پرواز به نیروانا و چند داستان دیگر

by Roald Dahl, Jack London, Jeffrey Archer

«پرواز به نیروانا» دربردارنده ۵ داستان کوتاه از رولد دال، جفری آرچر، جک لندن و فردریک فورسایت است.

در بخشی از داستان «پرواز به نیروانا» نوشته رولد دا ال(۱۹۹۰-۱۹۱۶) می‌خوانیم:

من و همکارم روی چارپایه‌ی جلوی آشیانه هواپیما نشسته بودیم. نیمروز بود، خورشید بالای آسمان می‌درخشید و گرمایش آنچنان بود که انگاری کنار بخاری داغ نشسته باشیم. با هر نفسی، احساس می‌کردیم که حرارت آن تا اعماق ریه‌های ما رخنه می‌کند و ترجیح می‌دادیم که لب‌های خود را نیمه‌بسته نگه‌داریم و کوتاه و سریع نفس بکشیم. این‌طوری خنک‌تر می‌شد. دمای آفتاب را روی شانه‌ها و پشت خود احساس می‌کردیم و تمام مدت، عرق از سر و گردن و شانه‌ها و سینه‌مان تا روی شکم سرازیر بود تا این‌که در ناحیه‌ی کمر به کمربند که می‌رسید، کند می‌شد و تجمع آن در بالای کمربند تنگ، باعث ناراحتی‌مان می‌شد و یک نوع احساس داغی و سوزش و اگزما در پوست ناحیه‌ی شکم به‌وجود می‌آورد.

دو هواپیمای شکاری‌ هاریکین۱ (توفان) چند قدم آن طرف‌تر در سکوتی بالنده که از هر هواپیمایی با موتور خاموش، ساطع می‌شود، ایستاده بودند و در آن‌سو، باند فرودگاه چون نواری خاکستری تا دوردست ساحل دریا امتداد می‌یافت. سطح خاکستری رنگ باندِ پرش و شن‌های آجری رنگ دو سمت آن، زیر نور خورشید می‌سوختند. ابری گرم همچون بخار آب، برفضای پایگاه هوایی سایه افکنده بود.

استاگ به ساعتش نگاه کرد و گفت: تا الآن باید برمی‌گشت. چطور نیامد؟

هر دوی ما در حالت آماده‌باش آن‌جا نشسته بودیم تا دستور پرواز به ما بدهند. استاگ به حالت عصبی پایش را روی زمین کوبید و دوباره تکرار کرد: یعنی چی؟ باید تا حالا برمی‌گشت.

160 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2015

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.