Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life

Roald Dahl. Penguin, London. (c) 1953 & various years after.

The only problem with this collection is that there weren't enough stories. There were only a few and it should have been a lot longer. Dahl's observations of the human character are spot on and his sense of storytelling is excellent - every single story ended with a twist ending, which probably would not have maintained if the collection included more stories (which is what I just proposed in the first sentence) however! it would have worked if other stories (had he written them) would have been further sketches of the countryside or simple life - or simply character sketches.

As it is, it's hard to discern how much of these stories arose from actual events and how much was extrapolated (i.e "invented") because the rakes and rogues that live in the English countryside appear to be as vibrant as our own neighbours and family members. Every crazy event seems entirely plausible, and more than not - probable!

Favourite story was "Parson's Pleasure" - thoroughly enjoyable last line!

VG