Review by Horn Book Review
The collection of short stories - four previously published in adult journals; two containing child characters; and one a biographical essay - evidence Dahl's strengths as a short-story writer. A compelling feeling for the uncanny and for the venality - even viciousness - of human nature gives his writing power. From HORN BOOK 1991, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Odds and ends from a crack short-story craftsman, reprinted from The Saturday Evening Post and other magazines in a calculated bid for young readers. In the title story, by far the longest, an idle playboy takes up yogi concentration for gain, then--altered by the practice--uses the powers so acquired for charity. A trimmer, equally colorful sketch concerns the pickpocket ""Hitchhiker"" who lifts the narrator's wallet, keys, and jewelry while goading him to guess his occupation. In the two entries with young protagonists, real high-tension physical dangers are transcended in fantasy endings; and there is a reasonably diverting nonfiction piece about a guileless plowman who uncovers an archaeological treasure. Without the bite of Dahl's top adult fiction these slick stories crackle with old-fashioned entertainment value, but it takes all the good will they can build up to applaud the autobiographical success story ""Lucky Break""--which accompanies a competent but typical WW II combat story, the last entry here but the first in Dahl's writing career. This ploy gives the whole collection a self-indulgent tinge. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
