lives nearby, who has a wife and a beautiful daughter. During the night one of the women sneaks into his room and seduces him. The next morning he can't work out if it was the gentleman's wife or the gentleman's daughter who seduced him, but on the way back to the petrol station the man tells him that he also has another daughter who has incurable leprosy, and the man then worries that it was this older daughter who seduced him. Edit: I get this now, the story published was about a woman with leprosy who his uncle had had sex with, and then he ends up having sex with this woman wth leprosy.
A man receives some books from his uncle, the letter says that the books are his uncle's journals and that he shouldn't publish them because bad things would happen if he did. He publishes part of a story which his lawyer thinks is safe. Later he is driving when he stops for gas. The man at the station says his fan belt is broken and needs replacing. He ends up going home with a man who lives nearby, who has a wife and a beautiful daughter. During the night one of the women sneaks into his room and seduces him. The next morning he can't work out if it was the gentleman's wife or the gentleman's daughter who seduced him, but on the way back to the petrol station the man tells him that he also has another daughter who has incurable leprosy, and the man then worries that it was this older daughter who seduced him. Edit: I get this now, the story published was about a woman with leprosy who his uncle had had sex with, and then he ends up having sex with this woman wth leprosy.
March 25, 2022
Personagem principal muito bem escrito, apesar de talvez ter sido escrito pra ser invejado, eu só consegui detestar tio Oswald. O começo em que o sobrinho nos apresenta o diário do tio foi o pior do conto -- com suas explicações sobre o modo de vida do tio e como ele conseguiu os diários --, mas quando começamos a efetivamente ler a entrada do diário o ritmo melhora. Como disse no começo, só consigo detestar tio Oswald, mas ele é retrato de uma elite nojenta e prepotente que é muito real e que provavelmente exagera suas conquistas. Sendo conto de Roald Dahl tem uma reviravolta no fim e tio Oswald se ferra. Eu consigo ler que o objetivo era sentir pena, mas eu não consigo sentir nada pelo personagem.
March 17, 2024
This is a radiantly narrated tale of comeuppance, which reads like a crossbreed between a D.H. Lawrence novel and an O’Henry flick. Perchance one of the finest stories penned by Dahl, this is him stepping out of his comfort-zone of the rich, comfortable, warm storytelling to a world where con, loose sexual morality and avarice rule the roost. Give this a try. A perfect specimen of a short-story.
October 26, 2023
Read in 2023 as part of The Best of Roald Dahl, Switch Bitch, and Trickery.
March 19, 2017
Roald Dahl "The Visitor " a novel of 1965.
April 19, 2018
Hahaha, I can't stop laughing over this!
Dahl saves the best for the last here and the writing and the story is so clever and witty! Poor poor uncle Oswald.
Dahl saves the best for the last here and the writing and the story is so clever and witty! Poor poor uncle Oswald.
September 4, 2019
Great ending, thanks Josh!
November 3, 2020
Unexpected
January 13, 2022
Another funny little story, good read
June 1, 2023
3.5. too long , fair enough ending.
November 19, 2023
todos exactamente iguales, cosechas lo que siembras acuérdense
August 3, 2024
This could’ve been much better if 75% of it was cut.
September 6, 2025
It was a great read overall, the start was quite boring but the end part was very interesting. It was written very nicely.
December 27, 2014
This story was published in the May 1965 issue of Playboy! PLAYBOY!
I did not know that before reading it lol but nonetheless it didn't change a thing.
I'm glad I ended my year with a book by one of my fav authors, but the book wasn't his best work. It's a different approach too. A jump into Adult fiction after only reading his Children's book, but again.. all that didn't matter. What really mattered is:
- racism and extreme dissing of Arabs, Egyptians in specific. It made me uncomfortable how the MC was disgusted of them and everything they have.. including their land!!That was the biggest flaw of this story.
The plot was good and so was the ending. The writing style as fabulous as ever.
I did not know that before reading it lol but nonetheless it didn't change a thing.
I'm glad I ended my year with a book by one of my fav authors, but the book wasn't his best work. It's a different approach too. A jump into Adult fiction after only reading his Children's book, but again.. all that didn't matter. What really mattered is:
- racism and extreme dissing of Arabs, Egyptians in specific. It made me uncomfortable how the MC was disgusted of them and everything they have.. including their land!!That was the biggest flaw of this story.
The plot was good and so was the ending. The writing style as fabulous as ever.
January 22, 2015
Oh the ending.
February 16, 2015
I found the beginning of this story relatively dull, however it picked up later on and I found the paranoia of the main character amusing, as was the twist at the end.
July 6, 2015
This was great! So funny and interesting. I didn't know what to expect going into this, but I was impressed by Roald Dahl's writing! Great ending!
July 27, 2015
Infernally Steamed up and then suddenly cooled to crack !!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews