a_pessimist_hopeful_dreamer's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
owenjetton's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
cruelaz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
arqiidea's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
ashleighjadereads's review against another edition
4.0
I love Roald Dahl's stories to bits, but gave this volume four stars simply because his children's books are the ceiling for me.
My top five in this collection were:
1.) The Landlady
This packs a hefty punch of eerie atmosphere into just over ten pages. The landlady in question is a special, schizoid brand of crazy and harbours only a select few guests for long-term stays... .
2.) Mrs Bixby and the Colonel's Coat
I love the title of this story as it fittingly describes how the much sought after coat never ends up belonging to Mrs Bixby at all. It ties in with the recurring theme of rotten characters being served their due, an idea which Dahl was quite preoccupied with in his writing.
3.) Katina
I'm not sure if this story is based on true events which occurred while Dahl was working in the RAF, nevertheless it's incredibly touching and heartbreaking in the end. It leaves you with the feeling of despair that can only be induced by the loss of innocent lives, especially during wartime.
4.) Vengeance Is Mine Inc.
Another delightful story about gaining revenge, except in this one the main characters use the desire for vengeance in others to turn a profit for themselves.
5.) The Way up to Heaven
A highly strung wife and a patronising husband make for a dynamic which can only tend to the survival of one. Perhaps this is what Dahl imagines women fantasise about when they begin to grow tired of their husbands.
My top five in this collection were:
1.) The Landlady
This packs a hefty punch of eerie atmosphere into just over ten pages. The landlady in question is a special, schizoid brand of crazy and harbours only a select few guests for long-term stays... .
2.) Mrs Bixby and the Colonel's Coat
I love the title of this story as it fittingly describes how the much sought after coat never ends up belonging to Mrs Bixby at all. It ties in with the recurring theme of rotten characters being served their due, an idea which Dahl was quite preoccupied with in his writing.
3.) Katina
I'm not sure if this story is based on true events which occurred while Dahl was working in the RAF, nevertheless it's incredibly touching and heartbreaking in the end. It leaves you with the feeling of despair that can only be induced by the loss of innocent lives, especially during wartime.
4.) Vengeance Is Mine Inc.
Another delightful story about gaining revenge, except in this one the main characters use the desire for vengeance in others to turn a profit for themselves.
5.) The Way up to Heaven
A highly strung wife and a patronising husband make for a dynamic which can only tend to the survival of one. Perhaps this is what Dahl imagines women fantasise about when they begin to grow tired of their husbands.
bklyn76's review against another edition
5.0
introduced to this book by my wonderful former coteacher, who modified certain stories to make them "child-friendly" for the grades 4-6 set, but still creepy enough to keep them on the edge of their seats.
boothby's review against another edition
4.0
Taut, very technically competent stories, with some piquant observations and unsettling atmosphere. Prone to end stories with a punchline, which I can take or leave