Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life

by Roald Dahl, John Lawrence (Illustrator)

Set in one village, and sharing a cast of characters, these stories give readers an evocative look back at life in a small English village in the years just after World War II. Illustrated.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Humor, Classics, Childrens, Horror, Novels

179 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

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

[James Woodall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this is like having a pipe-smoking, chair-rocking, throat-clearing, peppermint-sucking, lip-smacking Grandfather tell you stories and anecdotes from his childhood or his fantasies despite your Mother expressly forbidding him to do so and frowning at you for encouraging him. But Mother's out with a friend, Father is still at the factory and neither will be home till late, by which time you'll be in bed and Grandfather will have fallen asleep by the fire. Who's going to know?

[Jeremy Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much fun as Roald Dahl's children's books are, I think his talents as a writer are best showcased in his short fiction for adults. To me he's the master of scope. His stories are always exactly the right length for their subject matter. A book of his short fiction is like a well-constructed tasting menu: all the flavor, none of the bloat.

"Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life" collects stories of sympathetic rogues who get bit by their own schemes. The stories in this volume are like light-hearted, rural versions of Guy Ritchie's movies. I would be unsurprised if Ritchie's ideas owe a debt to Dahl's stories.

This is a great book, and heartily recommended.

[Julie N · Rating 2 out of 5]

Author Born in July, August, or September

I love Dahl's children's books and I looked forward to reading some of his adult short stories, but I felt like I just didn't "get" this book. There were a few parts that were funny, but overall I was just bored. I feel like maybe the problem is with me and not with Dahl, I mean seriously, it's Roald Dahl. I'll have to try some of his other adult fiction to see if I get it.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was as pleasurable to read as "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar". Even though some stories were hard to read up to the end, because of their content, it just added to the fun because the writing was amazing!

[Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my introduction to Roald Dahl's short fiction, and what an introduction it is! Before then, I was aware (though subconsciously) of his dark wit and antagonistic humor through his children's fiction. In this selection, though, I found him to use that same wit to such ends as O. Henry twists; angry, yet lovable, characters; folk-tales of his own breed; moralizing in a tongue-in-cheek manner ... what a great collection! Included is also the short story that would later become one of his best novels Danny, The Champion Of The World.

Roald Dahl's short fiction has since taken a bigger chunk of my time than any of his other fiction and with books like this and The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six Others to start you off, you can't go wrong. Roald Dahl's talent as a short fiction author will make you wish that he had never started writing novels but continued this work. This collection epitomizes what makes him one of the best short fiction writers of all time. Do yourself a favor and pick this up as an introduction to his adult work and see what the kids are missing!

[Abi Doremus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fleeting vignettes into the realities of life — the dull, the bizarre, and the lovely. I never read more than a few pages at a time as I was, truthfully, lulled to a nice nap every time I opened it. But that was perfect for an afternoon-on-the-couch holiday read! I thoroughly enjoyed my dreams littered with Dahl’s cows, meadow breezes, and nosy neighbors from down the lane.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for twist endings, and Dahl does not disappoint here.

[Jacca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The air of the countryside captured through Roald Dahl's wacky characters and dark imagination.
The short stories in here are at times simply a joyous yet strange romp through the lives of a few characters in rural England. At other times the stories are bleak and shocking, yet they perhaps shine their most in those moments of crescendo horror.

The stories are rooted in the lives of a few primary characters who recur through each of the tales and each of whom have their own distinctive and personal charm. Dahl has such a wonderful way of describing people through evocative similes that make his children's books so wonderful and that charm is definitely carried on into his more adult stories.

At times the world would take me back to the true rural feeling of exploring my grandparent's farm as a child or hopping on hay bales in the fields at the bottom of our garden. At other times they had me grimacing at the archetypal Dahl twists anyone familiar should expect from him.

Remarkably wholesome in spite of its very black humour at times. Certainly enjoyable.

[Tamara York · Rating 1 out of 5]

I adore Dahl’s children’s books and have always wondered about his adult writing. This collection of short stories cured me of that curiosity. They were gory, unsettling, weird, and cruel in tone. The one about the furniture dealer was okay but the rest were not enjoyable at all. I also saw the play, Giant with John Lithgow, about Dahl’s antisemitism and it also brought down my opinion of Dahl as a person. This brought down my opinion of him as a writer. I will stick with his children’s books in future.

[Pallavi Bichu · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of those rare days when I find a Roald Dahl book I haven’t read prior. Two stories are repeats from another collection, but the rest were new. Set around Claude and a motley crew of other rural characters, this was a fun 30 minute collection to get through, but not his best.

[Kali Braithwaite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life by Roald Dahl is a unique and intriguing collection of short stories that takes readers on an unconventional journey. While it showcases Dahl's unmistakable talent for storytelling and his delightfully dark sense of humor, the overall experience left me with mixed feelings.

One of the highlights of this book is Dahl's ability to craft fascinating characters who often find themselves in peculiar situations. From eccentric inventors to curious children, each protagonist possesses a distinct personality that makes them memorable. Additionally, the author's attention to detail brings the settings to life, immersing readers in the whimsical worlds he creates.

The stories themselves are filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and curious about what lies around the next corner. Dahl's signature dark humor adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the narratives, infusing them with a delightful sense of mischief. His ability to blend the mundane with the extraordinary is commendable and ensures that readers are constantly surprised.

However, despite these strengths, the collection as a whole lacks consistency. Some stories stand out as captivating and leave a lasting impact, while others feel rushed or fail to deliver on their promising premises. The pacing also fluctuates, with some tales feeling drawn-out, while others conclude abruptly, leaving unanswered questions.

Furthermore, while Dahl's storytelling style is undoubtedly captivating, it may not be to everyone's taste. The dark and macabre elements that often permeate his narratives can be unsettling, especially for readers seeking lighter fare. It's important to approach this collection with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the peculiarities of Dahl's imagination.

In conclusion, Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life showcases Roald Dahl's talent for crafting intriguing and unusual tales. While some stories hit the mark and leave a lasting impression, the overall collection lacks consistency and may not appeal to readers who prefer a more conventional storytelling approach.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

In many of Roald Dahl's famous books, you can't help but notice the twisted sense of humor he has. Normally he covers it up with a bit of whimsy... OK, a LOT of whimsy.

These short stories have all the twisted and none of the whimsy.

The author wrote these short stories while he was living in the countryside after the war. I read that he would spend 4 hours a day writing, and the rest of the day out and about in the village and mingling with his neighbors. Many of the stories in this book are at least partially based on real people and real events. The last story in the book describes an adventure in pheasant poaching, which was apparently one of Dahl's favorite pastimes. This story also served as the inspiration for my favorite Roald Dahl book, "Danny the Champion of the World".

I definitely prefer Dahl's children stories. The ones in this book all have a more dark, even gruesome sense of humor. It was interesting to see the contrast between his writing for children and his writing for adults.

[Rachel Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a loyal Dahl fan when it comes to children's literature, but this is the first of his adult lit I've read, and I was just as pleased with it as the rest. I cannot seem to get enough of Roald Dahl in my life.

[Anustha Upreti · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the weirdest thing i've ever read

[Andrew Brine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining, grounded stories about country life. Charming and funny.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

no thanks

[Sophie Essex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty, funny, slightly scary. Death and animal cruelty presented in a digestible format. Old fashioned England distilled.

[Stella Feenstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was enjoyable and silly and great writing

[Ari · Rating 1 out of 5]

Incredibly boring

[Pooja Banga · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sweet scents of rural life infuse this beautifully crafted collection of Roald Dahl's country stories, but there is always something unexpected lurking in the undergrowth. Whether it is taking a troublesome cow to be mated with a prime bull; dealing with a rat-infested hayrick; learning the ways and means of maggot farming; or describing the fine art of poaching pheasants using nothing but raisins and sleeping pills, Roald Dahl brings his stories of everyday country folk and their strange passions wonderfully to life. Lacing each tale with dollops of humor and adding a sprinkling of the sinister, Dahl ensures that this short story collection celebrates the sweet mysteries of life.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roald Dahl was my idol growing up as a bookworm. I loved to delve into his works, his sinister, unique twist on childhood and the perils and mysteries within. He was deemed to scary and twisted to be a children's author, but the popularity of his books can't lie! He was a unique storyteller who still stands apart from the rest 21 years after his death. Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life is a collection of country stories from his 30's, when he lived and wrote in Missenden, having adventures with his strange friend Claud. These stories are beautifully told, descriptive and engaging, and you can hear his voice throughout. He gives his own twist as usual to the characters in the country he encountered in his early years, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading every one. This is just one of a number of new editions of his works, and I plan to read more, especially Boy. His writing left an imprint in my heart as a child, and that imprint still stays strong to this day. I cannot wait to introduce my children to him when they are old enough.

These books are slim editions available from Penguin. Other titles available are:-
Boy
Going Solo
Roald Dahl's collection of Ghost Stories
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
Switch Bitch
My Uncle Oswald
Over to You
Someone Like You
Kiss Kiss

Roald Dahl wrote all this life, only writing for 4 hours a day, in the later years from a converted shed at the bottom of his garden. He originally wrote for adults, only later, having a wife and children, did he write children's fiction. James and the Giant Peach is one of his classics, among many others such as The Twits and The Witches, and Matilda, many of which have been made into adorable films.

[Sara Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life was the first book by Roald Dahl which wasn't aimed at children that I read. I've always meant to read Swich Bitch and a few of his other works. His children stories, of course, were always heart warming and managed to always leave a smile across my face. I remember cozing and reading Matilda and Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. So when I found this old copy of a book by the mastermind Dahl, of course I picked it up.
The book consists of a few short novels Dahl wrote while he was staying at the countryside after the war. He recounts some episodes which happened to him and his acquaintances with joy and felt longing.
Dahl writes beautifully, especially because he quickly gets to the point but never makes the outcome of the short stories seem obvious. He's definitely skilled in keeping the reader hooked. There were a few stories I sincerely couldn't care less about - and overall the book won't come down as memorable, but there are some truly humurous episodes described here and those are definitely worth reading. I also really love how the endings are always open to obvious conclusions, but still, Dahl never writes them - either the emotions afterwards be happiness, disappointment or utter disgust.

[Shayan Kh · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.8 stars.

Another one of Roald Dahl's adult stories collection. This one is mostly about Claud, which I believe is one of his friends. I didn't enjoy this book as much as Kiss Kiss because there isn't that much dark twist in any of these stories. I think it is because these stories were inspired by real events.
His way with words is great. There are lots of great descriptions in this book. And this is coming from someone who hates descriptions and usually doesn't pay attention to them. So even if the stories lack the twist I loved in the Kiss Kiss collection, I somehow enjoyed them.
Although one of my favorite stories in Kiss Kiss was in this collection as well. So I might have rated this book higher if I haven't have read the Parson's pleasure. Because that would have left a better impression in my mind.

[Professor Weasel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book at work during my lunch breaks. Witty, warm, engaging. The story about the ultra creepy rat catcher and his nefarious methods was my favorite. Isn't England the best country ever? Especially in rural areas? Also, the last story seems to be either a retelling or an early version of 'Danny Champion of the World' or wotever it was called--the story of the kid and his dad and their crazy plan to capture massive amounts of pheasants.

[Hemavathy DM Suppiah-Devi · Rating 2 out of 5]

It always surprises me (though it shouldn't) how grotesque plot lines can be written so beautifully. This is not a book of idyllic countrywide scenes, or vignettes of charming folk engaged in storybook village activities. Dahl's countryside is cruel and sneaky, horrid and wicked, unhappy and dishonest. It was not a treat to read, and cannot have been enjoyable to write. But he seems to have liked doing it. And since it's non-fiction, it makes the new book perhaps even more dislikeable.

[Dora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Read

On the intermittent days in which I read this book, I was able to live vicariously through the misadventures of Claude and many other conniving farm folk with Dahl’s masterful writing.

Though I found some jargon a bit outdated and foreign the short stories were a quick and an enthralling read speaking on various topics ranging from cow breeding to pheasant poaching.

Haven’t read anything quite like it, glad I didn’t put it down after the first story (two thumbs up 👍👍)

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely collection of Roald Dahl's short stories that I quite enjoyed. I particularly liked the one with the pheasants, but they're all funny and witty, so I warmly recommend it to anyone who wants to relax in the company of a great book.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the last two disappointments that I had to go through this felt like SUCH a BREATH OF FRESH AIR that I wanted to give it 5 glowing pointy things. But one thing stopped me.
Though, Dahl's not gonna gaf as he's at the time of writing this, physically... dead.

