Skin And Other Stories, Roald Dahl
Book Review

Skin and Other Stories (2012)

Roald Dahl
Reviewed by Margot Mifflin | Aug 23, 2000
EW's GRADE
A

Details Writer: Roald Dahl; Genres: Fiction, Short Stories; Publisher: Viking

Although this collection of previously published stories was compiled for teenagers graduating to adult fiction, Skin and Other Stories will also seduce grown-ups with its nefariously nimble wit. Dahl, who wrote both short stories and children's books (notably ''Charlie and the Chocolate Factory''), was a champion of ingenious pranks and revealing deceptions. In ''Lamb to the Slaughter'' -- famously adapted as an episode of ''Alfred Hitchcock Presents'' in 1958 -- a jilted wife kills her husband, then cooks and serves police the murder weapon, a frozen leg of lamb.

''The Champion of the World,'' also filmed, follows two imaginative poachers who drug, steal, and hide pheasants in a baby carriage -- until the the birds wake up, take flight, then alight near the thieves like a feathery indictment. ''Skin and Other Stories'' is a posthumous treat from a devilishly funny author.

Originally posted Aug 23, 2000
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