Tales of the Unexpected
Tales of the Unexpected
Book Brief
Beta471
Short Story • Fiction
Various • Mid-20th century
1990
YA
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Tales of the Unexpected by Roald Dahl is a collection of macabre and twist-filled short stories. The book includes tales of human complexity and unpredictable outcomes. Stories like "Lamb to the Slaughter" and "The Landlady" explore themes of deception and irony, offering readers a unique glimpse into the unexpected facets of human nature.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Unnerving
Dark
Reviews & Readership
10,778 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Tales of the Unexpected by Roald Dahl captivates with its darkly inventive storytelling and surprise endings, showcasing Dahl's mastery in blending humor and horror. Readers applaud its clever twists and engaging prose, but some feel the stories can be predictable or dated. Overall, it remains a compelling collection for those who enjoy the uncanny.
Who Should Read Tales of the Unexpected?
Fans of dark humor and twist endings will relish Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected. Comparable to Shirley Jackson's The Lottery and Saki's The Complete Saki, this collection captivates those who appreciate macabre tales combined with psychological insight and moral complexity.
10,778 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Tales of the Unexpected was not just a collection of Roald Dahl's stories; it also inspired a British television series of the same name that aired from 1979 to 1988.
The stories in Tales of the Unexpected helped establish Roald Dahl's reputation as a master of macabre and twist-ending narratives, diverging sharply from his beloved children's books.
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Roald Dahl's interest in unpredictable and dark storytelling in Tales of the Unexpected was influenced by his own experiences as a fighter pilot during World War II and his exposure to the complexities of human nature.
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471
Short Story • Fiction
Various • Mid-20th century
1990
YA
18+ years
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