The Boy Who Talked with Animals - 3/5
The Hitch-Hiker - 3/5
The Mildenhall Treasure - 2/5
The Swan - 1/5
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar - 2/5
Lucky Break (non-fictional) - 5/5
A Piece of Cake - 5/5 ( )

This is the last of the Roald Dahl books that I’ll be reviewing for a while, as I’ve moved on to reading some other things, but I really did enjoy this book so let’s get to it!
There are only seven stories in this collection, but each one has a gravitas to it that I really enjoyed. They’re not really related to each other, not like in Switch Bitch where you have all four stories related to sex. In this one, the stories vary in topic but not really in style. Since there’s so few stories I can actually take the opportunity to talk about each of them in a little bit of detail.
‘The Boy who Talked With Animals’ is a story about a man vacationing in Jamaica who, while relaxing on the beach, encounters a group of fisherman corralling in a large beautiful turtle who is about to be cooked for the hotel’s supper that evening. While guests rejoice over the delicious meal they’re going to have, a young boy runs onto the beach and demands that they release the turtle. He makes quite a scene and in that moment, the narrator realizes that the young boy can actually communicate with animals. The story ends with the young boy disappearing and running away to swim with the turtles, and never being heard from again.
‘The Hitch-Hiker’ tells the story of a writer driving into London who picks up a hitchhiker on his way who turns out to be one of the most fascinating people he’s ever met. As they chat, the driver learns more about the hitchhiker and his job, and after being stopped by a police officer for speeding, they actually come out on top due to the hitchhiker’s amazing talents.
In ‘The Mildenhall Treasure’, we have the fictionalized account of a true story, which you can find out more about by searching up the title of the story in Wikipedia. The story revolves around the farmer who found one of the largest and most extensive Roman treasures in the United Kingdom, and also centres around the man who tried to swindle him out of gaining a fortune he so rightfully deserves as the finder of the treasure. Roald Dahl also prefaces this story with a short introduction to explain how it was that he came to write the story and his personal experience with it.
‘The Swan’ is one of the most shocking stories I’ve ever read from Dahl, revolving around cruelty and bullying in teenage boys. In this story, two teenage boys torture and bully a boy who is their age (albeit it much smaller) who is minding his own business in the woods watching birds when he is interrupted by the two bullies. The story was actually very jarring to read as it depicted the violence so matter-of-factly. The story, however, does have a hint of the magical about it, which I actually didn’t expect at all in this collection until I read this story.
‘The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar’ is by far the longest story, and I wouldn’t like to reveal too much about it except for the basic plot. Henry Sugar, a wealthy man, learns how to cheat at poker and other casino games without ever losing a single bet, and things take an unusual turn when he realizes that money no longer thrills him as it did. This story, honestly, was so wholesome and beautiful to read, and took me on such a long journey of emotions and happenings that I can’t even describe it in words, but I really do have to say that you should definitely read it.
‘Lucky Break’ is the non-fictional account of how Roald Dahl became a writer, and how he started writing and actually becoming the renowned writer that he is today. I actually read this story while I was going through a rough period as a writer, and I’m really grateful that I did encounter this story when I did because it gave me a little bit of a confidence boost to know that somebody like Dahl has also gone through something similar.
Finally, ‘Piece of Cake’ is an autobiographical story of Dahl’s time in the Air Force during World War II, and details the events that led to Dahl becoming injured while flighting his plane in the Mediterranean.
This collection, overall, is absolutely brilliant. I really enjoyed every story and how startlingly different they are from one to the next, and how the only thing that you can see in it that is similar is Dahl’s writing style. I also really loved how, even though the style is so evidently there, each character introduced in the story is so obviously unique and wonderful in their own way, with their own significant voice and all. I love Dahl even more after reading this.
My final rating is a 6/5. Read it. Enjoy it. Please. ( )

Good collection of stories and a part where he tells how he began writing (after meeting author, C.S. Forester). Fun stuff. ( )

Always funny, interesting and intriguing. ( )

To be honest, this book was rather boring. I really only like two and half of the stories. I think my biggest mistake reading this book is waiting too long to read it. It's for teenagers. I got this book when I was maybe 12 more or less and that's when I should have read the book, I think I would have loved it then. As a young adult reading this book, it's boring and somewhat dated. It's a little disappointing because I love Dahl's other books for children (even as a young adult I like them still). I thought I would like this one, but I didn't. ( )

