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tieraisreading 's review for:
Lamb to the Slaughter
by Roald Dahl
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I absolutely love this short story. I first read it back in high school, and it immediately fascinated me, especially its question of what could drive a woman to murder her husband.
As someone who grew up on Roald Dahl's children's novels (Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Witches, Matilda), it blew me away to see him dip into this kind of dark, ironic thriller. The sharp turn from domestic bliss to shocking violence, followed by Mary's chillingly clever cover-up, makes this an unforgettable read.
It's also an excellent text for analysis in school, easy to read yet packed with themes of betrayal, gender roles, irony, and survival. Even then, I remember speculating about Patrick having an affair and Mary protecting herself, her baby, and her image as the perfect wife.
I highly recommend this story as an introduction to thrillers and a perfect example of Dahl's talent for crafting unsettling, layered tales.
As someone who grew up on Roald Dahl's children's novels (Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Witches, Matilda), it blew me away to see him dip into this kind of dark, ironic thriller. The sharp turn from domestic bliss to shocking violence, followed by Mary's chillingly clever cover-up, makes this an unforgettable read.
It's also an excellent text for analysis in school, easy to read yet packed with themes of betrayal, gender roles, irony, and survival. Even then, I remember speculating about Patrick having an affair and Mary protecting herself, her baby, and her image as the perfect wife.
I highly recommend this story as an introduction to thrillers and a perfect example of Dahl's talent for crafting unsettling, layered tales.