Nunc Dimittis

by Roald Dahl

Nunc Dimittis is a short, sharp, thrilling story from Roald Dahl, the master of the shocking tale.

In Nunc Dimittis, Roald Dahl, one of the world's favourite authors, tells a dark story about the sinister side of human nature. Here, a slighted old man takes an elaborate and chilling revenge on his tormentor . . .

Nunc Dimittis is taken from the short story collection Someone Like You, which includes seventeen other devious and shocking stories, featuring the wife who serves a dish that baffles the police; a curious machine that reveals the horrifying truth about plants; the man waiting to be bitten by the venomous snake asleep on his stomach; and others.

'The absolute master of the twist in the tale' (Observer)

This story is also available as a Penguin digital audio download read by the legendary Derek Jacobi.

Roald Dahl, the brilliant and worldwide acclaimed author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, and many more classics for children, also wrote scores of short stories for adults. These delightfully disturbing tales have often been filmed and were most recently the inspiration for the West End play, Roald Dahl's Twisted Tales by Jeremy Dyson. Roald Dahl's stories continue to make readers shiver today.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Audiobook

29 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2012

About the author

Roald 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.

Reviews

[Carla Espinosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

com no vaig a posar-li 4 estrelles a descripcions de un home hecho i derecho botant i aplaudint en el llit de la emoció?

[Thomas Melson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written with rising tension and a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. Shows how nasty these people in the upper tier of society are.

[Mayumi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Um solteirão ricaço e babaca se sente ofendido por uma mulher e resolve se vingar. Infelizmente a mulher que o ofende parece gostar dele mesmo e a outra mulher que lhe contou a ofensa parece gostar dele também. Pobre homem gostado por todas as mulheres horríveis que brigam por ele.

E esse título em latim, hein... muito erudito o protagonista.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mischief and fun.

[Forked Radish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ultionem Ultionis

[Gemma · Rating 3 out of 5]

women who smell of scent

[Chantal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revenge is not always the answer to everything. Great story telling again in this story. This story was build up from the beginning.

[Anirudh Mannattil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, first-rate literature from Dahl. He truly was a master in managing and mastering tension.

[Verónica Ortiz · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a pridful man. I dislike him from the beginning. But the final was okey.

[N4n4l0ver · Rating 2 out of 5]

Què.

[Peter Csanadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Esha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in 2023 as part of Tales of the Unexpected, Someone Like You, and Twenty Nine Kisses From Roald Dahl.

[وائل المنعم · Rating 2 out of 5]

الفكرة جميلة، طريقة رسم البورتريه تفتح الطريق أمام الكثير والكثير من المفاجات، إلا أن النهاية لم تكن على مستوى الفكرة.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creepy, but great. The narrator does a great job.

[Shauna]

Translated: Let your servant go, or now you can go. Permission to leave.
Revenge doesn’t always go the way you want it to, or thought it would.
Lionel Lampson, is a wealthy elderly man, dating the younger Janet de Palagia. A mutual friend, Gladys Ponsonby lets Lionel know that Janet thinks he is a bore.

After some thought, Lionel commissions the painter Royden to paint Janet without her knowing it is for Lionel’s own library, because Royden paints the ladies in the nude than adds their clothing. Lionel throws a dinner party and unveils the painting. But not how Janet thought it would be.