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Ten Short Stories
Penguin Student Editions have been specifically designed for readers who are studying a text in detail. They include a helpful introduction and explanatory notes, character sketches, a text summary, a chronology, language notes, a selection of questions and topics for discussion and analysis, as well as suggestions for further reading.
--back cover
The book contains 10 short stories from Roald Dahl.
List of the stories:
The Umbrella Man
Dip in the Pool
The Butler
The Hitchhiker
Mr Botibol
My Lady Love
My Dove
The Way Up to Heaven
Parson's Pleasure
The Sound Machine
The Wish.
--back cover
The book contains 10 short stories from Roald Dahl.
List of the stories:
The Umbrella Man
Dip in the Pool
The Butler
The Hitchhiker
Mr Botibol
My Lady Love
My Dove
The Way Up to Heaven
Parson's Pleasure
The Sound Machine
The Wish.
190 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
40 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Roald Dahl
1,472 books26.6k 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 54 reviews
December 23, 2020
With short stories, there are bound to be stories that I will like and dislike and this book is no different 😭 Thoroughly enjoyed "The Way Up To Heaven" and "My Lady Love, My Dove"
November 20, 2014
গল্পগুলো সত্যজিত রায়ের গল্পের কথা মনে করিয়ে দিল। সহজ-সরল ভাষায় সাদামাটা প্লটে লেখা অসাধারণ সবগল্প। আমার মতে মানুষের খুব বড় একটা গুণ হলো সাদামাটা জিনিস থেকেও অসাধারনত্ব খুজে নিতে পারা, এই গুণটা দেখেছি সত্যজিত রায়, পিজি ওডহাউজের লেখায়, রোয়াল্ড ডাহলের গল্পেও এটা খুজে পেলাম।
February 11, 2021
A pesar de tener que haberlo leído en época de exámenes (y se me hacía un poco cuesta arriba) lo he conseguido acabar y hay historias que se han llevado mi corazón (pero es verdad que otras son un poco más extensas) pero me ha gustado bastante!!
Reseña más detallada en mi Instagram @bibliotecadesophia
Reseña más detallada en mi Instagram @bibliotecadesophia
January 24, 2024
4.5⭐️
Que pedazo de crack que es roald dahl para escribir cuentos cortos, super entretenidos y efectivos, me encantan.
Que pedazo de crack que es roald dahl para escribir cuentos cortos, super entretenidos y efectivos, me encantan.
December 3, 2022
A good compilation of short stories very useful for any reader who wants to know Roald Dahl´s work.
These stories have different lenght and different tones, but they all have something in common: they all end with a surprise, Poe´s style. When you think a story will have a normal ending, or at least you think you´ve guessed how it will end, it suddenly changes perspective and resolution, so they are very funny to read, they make you smile, sometimes in a sarcastic way. They leave you thinking, all of them, because under their simple aspect and structure lay profound and serious messages.
These stories have different lenght and different tones, but they all have something in common: they all end with a surprise, Poe´s style. When you think a story will have a normal ending, or at least you think you´ve guessed how it will end, it suddenly changes perspective and resolution, so they are very funny to read, they make you smile, sometimes in a sarcastic way. They leave you thinking, all of them, because under their simple aspect and structure lay profound and serious messages.
February 5, 2017
¡¡¡Por fin lo he terminado!!! (Básicamente porque mañana es el examen jajajajaja). A ver, no es que el libro sea muy aburrido, pesado, etc. El problema es que lo he tenido que leer en plena época de exámenes y nunca tenía un hueco, por lo que al final he acabado leyéndolo corriendo y casi sin disfrutarlo, y eso que solo tenía que leer 5 de las historias ("The Umbrella Man", "Dip in the pool", "The Sound Machine", "Parson's Pleasure" y "The Way Up to Heaven"). Además, las historias están escritas en un inglés bastante complejo con multitud de frases hechas, vocabulario específico, "phrasal verbs",... lo que me ha ralentizado a la hora de leer las historias puesto que he tenido que buscar muchas veces en el diccionario.
