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Man from the South and Other Stories
[Penguin Readers Level 6]
"Roald Dahl is the master of the unexpected. Things are not always what they seem and nobody should be trusted. In this collection of his short stories we learn some strange lessons about the dangerous world we live in. But you will have to wait until the final pages of each story to discover the last, terrible twist!" -- back cover.
Contents:
Introduction --
Man from the south --
Beware of the dog --
The landlady --
The vicar's pleasure --
Pig --
An African story --
The champion of the world --
Activities --
"Roald Dahl is the master of the unexpected. Things are not always what they seem and nobody should be trusted. In this collection of his short stories we learn some strange lessons about the dangerous world we live in. But you will have to wait until the final pages of each story to discover the last, terrible twist!" -- back cover.
Contents:
Introduction --
Man from the south --
Beware of the dog --
The landlady --
The vicar's pleasure --
Pig --
An African story --
The champion of the world --
Activities --
- GenresShort Stories
110 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
11 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Roald Dahl
1,481 books26.7k followersRoald Dahl was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 11, 2017
مجموعة قصص معظمها جميلة لكن غلب عليها الملل في السرد .. ربما ثلاث قصص كانت ممتازة من جميع النواحي غير انّ ما يجمعها جميعًا هي النهاية الغير متوقّعة أبدًا وهو ما جعلني متشوّق لنهاية كل قصة .. أوّل تجربة لي مع هذا الكاتب كانت بمجموعة قصص قصيرة وسأكررها مرّة أخرى لأنّه كاتب له أسلوب مميز وجميل.
July 31, 2011
It's said, Roald Dalh is the master of surprise ending and i think, his short stories in this book had proved that.
April 2, 2010
Love learning the other side of Roald Dahl, his experiences and inspirations. Great for suspense reading, and the art of the short story.
November 22, 2023
lai arii cik interesanta un divaina sii gramata nebutu man vina pietruks, no pirktu griesanas lidz loti descriptive kakla pargriesanas, kas mums tik skola nav jalasa?
February 29, 2024
q libro d mierdaaaaa, solo le doy 1 estrella por el cap del piloto
December 29, 2022
But there was no pain. When he looked down, he felt as if he were seeing something that did not belong to him. It was just a mess which was there; something strange and unusual and rather interesting. It was like finding a dead cat on the sofa.
'This is really too bad', the poor boy said, pinching her several time to make sure that she was dead. 'And how sudden! Only a few hours ago she seemed in the very best health. She even ate three large portions of my newest mushroom dish and told me how good it was'. After crying bitterly for several minutes, because he had loved his aunt very much, he carried her outside and buried her in the garden.[...]
'Old Glosspan?' the doctor said. 'Is she dead?'
'Certainly she's dead', the boy answered. 'If you want to come home with me now I'll dig her up and you can see for yourself'.
'How deep did you bury her' the doctor asked.
'Two or three metres down, I think'.
'And how long ago?1
'Oh, about eight hours'.
'The she's dead', the doctor announced. 'Here's the certificate'. -Pig
'This is really too bad', the poor boy said, pinching her several time to make sure that she was dead. 'And how sudden! Only a few hours ago she seemed in the very best health. She even ate three large portions of my newest mushroom dish and told me how good it was'. After crying bitterly for several minutes, because he had loved his aunt very much, he carried her outside and buried her in the garden.[...]
'Old Glosspan?' the doctor said. 'Is she dead?'
'Certainly she's dead', the boy answered. 'If you want to come home with me now I'll dig her up and you can see for yourself'.
'How deep did you bury her' the doctor asked.
'Two or three metres down, I think'.
'And how long ago?1
'Oh, about eight hours'.
'The she's dead', the doctor announced. 'Here's the certificate'. -Pig
December 29, 2019
One of my favorite writers of all time never ceases to amaze me. It doesn't matter how often I've read his stories, it always feels like I'm reading them for the first time.
Out of this collection, my favorites are Man from the South, The Landlady, The Vicar's Pleasure, Pig and The Champion of the World (I can't possibly choose just one).
Out of this collection, my favorites are Man from the South, The Landlady, The Vicar's Pleasure, Pig and The Champion of the World (I can't possibly choose just one).
August 4, 2013
Most of the stories I think was a little bit boring. Actually I've just liked 2 or 3, I could guess the end of the most of them. I struggled with myself to finish it
February 23, 2020
Such a good quick read. Loved all the stories.
December 31, 2024
Oh my. Some very disturbing stories, I'm not sure I can use any of them with my students. the stories are all rather extreme.
March 10, 2024
I think this was a children’s book….
December 29, 2024
Todas las historias me han gustado, pero sobretodo la primera (Man from the South) y la última (Champion of the world).
August 29, 2012
It was a surprisingly good read. Knowing Roald Dahl, I was expecting giant beetles and friendly fairies but nonetheless was shockingly faced with treacherous characters that are fears personified.
The book shows how the world can be treacherous and how one, when displaying so much trust and innocence, gets beaten by the dark-hearted.
It was beautifully written and to reiterate, it was a shockingly wonderful experience of the mysterious, the creepy, and the macabre.
I especially enjoyed/got creeped out of the man from the south, the pig, and the landlady.
The rest are just as equally enjoyable as a hot chocolate on a cold, cold night.
The book shows how the world can be treacherous and how one, when displaying so much trust and innocence, gets beaten by the dark-hearted.
It was beautifully written and to reiterate, it was a shockingly wonderful experience of the mysterious, the creepy, and the macabre.
I especially enjoyed/got creeped out of the man from the south, the pig, and the landlady.
The rest are just as equally enjoyable as a hot chocolate on a cold, cold night.
March 2, 2013
It includes:
Man from the South
Beware of the Dog
The Landlady
The Vicar's Pleasure
Pig
An African Story
The Champion of the World
"Pig" is like the Chocolate Factory's story in an adult version and I really enjoyed it. My favorite one is "The Vicar's Pleasure." It is a very funny ending!!!
Man from the South
Beware of the Dog
The Landlady
The Vicar's Pleasure
Pig
An African Story
The Champion of the World
"Pig" is like the Chocolate Factory's story in an adult version and I really enjoyed it. My favorite one is "The Vicar's Pleasure." It is a very funny ending!!!
April 26, 2011
Amazing book! Funny, Scary, witty, intriguing
May 15, 2012
This is a great collection of stories, all of them a bit macabre. This is not the Roald Dahl I thought I knew but some really entertaining stuff nonetheless.
March 16, 2017
Muy entretenido como todas las historias de Roald Dahl
June 27, 2019
Roald Dahl is fucked up.
September 25, 2020
Genial este escritor( virgo)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews