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Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected #2
Ontzettende verhalen
Contents:
- Poison
- The Sound Machine
- Georgy Porgy
- Genesis and Catastrophe
- The Hitch-hiker
- The Umbrella Man
- Mr Botibol
- Vengeance Is Mine Inc.
- The Butler
Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected is a delightfully dark collection of sixteen stories, each with a startling end. Among the unforgettable characters lurk the homicidal wife and her deadly leg of lamb, a conniving and lecherous wine connoisseur and the one-eyed brain at the mercy of his vengeful spouse. Tales of the Unexpected is an astonishing assortment of twisted treats from the master storyteller.
- Poison
- The Sound Machine
- Georgy Porgy
- Genesis and Catastrophe
- The Hitch-hiker
- The Umbrella Man
- Mr Botibol
- Vengeance Is Mine Inc.
- The Butler
Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected is a delightfully dark collection of sixteen stories, each with a startling end. Among the unforgettable characters lurk the homicidal wife and her deadly leg of lamb, a conniving and lecherous wine connoisseur and the one-eyed brain at the mercy of his vengeful spouse. Tales of the Unexpected is an astonishing assortment of twisted treats from the master storyteller.
149 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
43 people are currently reading
1222 people want to read
About the author
Roald Dahl
1,472 books26.6k 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 - 30 of 96 reviews
April 15, 2023
Нестандартни и наистина неочаквани се оказаха разказите на Роалд Дал. Не го бях виждала в тази светлина, по-известен е с детските си книжки.
Харесаха ми почти всички разкази, с малки изключения. Имайте предвид, че повечето изглеждат, че сякаш нямат край, но всъщност се иска малко да помислиш, а и въображение, за да се досетиш какво може да е станало. Т.е. можеш сам да си напишеш края, ако не те удовлетворява.
Радвам се, че ги открих в библиотеката си и ги прочетох.
Харесаха ми почти всички разкази, с малки изключения. Имайте предвид, че повечето изглеждат, че сякаш нямат край, но всъщност се иска малко да помислиш, а и въображение, за да се досетиш какво може да е станало. Т.е. можеш сам да си напишеш края, ако не те удовлетворява.
Радвам се, че ги открих в библиотеката си и ги прочетох.
March 23, 2022
Marketed poorly, in that in no way is every story a piece of horror or a twisted tale, but every story is an enjoyable read filled with new yet familiar characters.
April 25, 2024
This is a mixed bag of short stories by Roald Dahl.
I was surprised to find one a little boring and predictable(poison) but the characters in the majority were interesting and well written.
One of my favourites was the shortest at 3.5 pages (the butler). Great characters and a twist that made me smile.
Several had me thinking (eg the sound machine, genesis & catastrophe).
Overall I enjoyed the collection, which I dipped in and out of in between other books.
3.5 stars, rounded to 4 for Goodreads.
I was surprised to find one a little boring and predictable(poison) but the characters in the majority were interesting and well written.
One of my favourites was the shortest at 3.5 pages (the butler). Great characters and a twist that made me smile.
Several had me thinking (eg the sound machine, genesis & catastrophe).
Overall I enjoyed the collection, which I dipped in and out of in between other books.
3.5 stars, rounded to 4 for Goodreads.
March 24, 2023
Libro certamente interessante ma che non mi ha convinto del tutto. Alcuni dei racconti sono avvincenti, ben scritti e frutto di notevole intuizione, ma altri mi sono sembrati immotivatamente lunghi nonché talvolta inconcludenti. Sicuramente è lo stile del libro e probabilmente sono io a non aver colto il focus narrativo della raccolta. Dahl resta un titano della letteratura, e a prescindere dalle storie è sempre un grande piacere leggere le sue opere.
March 21, 2025
Tokigt!
February 5, 2017
Разказите бяха забавни, но отново не толкова неочаквани колкото очаквах. Предсказуеми и свършващи все едно насред нищото без финал. Може би не съм свикнал с творбите за възрастни на Дал. Но поне на моменти се посмях, затова ще оценя все пак приемливо.
December 5, 2018
The umbrella man and Genesis... are my favorites, but Poison is a great example of an unexpected tale...
November 28, 2018
De verhalen waren uiterst humoristisch en soms een beetje duister, precies mijn kopje thee. Ik vind het heel vermakelijk dat Dahl mensen met groentes vergelijkt (hier: "Hij leek bijzonder sterk op een asperge."). Verder is ie goed met plottwisten en ik weet niet ik raak gewoon echt geïnvesteerd in de personages als hij iets schrijft.
"Hij keek een poos naar haar, zonder aan haar te denken."
Mijn favoriete verhaal uit deze bundel (het is wel moeilijk kiezen) heet _Het Kermen der Bomen_ en gaat over een meneer die een soort van radio uitvindt waarmee hij naar planten kan luisteren en gaat ze vervolgens afsnijden en breken om naar hun gekerm te luisteren. Lekker duister.
"Hij keek een poos naar haar, zonder aan haar te denken."
Mijn favoriete verhaal uit deze bundel (het is wel moeilijk kiezen) heet _Het Kermen der Bomen_ en gaat over een meneer die een soort van radio uitvindt waarmee hij naar planten kan luisteren en gaat ze vervolgens afsnijden en breken om naar hun gekerm te luisteren. Lekker duister.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2024
While some of the stories here admittedly feel a bit underdeveloped, there's plenty of great pieces in this collection too. I do think that the title of this book is more of a marketing tactic than anything — not all of these stories are macabre thrillers with some kind of twist ending.
Some of these stories, in fact some of my favorites from the collection (e.g., "The Hitch-Hiker", "The Sound Machine", "Vengeance is Mine Inc.") do not necessarily have big twist endings, but instead, they develop some interesting concept and use it to provide some social commentary. The ones that do rely heavily on subverting readers' expectations, do so with varying degrees of success — while "Mr. Botibol" has an unexpectedly endearing ending, "Poison" and "The Butler" conclude in more predictable ways.
Overall, this was a solid collection of short stories. There are a few misses, sure, but there's also enough hits to make the journey worth it.
Some of these stories, in fact some of my favorites from the collection (e.g., "The Hitch-Hiker", "The Sound Machine", "Vengeance is Mine Inc.") do not necessarily have big twist endings, but instead, they develop some interesting concept and use it to provide some social commentary. The ones that do rely heavily on subverting readers' expectations, do so with varying degrees of success — while "Mr. Botibol" has an unexpectedly endearing ending, "Poison" and "The Butler" conclude in more predictable ways.
Overall, this was a solid collection of short stories. There are a few misses, sure, but there's also enough hits to make the journey worth it.
December 21, 2019
Some enjoyable stories but a few were missing the short story finale and seemed to just fall flat.
October 22, 2022
The second half of the book is way better than the first.
October 2, 2023
Very funny and original stories! But some are also quite frustrating, especially when they have an open ending.
July 9, 2024
Doesn’t live up to its name as much as the first. There were some good surprises in it, but on the whole these weren’t the strongest of Dahl’s twisted stories.
March 9, 2025
Meesterverteller!
January 31, 2023
Als kind heb ik zijn boeken gelezen en om nu een hele andere tak te lezen is leuk. Er zitten leuke, grappige en serieuze verhalen in. Een mooie bundel.
May 4, 2025
A weaker follow-up to the first Unexpected collection, lacking the delightful twists of Dahl's best work. The best stories here are "The Sound Machine" and "Genesis and Catastrophe"
January 2, 2020
"Письмена на изнаночной стороне нормальности"
Если вы - любитель неординарных сюжетов с непредсказуемой концовкой, то, поверьте, сий сборник полностью оправдывает свое название и идеально подойдет Вам для того, чтобы скоротать вечер за чтение легкой и непринужденной прозы.
Признаюсь честно, когда я только начала читать этот сборник рассказов, меня переполняло чувство скептицизма по отношению к характеристики рассказов как "абсолютно неожиданные", согласно громкому названию книги. Ибо, рассуждала я в тот момент, довольно сложно себе вообразить, чем меня, человека искушенного в вопросе литературных изощрений и сюжетных ухищрений, еще можно удивить. Но стоит признать, что даже такой заядлый книжный червь как я (прошу, не сочтите выше написанные слова за чрезмерное тщеславие) явно не был готов к тому, что уготовил для читателей Роаль Даль.
Здесь встречаются такие персонажи, как азартный игрок в преклонных летах, который предлагает довольно странное пари. Только представьте, что у Вас есть уникальная возможность (Сенсация!Сенсация! Только здесь и сейчас!) стать обладателем дорогого автомобиля. Все, что от Вас требуется,- это всего лишь зажечь зажигалку десять раз подряд. Многих Вы еще знаете в истории счастливчиков, кто сумел разжиться собственным роскошным транспортом за столь короткий срок и с минимальным затратой сил?! Существует лишь одна малюююсенькая загвоздка: в случае Вашего проигрыша старик требует самую малость - отрубить Вам палец. Ну, разве не прелесть?
А чего только стоит развязка хитроумной аферы, которую решает провернуть некая мадам, желая любой ценой сохранить подарок (новенькую шубу) от своего уже усопшего любовника, да так, чтобы у мужа не возникло никаких подозрений?! Интрига века, так сказать!
Юмор рассказов Даля напоминает отважного эквилибриста - опасно балансирует на грани дозволенного между банальной предсказуемостью и одновременно повергающей в шок жестокостью. Но в любом случае, после окончания каждой из историй остается неутихающее чувство недоразумения, ибо до конца не можешь определиться со своими впечатлениями о прочитанном: то ли это отвращение ко всему происходящему, либо это восхищение неординарной фантазией автора.
Сложно однозначно утверждать, что книга, или точнее «тон» ее сюжетов, придется по вкусу всем без исключений, но в одном я могу быть уверенной наверняка - Вы вряд ли когда-либо сталкивались с чем-то подобным.
Некогда корифеи литературоведения пришли к выводу, что во всей литературе существует ограниченное количество сюжетов и все, что остается писателям - это постоянно «перетасовывать» эти самые шаблоны, предлагая на суд читателей лишь незначительные вариации на тему, - ничего нового уже не придумать. Однако мне кажется, что Роаль Далю все же удалось бы их удивить!
Если вы - любитель неординарных сюжетов с непредсказуемой концовкой, то, поверьте, сий сборник полностью оправдывает свое название и идеально подойдет Вам для того, чтобы скоротать вечер за чтение легкой и непринужденной прозы.
Признаюсь честно, когда я только начала читать этот сборник рассказов, меня переполняло чувство скептицизма по отношению к характеристики рассказов как "абсолютно неожиданные", согласно громкому названию книги. Ибо, рассуждала я в тот момент, довольно сложно себе вообразить, чем меня, человека искушенного в вопросе литературных изощрений и сюжетных ухищрений, еще можно удивить. Но стоит признать, что даже такой заядлый книжный червь как я (прошу, не сочтите выше написанные слова за чрезмерное тщеславие) явно не был готов к тому, что уготовил для читателей Роаль Даль.
Здесь встречаются такие персонажи, как азартный игрок в преклонных летах, который предлагает довольно странное пари. Только представьте, что у Вас есть уникальная возможность (Сенсация!Сенсация! Только здесь и сейчас!) стать обладателем дорогого автомобиля. Все, что от Вас требуется,- это всего лишь зажечь зажигалку десять раз подряд. Многих Вы еще знаете в истории счастливчиков, кто сумел разжиться собственным роскошным транспортом за столь короткий срок и с минимальным затратой сил?! Существует лишь одна малюююсенькая загвоздка: в случае Вашего проигрыша старик требует самую малость - отрубить Вам палец. Ну, разве не прелесть?
А чего только стоит развязка хитроумной аферы, которую решает провернуть некая мадам, желая любой ценой сохранить подарок (новенькую шубу) от своего уже усопшего любовника, да так, чтобы у мужа не возникло никаких подозрений?! Интрига века, так сказать!
Юмор рассказов Даля напоминает отважного эквилибриста - опасно балансирует на грани дозволенного между банальной предсказуемостью и одновременно повергающей в шок жестокостью. Но в любом случае, после окончания каждой из историй остается неутихающее чувство недоразумения, ибо до конца не можешь определиться со своими впечатлениями о прочитанном: то ли это отвращение ко всему происходящему, либо это восхищение неординарной фантазией автора.
Сложно однозначно утверждать, что книга, или точнее «тон» ее сюжетов, придется по вкусу всем без исключений, но в одном я могу быть уверенной наверняка - Вы вряд ли когда-либо сталкивались с чем-то подобным.
Некогда корифеи литературоведения пришли к выводу, что во всей литературе существует ограниченное количество сюжетов и все, что остается писателям - это постоянно «перетасовывать» эти самые шаблоны, предлагая на суд читателей лишь незначительные вариации на тему, - ничего нового уже не придумать. Однако мне кажется, что Роаль Далю все же удалось бы их удивить!
October 26, 2023
Read 2023: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Poison: ⭐️⭐️
- The Sound Machine: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Georgy Porgy: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Genesis and Catastrophe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- The Hitchhiker: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- The Umbrella Man: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Mr Botibol: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Vengeance Is Mine Inc.: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- The Butler: ⭐️⭐️
- Poison: ⭐️⭐️
- The Sound Machine: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Georgy Porgy: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Genesis and Catastrophe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- The Hitchhiker: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- The Umbrella Man: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Mr Botibol: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Vengeance Is Mine Inc.: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- The Butler: ⭐️⭐️
December 6, 2013
Most people know Roald Dahl because of his wonderful stories for children. From Matilda to James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the BFG, Dahl has enthralled generations of kids. But somehow most people have missed out on his short stories for adults. He published multiple collections in this vein and this one is a perfect example of his work.