El libro es una recopilación de relatos cortos escritos por Roald Dahl. De los cinco relatos que he leido, el que más me ha gustado ha sido "The Way Up to Heaven". Trata de una mujer de Nueva York que se dispone a realizar un viaje para visitar a su hija en París. La mujer se pone extremadamente nerviosa ante la idea de llegar tarde, y su marido le hace la vida imposible en este tipo de ocasiones retrasándose a propósito. La historia continuará con la mujer tratando de irse lo antes posible, y el marido tratando de frenarla, y se desarrollará la acción principal. Otro relato que también me ha parecido interesante ha sido "The Sound Machine", es una historia bastante curiosa y diferente a lo habitual que te hace reflexionar tras haberla leído.
Por el contrario, el relato que menos me ha gustado ha sido "Parson's Pleasure". Este relato trata sobre un hombre que se dedica a comprar muebles antiguos y luego venderlos por un precio superior para sacarse un beneficio. La historia es un poco más floja que las anteriores, engancha menos, y es más larga (lo que la hace más tediosa). Además en esta historia abundan los términos específicos relacionados con los muebles y es prácticamente imposible comprenderlo todo sin consultar el diccionario.
Por todo ello, y para finalizar, considero que este libro merece una puntuación de 4 estrellas. Me ha gustado (aunque "me haya hecho sufrir").
El libro es una recopilación de relatos cortos escritos por Roald Dahl. De los cinco relatos que he leido, el que más me ha gustado ha sido "The Way Up to Heaven". Trata de una mujer de Nueva York que se dispone a realizar un viaje para visitar a su hija en París. La mujer se pone extremadamente nerviosa ante la idea de llegar tarde, y su marido le hace la vida imposible en este tipo de ocasiones retrasándose a propósito. La historia continuará con la mujer tratando de irse lo antes posible, y el marido tratando de frenarla, y se desarrollará la acción principal. Otro relato que también me ha parecido interesante ha sido "The Sound Machine", es una historia bastante curiosa y diferente a lo habitual que te hace reflexionar tras haberla leído.
Por el contrario, el relato que menos me ha gustado ha sido "Parson's Pleasure". Este relato trata sobre un hombre que se dedica a comprar muebles antiguos y luego venderlos por un precio superior para sacarse un beneficio. La historia es un poco más floja que las anteriores, engancha menos, y es más larga (lo que la hace más tediosa). Además en esta historia abundan los términos específicos relacionados con los muebles y es prácticamente imposible comprenderlo todo sin consultar el diccionario.
Por todo ello, y para finalizar, considero que este libro merece una puntuación de 4 estrellas. Me ha gustado (aunque "me haya hecho sufrir").
January 12, 2022
These short stories shocked me! I haven't read too many short stories and recently I decided that I wanted to read a few more, and I am extremely glad that I did. I know that I am more of a novel person, and love series, but these short stories were brilliant! They were shorter than short, yet somehow Roald Dahl managed to build strong characters, depict gorgeous settings, and fill the characters with emotion! When I was younger, I used to read Roald Dahl's books all the time, so it was great revisiting the incredible author! The exciting part about these stories was that every single story had a twist and a shimmer of unexpectedness, leaving you astounded. I had to pause after I finished a story, just to soak it in, before moving on to the next one! The stories weren't the only interesting part though, the characters invented were also extremely interesting. All of them had their quirks, ranging from "shoulder less" looking bodies to a woman paranoid about being late, every one of the characters made me curious. Roald Dahl's outstanding writing also gave each of these characters one main emotion: whether it was anger, fear, wonder, they were always prominent and promising! My favourite stories were: Parson's Pleasure, The Wish, Dip in the Pool, My Lady Love My Dove, and The Sound Machine! I would highly recommend this if you are in need of a break and would like a short book. For those who want to have a laugh("dark" humour) or be mystified by twists in tales, this is for you! Basically anyone looking for a story, should read this book because this will give you not one, but 10 fabulous tales! Happy Reading!
August 16, 2016
This is the third book in my reading spree of short stories.
