A review by monsterful_alex
Roald Dahl's Book of Ghost Stories by Roald Dahl

4.0

Contrary to what some people might believe, this book is NOT written by Roald Dahl, but just compiled by him - it is a series of his favourite 'ghost' stories. They don't all feature ghosts, but rather the inexplicable, the supernatural; and they are, each and every one, thrilling in their own way. It is an enjoyable, exciting read, especially late at night, at the light of a very dim lamp (or even a candle, if you are, like me, taken to such fancies) and I am grateful to Roald Dahl for introducing new authors to me, authors that I now want to read. My favourite story was Ringing the Changes by Robert Aickman (who is now on my reading list), which reached the best balance between peculiar folklore and psychological thrill (two newly-weds decide to visit a town at a time when it is not quite safe to go outside and the bells are tolling ominously). Elias and the Draug was interesting, as it brought a bit of Scandinavian flavour to the mostly English-centred landscape (it all happens at sea, in Norway and it features, unsurprisingly, a Norwegian mythological creature). And the Corner Shop was the story with the happiest ending (a very peculiar antique shop appears on a rainy day). I think I would have liked it if Dahl would have included the years when these stories were written, but that is mostly because I am fascinated by literary context. A recommended read for fans of psychological thrillers and gothic literature.