Tales of the unexpected

Between 1979-1986 nine series of the television program Tales of the Unexpected were screened on television, later in the evening. Episodes in the television series were based on short stories written by British author, Roald Dahl. Sixteen of the short stories appear in this book. Larger collections of Dahl's short stories have also been published.

Contents include Taste - Lamb to the slaughter - Man from the south -My lady love, my dove - Dip in the pool - Galloping Foxley - Skin - Neck - Nunc Dimittis - The landlady -William and Mary - The way up to heaven - Parson's pleasure - Mrs Bixby and the colonel's coat - Royal jelly - Edward the Conqueror. 

Written as one would expect from Roald Dahl, the stories contain a mix of humour and the macabre with a usually unexpected twist at the end. Although some of the stories appear a little out-dated they provide an easy entertaining read, especially when there is not enough time to read a novel.

I borrowed this book from the library when my grand-daughter was given a list of short stories to read to learn how writers create tension in their stories. 'Lamb to the slaughter' and 'The landlady' were two of the stories on the list.

Matilda

As my granddaughter is taking part in a school production of the musical Matilda next week I thought it might be a good idea to read the book Madilda written by Road Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake and originally published in 1988.

Matilda lives in a family where her parents do not really want her. She is an extremely bight child who has taught herself to read and write and learn the times tables by the age of five. Her parents do not appreciate their gifted daughter. In fact her father is always telling her that she should be watching TV instead of reading. The local librarian takes pity on Matilda and ensures that she has access to all the books she wants to read.

When Matilda starts school she is in Miss Honey's class. Miss Honey immediately realises how bright Matilda is but the headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, is determined that Matilda should not receive special treatment. Matilda decides to take matters into her own hands and on a number of occasions seeks revenge for her father's bullying and also for the cruelty inflicted by Miss Trunchbull on the students and staff.

During one episode of bullying displayed by the headmistress, Matilda discovers that she has special powers when she is really cross. Matilda determines to use these powers against Miss Trunchbull to obtain justice for her classmates and for her teacher, Miss Honey.

Matilda is a book about the love of reading, about bullying, about standing up for yourself and, of course, there is a little magic to help obtain justice.

Matilda the musical - Wikipedia