The story about the umbrella was okay-- the hitchhiker seemed the best at one point, but that was also because I had studied it during my O level exams many years ago. I could still remember the ratty-faced Hitchhiker, the clever fingersmith described in the story. Many stories were just mediocre however, especially the one about the butler and the chef who cheated the narrator.
Then my opinion of the book changed dramatically after reading Pastor's Pleasure. It was a very clever piece, well written, and with the characteristic Roald Dahl twist at the end (a twist not always present in his stories though). The stories that came after that were again rather mediocre, but there are still little things here and there to learn from his style: the way he expresses someone who speaks quickly (using hyphens and italics) or the way he captures those little details about expressions and noises, without using the cliched ways most authors use.
Pastor's Pleasure definitely.
The story about the umbrella was okay-- the hitchhiker seemed the best at one point, but that was also because I had studied it during my O level exams many years ago. I could still remember the ratty-faced Hitchhiker, the clever fingersmith described in the story. Many stories were just mediocre however, especially the one about the butler and the chef who cheated the narrator.
Then my opinion of the book changed dramatically after reading Pastor's Pleasure. It was a very clever piece, well written, and with the characteristic Roald Dahl twist at the end (a twist not always present in his stories though). The stories that came after that were again rather mediocre, but there are still little things here and there to learn from his style: the way he expresses someone who speaks quickly (using hyphens and italics) or the way he captures those little details about expressions and noises, without using the cliched ways most authors use.
Pastor's Pleasure definitely.
September 22, 2021
Roald Dahl is hit or miss. Some stories are poignant and some as predictable, but they all carry that Dahlian message- adults are all secretly sour and ill intentioned, always scamming each other and fooling themselves. The results of their flaws always hit them in the face in a way that's tragic to the characters but comical to the reader.
That's why it was surprising for me that the final story, written from a child's perspective (Dahl's strength) seemed boring and predictable. But that's Roald Dahl for you. He's hit or miss, but when he hits it's a delicious story.
That's why it was surprising for me that the final story, written from a child's perspective (Dahl's strength) seemed boring and predictable. But that's Roald Dahl for you. He's hit or miss, but when he hits it's a delicious story.
January 9, 2018
These short stories shocked me! I haven't read too many short stories and recently I decided that I wanted to read a few more, and I am extremely glad that I did. I know that I am more of a novel person, and love series, but these short stories were brilliant! They were shorter than short, yet somehow Roald Dahl managed to build strong characters, depict gorgeous settings, and fill the characters with emotion! When I was younger, I used to read Roald Dahl's books all the time, so it was great revisiting the incredible author! The exciting part about these stories was that every single story had a twist and a shimmer of unexpectedness, leaving you astounded. I had to pause after I finished a story, just to soak it in, before moving on to the next one! The stories weren't the only interesting part though, the characters invented were also extremely interesting. All of them had their quirks, ranging from "shoulder less" looking bodies to a woman paranoid about being late, every one of the characters made me curious. Roald Dahl's outstanding writing also gave each of these characters one main emotion: whether it was anger, fear, wonder, they were always prominent and promising! My favourite stories were: Parson's Pleasure, The Wish, Dip in the Pool, My Lady Love My Dove, and The Sound Machine! I would highly recommend this if you are in need of a break and would like a short book. For those who want to have a laugh("dark" humour) or be mystified by twists in tales, this is for you! Basically anyone looking for a story, should read this book because this will give you not one, but 10 fabulous tales! Happy Reading!
June 2, 2025
This was a very fun and eye-opening read. Although I didn’t rate each individual story 5 stars, the overall collection was so entertaining. It touches on so many different themes like deception, greed, freedom, control. My favorite titles are: The Way Up to Heaven, Parson’s Pleasure, Mr Botibol and Dip in The Pool.
This has widened my love for short stories and definitely makes me want to indulge in more of Roald Dahl’s adult fiction, rather than his well known children’s stories. He is definitely a very talented and fascinating writer. Please read his short stories!!
This has widened my love for short stories and definitely makes me want to indulge in more of Roald Dahl’s adult fiction, rather than his well known children’s stories. He is definitely a very talented and fascinating writer. Please read his short stories!!