Don´t know how someone ever came up with this terrible cover artwork. Anyway - couldn´t believe that it was the first book ever of Dahl that I read (or at least the first collection of short stories) but I really enjoyed it and I am pretty sure it will not be the last. ( )

I really enjoyed this book. Great learning some more info about Roald Dahl. I think the Henry Sugar story was my fave. ( )

An interesting assortment of stories. They're all in Dahl's usual very...practical? style - the characters may be pleased with events, but they're never really surprised. It's an interesting viewpoint. Some of them are children's stories - The Boy Who Talked With Animals in particular. The others...maybe, maybe not, it would depend on the child. The two non-fiction pieces are interesting - The Mildenhall Treasure, about a trove of Roman silver turned up in a field in England; and A Piece of Cake, his first-ever story, about being shot down as a pilot during WWII. The third non-fiction piece is a bit of biography - his school years (and how he was definitely not a writer then), his time in the war, his assignment to Washington DC where he met C.S. Forester and discovered that writers are just ordinary people, at least when they're not writing. And then A Piece of Cake, which was supposed to be notes for a story for Forester to write and turned into Dahl's first sale instead. The other three stories are The Hitchhiker, which is supposed to be funny (I think) and I find annoying; The Swan, which starts out nasty and turns into a fairy story; and the title story, which contains another - a neat story about a bored rich man who decides to develop his mental powers in order to become richer, and learns that the person he needs to be to have those powers...isn't all that interested in money. Really nice ending on that one. I'm glad I read it; I might read it again sometime. ( )

Roald Dahl writes in such a simple and elegant way that it's a pleasure to read out loud. It's all very forthright and factual sounding. This book includes two non-fiction pieces, or possibly three if you include the one about how he became a writer (in which he says the other two were his only non-fiction pieces).

I read these stories aloud to Colleen. ( )

Read this in my youth, and remember some of the stories so vividly, for different reasons. The Swan terrified me at the time, and perhaps terrifies me even more now. The hitchhiker maintains its cheeky mystery. And Henry Sugar, just great. Looking back, I wonder how much of an influence this had - I remember trying to do the strange, meditative acts in the book.

Thoroughly enjoyed re-reading this, 25 years or so later. ( )

Awesome book! This book is one of the books I read growing up that surfaces in my mind almost every time I'm in a library, bookstore or dealing with books. I guess the stories were just so weird and so deep thought inducing. I think I tired the card and candle tricks to help improve my ability to concentrate but I never did learn to see through cards. Highly recommend. ( )

Recommended by Lauren B.

ToC
The boy who talked with animals
The hitchhiker
The Mildenhall treasure
The swan
The wonderful story of Henry Sugar
Lucky break
A piece of cake

These stories are fiction, except "Lucky Break" (autobiographical; familiar to those who have read "Boy") and "A piece of cake" (first published in an American magazine in 1942); "The Mildenhall Treasure" is also presented as nonfiction. "The Swan" was absolutely brutal, with a touch of magical realism at the end; Henry Sugar also had a bit of magic/mysticism to it. All of the stories are very absorbing, with Dahl's typical storytelling prowess, and the narrator Andrew Scott does an excellent job. ( )

In addition to several fantastic short stories, and the only 2 nonfiction short stories Dahl published, this collection has a great essay about how Dahl became a writer. I really enjoyed the stories, and reading about Dahl's life leading up to his becoming a fiction writer was inspiring and informative. ( )

Enjoyable read with some information on how Dahl became a writer. ( )

A collection of 6 stories by Dahl. Sadly, not a funny collection, more of a rambling fiction'y whatever... ( )

Roald Dahl is better known for children's books: James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Witches, Matilda and more. A good number that have been made into movies.

This book is a collection of short stories, more like novellas, the majority fiction. The title is one of the longer stories. It tells of a man who is already rich and bored, who finds a way to develop his senses to see through things. Using this he amasses tons of money and comes up with an unusual way to use it to others' benefit.

A few of the other stories have a base in reality but he takes them into a fantasy world. A boy who can talk to turtles and helps rescue a large sea turtle, a boy who flies to save himself, a sly hitchhiker; all story lines.

