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Cover of The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More

Roald Dahl

280 pages

A collection of sharp, slightly wicked fables that bridge the gap between childhood wonder and adult cynicism.

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What it feels like

Reading this collection feels like sitting by a crackling fire with a brilliant, slightly wicked uncle who is finally treating you like an adult. The stories move at a brisk, conversational clip, blending dark realism with flashes of extraordinary magic. There is a distinct shift here from the author's purely fantastical children's books; the mood is more grounded, occasionally unsettling, and laced with a wry, unsentimental edge. Yet, beneath the tales of cruel bullies, clever grifters, and hidden treasures, there beats a heart of surprising warmth and a deep fascination with human potential. It is a perfect transitional experience for readers who are outgrowing simple fairy tales but still crave the thrill of a perfectly executed, slightly dangerous yarn.

Mood
  • quirky
  • unsettling
  • wondrous
  • nostalgic
Tone
  • wry
  • conversational
  • mischievous
  • slightly dark
  • unsentimental
Pace
brisk
Themes
unexpected justice · human cruelty and kindness · the magic of the mundane · greed and redemption · the craft of storytelling
The writing
Sharp, unpretentious, and intimately conversational, reading like a master raconteur spinning yarns by a fireside.
The arc
Moves from cynical amusement and dark curiosity toward moments of surprising wonder and quiet redemption.
Who it's for
Readers transitioning from childhood whimsy to adult cynicism who love clever fables with a wicked edge.
Content notes
  • animal cruelty
  • bullying
  • gun violence
  • mild peril

About the book

ROALD DAHL the celebrated author of short stories for adults and some of the most widely read children's books ever written, now gives us his first collection of short stories for readers of all ages.

Those who were raised on such imaginative fare as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach, as well as admirers of Kiss Kiss and Switch Bitch, will be well prepared for the surprises these stories hold—their sudden turns of wit and wisdom, unforgettable characters and amazing situations where the unexpected has to be expected.

The alarming actions of a compassion- ate child confound all in "The Boy Who Talked with Animals." The very crafty hero of "The Hitchhiker" proves to be a man who knows his trade. In "The Mildenhall Treasure" a dig into the past exposes a darker side of human nature. "The Swan" is, quite simply, a tale of human visciousness, excrutiatingly believable though the characters are but children. The power of yoga works wonders in "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar," an astounding, eye-opening tale.

"Lucky Break" and "A Piece of Cake," which conclude this collection, offer a fascinating glimpse into Roald Dahl's beginnings as a writer. After giving solid evidence (including scathing school report cards) that he would never succeed as a writer, he tells of the "lucky break" that led to the publication of his first story, "A Piece of Cake."

Together, these seven stories, coming not only from Roald Dahl's imagination but from his life as well, are a rich sampling of his storytelling genius.

Description from Open Library.

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