The stories were HILARIOUSLY funny!!! FILLED to the brim with witty humor! The whole time between the start of the first story and the end of the second, I kept saying "Dahl's a genius, Dahl's an ABSOLUTE GENIUS!"

THAT was when I'd started it and where the PEAK was for me.

The beginning of the second story left me with an impression that these stories were going to be interconnected and we were going to maybe witness "detailed resolutions" to the kind of "cliffhangery" endings (though they do suffice as one offs once you get past this self-induced expectation, of the "open" sort, the "think about it yourself" kind), everything coming to a clean conclusion by the end. Alas, that wasn't the case as I kept on reading page by page, it became clear to me with ABSOLUTE certainty that this wasn't the case and was very much so a figment of my expectation.

The ending of the second story for me was the FUNNIEST part in the whole book.
The second story itself was the funniest to me.

The others were awesome also. Sharing this central theme of "Cons & Scams".
Incredibly funny with that adult, dark Dahl charm. Especially in the Jimmy story. Oof.

Dahl was an absolute genius I stg!!!

4.5 ⭐s. .5 taken off because I would've loved them to be connected and come to a clean conclusion with all the endings neatly tied. This collection, aside from inciting that expectation in me, is a perfect candidate for my 5 ⭐s!

P.S. After mulling it over... F it, 5 shiny pointy things it is!
AND on second thought, the stories WERE very well connected especially with again, the rat's mysterious source of sustenance, etc. But not with my favorite one, the second. It's all good. This was a FUN read that I'll be sharing around and will most probably come back to on my way to somewhere or revisit it during other such opportunities.

[Sviat Vasilev · Rating 2 out of 5]

Рассказам Даля часто присуще загадочное и даже мрачное обаяние, преисполненное ироничным взглядом на мир. Будучи большим выдумщиком, он, впрочем, апеллирует к реальным характерам, вынужденным действовать в необычных обстоятельствах.

Сборник «Ах, эта сладкая загадка жизни!» можно назвать калейдоскопом плутовских историй в декорациях английской глубинки. Герои рассказов – деревенские пройдохи, демонстрирующие то ли смекалку и находчивость, то ли невежество и безответственность.

Как бы не старался Даль, трепетно выводящий в текстах своих знакомых, симпатии к героям испытывать не получается. Прямолинейность и непосредственность персонажей, воспринимаемая автором как достоинство, элементарно не подкупают. Из рассказа в рассказ автор описывает схожими словами одних и тех же людей.

Комедия ситуаций, в которые попадает главный герой и его приятели-прощелыги затрагивают по большому счету лишь две темы: сельские необычайности и сельские жульничества. Первые раскрыты весьма скупо, из-за чего крайне сложно ими проникнуться. Вторые – за исключением единственного интересного рассказа «Четвертый комод Чиппендейла», авантюрные юморески о надувательствах, поданные под соусом «мы всего лишь безобразничаем, вот другие люди – те настоящие звери…». Может оно и так, но браконьерство остается таковым как его не называй.

По-настоящему смешного в рассказах мало. Захватывающего тоже. В историях скорее чувствуется желание Даля как-то законсервировать то легкое и беззаботное время, когда он и его приятель Клод били баклуши.

Я не хочу сказать, что сборник плох. Озорной слог Даля и при неказистых сюжетах доставляет удовольствие. Но этого мало. Один рассказ великолепен, остальные теряются на его фоне. Возможно не в то время и не в том месте книга была прочитана.

Но как бы там ни было, на текущий момент похвалить эту работу Даля я не могу.

[Mindbait]

I'd got into Roald Dahl's adult fiction via his short story collection 'Switch Bitch', a series of saucy tales all paid off with nice twists. 'Ah Sweet Mystery of Life' is another compilation of shorts, but the stories are much more sedate. Written at a time when Dahl was living a laid-back country life, attending greyhound races and chin-wagging with locals, appropriately then, these stories are all fairly low-key accounts (totally fictitious or based on actual exploits of Dahl and friends, I'm not sure) of small-town scams and hi-jinks, and even some little slice-of-life moments.

Dahl can really spin a story, his writing is great, but I can't help but feel that he doesn't end a lot of these well. So many of them just end with "he decided to leave at that point" or "so I decided to leave", there are a couple of stories with nice little twist endings but in general I preferred 'switch bitch' and I definitely think he's a stronger writer of children's fiction where he can just let his imagination roam free!