There is also a chapter where Dalh tells of how he became a writer, this after years of being told he was lousy at it by his teachers. It also gives you a glimpse of what his life was like growing up.

Included is the first story he wrote that he had published. It is a true story telling of a time in his military service during the war in 1942. It was through C.S. Forrester that this happened and it was what sent him on his way of becoming a well known writer and contemporary of many of the high profile people of the day. It is surprising who he spent time with!

He has written for adults, non-fiction about his growing up and his war-time military service and macabre stories, some that have been made into movies or TV shows. I would put this in his adult or young teen level of works. Very enjoyable reading and interesting too! ( )

Especially lovely to have this read by Andrew Scott, perhaps most famous for his portrayal of Moriarty on Sherlock ( )

Especially lovely to have this read by Andrew Scott, perhaps most famous for his portrayal of Moriarty on Sherlock ( )

Especially lovely to have this read by Andrew Scott, perhaps most famous for his portrayal of Moriarty on Sherlock ( )

I have always liked Roald Dahl's adult stories (well, and the kids' ones, too), and there are a few stories in this collection which really shine. However, it's a bit hit and miss.

Of particular interest to writers is his account of how he became a fiction writer. The story is not particularly useful (though there is a section of advice, but it's the usual stuff) - it is interesting, though. ( )

This set of stories made me love Dahl even more! ( )

I love his stories. One of the few authors where I can really enjoy a short story and not feel short changed. He has a way to his imagination that makes me want to jump into his brain for a day. ( )

Sometimes, one is just not sure what category to put a Roald Dahl story. They’re written to be enjoyed, to be provocative, to bypass adults and speak directly to children’s psyches, and they certainly are birthed from a wellspring of imagination that is entirely unique in the world of children’s literature. Legions of fans no doubt have their favorites, such as James and the Giant Peach, The Fantastic Mr.Fox, and Willy Wonka. Fewer still are the Dahl connoisseurs, who likely have read this collection of short stories originally published in 1977. These are complex, compelling, and complicated stories for more mature listeners. Mature not in an age-related sense, but in literary way: there are 10 year old boys who will hear a Dahl yarn (The Swan comes to mind) and forever be moved and changed, yet others who may not have the mental acuity to stick with the story, have been suckled on the immediate gratification that is the Wimpy Kid gestalt. Dahl rewards listeners - the patient and attuned listeners - with stories that illuminate the meanness of children, the tenderness of a mother, or the greed of a Henry Sugar. The narration in this audio recording is spot on and superb: Andrew Scott’s voice with its British Isle lilt, is intimate. At times, it is as if we are all huddled together around a flashlight, long past our bedtimes, listening to Scott softly whisper these finely woven tales. And we, his engrossed audience, hang on his every word. ( )

Not a children's book ... definitely interesting, but considering the stories are about speeding, smoking, stealing, killing animals, gambling, tying someone up on train tracks and war, I wouldn't read this to my kids. Or give it to them. Until maybe ... 13? Or so? The Henry Sugar story is the most fascinating, but I was also very intrigued by his story about how he became a writer. ( )

Roald Dahl is one of my all time favourite authors, and this book is just incredible with short stories that each shine of their own accord. He writes with such a uniqueness that no one can hold a candle to his humour and love for big words.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is one that has the ability to make you believe in the presence of magic and other unexplainable things.
The Boy who talked to animals is a wonderfully crafted beautiful story that pulls at your heartstrings and makes you feel proud of the people willing to stand up for what they think is right.
The Hitchhiker; is my one of my favourites within this book, because I too wish I knew the art of a being a fingersmith (Read the book if you want to know what a fingersmith is ... and it is probably not at all what you are thinking :P)
The Mildenhall Treasure is an amazing true story about a treasure that was indeed found and Mr Dahl was able to interview the families involved to get the real story, which is absolutely brilliant.
The Swan is an extremely sad story that features a lot of bullying down by two fifteen year old boys, one which has been given a rifle for his birthday and decides to use to harass Peter, it features animal cruelty as well and even though these are things that extremely upsetting and would not sit right with a lot of people it happens all the time and sometimes people need to see it in a book to understand it and to have an emotional attachment to the issue and for making a point out of something as horrendous as this I applaud Mr Dahl.

I love every single Roald Dahl book I have ever read and this one is no different :D
( )