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A review by adamrbrooks
The Best of Roald Dahl by Roald Dahl
4.0
Dahl's short stories are interesting, especially in contrast to his books for children. In those, the protagonist often comes up with plots and schemes that succeed. In similar circumstances in these writings, they get thwarted more often (usually in the last few sentences of the story, abruptly).
Overall, I'd say it's less well done than a lot of, say, Bradbury. There are few gems (screaming flowers is nice), and it's interesting to see his changes as the collection moves forward in time.
However, some things never change, including a somewhat annoying penchant of the narrator of the story being very personal -- "I'm telling you this story because" -- even though it's not clear who that is. In one series, it's a character, but not one we ever learn anything about (except that he owns a filling station). Others, it's just a voice. Is it Dahl? Someone nearby? Hardly ever explained, which is grating.
Overall, I'd say it's less well done than a lot of, say, Bradbury. There are few gems (screaming flowers is nice), and it's interesting to see his changes as the collection moves forward in time.
However, some things never change, including a somewhat annoying penchant of the narrator of the story being very personal -- "I'm telling you this story because" -- even though it's not clear who that is. In one series, it's a character, but not one we ever learn anything about (except that he owns a filling station). Others, it's just a voice. Is it Dahl? Someone nearby? Hardly ever explained, which is grating.