Not the finest of Dahl's stories, but there is still a lot to enjoy here. ( )

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. ( )

Roald Dahl at his best; quirky, sharp-witted and smart tales for adults. Dahl was employed at one point to produce just two stories a year, and the resulting quality really shows. Often macabre, and nearly always with a twist, he always delivers. Many modern authors could stand to learn something. ( )

Really did not enjoy this at all. The tales were just totally weird and showed how much of a people hater Roald Dahl was. One or two of the tales had interesting ideas in them, but then it all just went too far. ( )