The book reminds me of short stories from both Ray Bradbury and Flannery O’Connor. He tends towards a darker view of the world and people in general. Some of the stories are creepy, like The Sound Machine and the chilling Genesis and Catastrophe. Others like The Umbrella Man and Vengeance is Mine Inc. are quirky and fun.
The slim book contains the following stories:
Poison
The Sound Machine
Georgy Porgy
Genesis and Catastrophe
The Hitch-hiker
The Umbrella Man
Mr. Botibol
Vengeance is Mine Inc.
The Butler
BOTTOM LINE: If you’ve never read any of Roald Dahl’s adult stories this is a great place to start. The man had a wicked sense of humor and a style of writing that people have adored for decades. I’d also recommend his nonfiction memoirs Boy and Going Solo.
The book reminds me of short stories from both Ray Bradbury and Flannery O’Connor. He tends towards a darker view of the world and people in general. Some of the stories are creepy, like The Sound Machine and the chilling Genesis and Catastrophe. Others like The Umbrella Man and Vengeance is Mine Inc. are quirky and fun.
The slim book contains the following stories:
Poison
The Sound Machine
Georgy Porgy
Genesis and Catastrophe
The Hitch-hiker
The Umbrella Man
Mr. Botibol
Vengeance is Mine Inc.
The Butler
BOTTOM LINE: If you’ve never read any of Roald Dahl’s adult stories this is a great place to start. The man had a wicked sense of humor and a style of writing that people have adored for decades. I’d also recommend his nonfiction memoirs Boy and Going Solo.
December 14, 2015
"Смятам да си представя, че съм Шопен."
Забавлявах се с почти всички разкази, но с "Мистър Ботибол" дори дирижирах... ;)
Някои разкази са с неочакван край, не малко са с очакван, еднакво ценни са тези с незавършен край.
А напоследък в книгите все попадам на мъже, които се страхуват от жени...
"Колкото по-бързо бягах, толкова по-пъргаво ме преследваха. Такива са жените. Нищо не ги стимулира така, както мъжките прояви на скромност и стеснителност." (дали?!)
Приятна ми беше неделята с Роалд Дал. Дори разбойниците не ме дразнеха.
"- Сякаш сме деца - каза тя, но се усмихна."
November 24, 2013
Прочетох всички разкази до края, но подтикнат не от увлекателен стил на писане или интересен подбор на думи, а от чисто любопитство. Да, с неочакван край са, но по някакъв разочароващ неочакван начин... Книгата е далече от водача ми в момента в това направление - "Съдба" на Шиничи Хоши, библ. Галактика
November 1, 2022
Some more wicked tales by Roald Dahl. His adult short stories are on the whole very well constructed and so quick to savour and enjoy. It's been an absolute pleasure getting to read them after having them on my list for a long time!
July 26, 2011
Not really very unexpected. But the one about Hitler was good.
February 4, 2014
Raccolta di racconti brevi, alcuni semplicemente geniali (tipo "Genesi e Catastrofe").
July 7, 2016
Me parece bastante peculiar que tan multifacético es Dahl. Ya había leído otros cuentos cortos de él y aunque aquellos eran más violentos m, esta recopilación tiene su encanto.
May 9, 2019
Cannot recommend highly enough. Ingenious, sharp, superb characterisation, hilarious, chilling....
March 24, 2020
Always pleasure to read these classic and well narrated stories (for adults). Ma favourite reading time after I finish reading other tales for my son :)
January 25, 2021
I love this author.
September 11, 2021
These horror stories never fail to entertain: gory thrills and chills from an expert
August 1, 2017
Here's a stunning sequel to 'Completely Unexpected Tales'. Ravenous for more of Dahl's witty humour and a dollop of ecstasy? This book is guaranteed to satisfy your thirst for excitement and sinister plot twists. As you flip the pages, be prepared as Dahl takes your emotions and expectations on a roller coaster ride, raising tension as you reach the apex and then leaving you plummeting at unexpected moments. Prepare to be marvelled at his compendium of knowledge; from forensics, physics to music which he nicely translates to a collection of science fiction, action-packed and satirical stories for you to savour. Allow your senses to be enraptured by his artistic flair as he transports you to a curious and thrilling world. Most profoundly, you might even catch a glimpse of a deeper meaning of his stories which unfolds itself aptly as you read on. Personally my favourites in this exquisite collection are the Sound Machine and Mr Botibol
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