May 1, 2022
cada cierto tiempo me gusta leer historias infantiles/juveniles para no olvidar nunca cómo se percibe el mundo desde el punto de vista de un niño y roald dahl es una bestia parda en ese aspecto! admito que un par de historias me han tenido aguantando el aliento hasta el final y me han hecho reírme en voz alta (esto tiene mucho mérito, pocos relatos lo consiguen). especialmente me ha gustado "the way up to heaven", literalmente andó para que los creepypastas pudieran correr 👏👏
March 19, 2023
En esta compilación de Dahl, dónde los cuentos tienen en común un cierre abrupto antes del evento "más importante" y pueden tener cierto aire de parábolas, la mitad de los relatos son memorables pero los demás, ya sea por su duración o porque simplemente no me parecieron tan interesantes pueden ser olvidados de aquí a la próxima semana.
Mis favoritos son: The Sound Machine (el mejor de todos, casi me hace llorar) Mr. Botibol y Dip in the Pool
Mis favoritos son: The Sound Machine (el mejor de todos, casi me hace llorar) Mr. Botibol y Dip in the Pool
May 10, 2020
4/5
Well these 10 short stories are actually got me feeling relaxed i guess...
But somehow there's 3 of fav short stories in this book which were
[The Umbrella Man]
[My Lady Love,My Dove]
[Parson's Pleasure]
three of these short stories really make my day more adventurous.
Well these 10 short stories are actually got me feeling relaxed i guess...
But somehow there's 3 of fav short stories in this book which were
[The Umbrella Man]
[My Lady Love,My Dove]
[Parson's Pleasure]
three of these short stories really make my day more adventurous.
August 16, 2022
some are better than others but all variations of same thing; gross person does something gross, get's their comeuppance in last 4 lines of the story, the end. i wish dahl was slightly less moralistic here?
July 31, 2023
Mr. Botibol, The Way Up to Heaven made me very tense. i couldn’t get through the more stressful stories fast enough. the only thing that kept me going was the excitement to see how the story would turn in its last lines
March 6, 2024
simple but lovely in the nostalgia that dahl brings out. with any short story collection there are some that are better than others but found that there were potentially more duds than not. however stands out were ‘the umbrella man’ ‘the hitchhiker’ and ‘mr botibol’.
January 2, 2018
really nice collection of short stories - unexpected twists and delightful characters that bring back childhood memories reading this very same book
January 20, 2018
I'm not one for short stories, but I did like My Lady Love My Dove, The Way up to Heaven, and the Parson's Pleasure.
October 8, 2019
I think that it is a very interesting book
November 14, 2019
Magnificent, entertaining, I just love Roald Dahl.
June 2, 2020
absolutely loved all the stories' plot twists with the exception of a few. i was intrigued, and definitely a page turner. i understand it is a short story and it would be absolutely impossible to develop the characters as it's focal point is definitely plot, some of the characters were so personality-less (literally a tree would have more personality than them). however, I'm letting the characters slide. overall it is an average read and a short and straightforward book to read on the go.
September 5, 2020
I absolutely loved these stories. They are a short fun read, immensely entertaining and often with a twist. Relaxing and perfect to chill out.
June 28, 2021
An okay read. 'The Umbrella Man' and 'The Way upto Heaven' were quite good. The suspense in the latter was unbearable. Some stories like Mr. Botibol and The Wish were ridiculous.
January 7, 2022
not a fan :/
Read
January 28, 2022THIS WAS AND IS STILL FOR LIT AND I WANNA INCREASE MY 2021 SHIT SO🧍🏻♀️
July 31, 2022
My favourites are: The umbrella man, The way up to heaven and of course Mr.Botibol.
August 6, 2022
A delightful little collection. Although the last story didn't quite fit in.
Read
November 11, 2022Al lang uitgelezen, maar vergeten markeren.
Erg tof boekje met bij ieder verhaaltje een totaal onverwachte wending.
Erg tof boekje met bij ieder verhaaltje een totaal onverwachte wending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews