The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More in 100+ Books in 2025

Sep 25, 2012 Dolly rated it really liked it

Shelves: germany-german, middle-grade, caribbean, africa, england-english, egypt-egyptian, education-school, india, childrens, greece-greek

This is a wonderful collection of short stories, a collection of tales that could only come from the inimitable Roald Dahl. We read this book slowly, at most one story each night, and savored each one.

That is, until we got to the middle of the book. For some reason, once we came to the title tale, we stopped. cold. As in, couldn't seem to pick the book up again for more than a year. I tried, believe me. I put the book on hold, borrowed it, and even tried to start the story, but we just never go This is a wonderful collection of short stories, a collection of tales that could only come from the inimitable Roald Dahl. We read this book slowly, at most one story each night, and savored each one.

That is, until we got to the middle of the book. For some reason, once we came to the title tale, we stopped. cold. As in, couldn't seem to pick the book up again for more than a year. I tried, believe me. I put the book on hold, borrowed it, and even tried to start the story, but we just never got into it and the book would sit until it was time to return it.

Finally, as I realized the book was coming due yet again, I was determined to finish it one way or another. And I have to admit that it was a rather engaging tale, once we got into it. The true story of how he first got into writing was fascinating to me, but our girls quickly lost interest. And I didn't even try to read them his first published short story, A Piece of Cake. I thought it was very good, but I'm not sure they are ready for that kind of tale.

I loved that the third story featured a town in England that I have become quite familiar with - it's right outside of an airbase (aptly named RAF Mildenhall) that I've visited countless times and have stayed at for more than six months altogether. One of my favorite things to do when we go to England is to walk the three miles or so into town, get some fish and chips at the local shop and then walk to the River Ouse and enjoy the sunshine (for some reason, it always seems to defy the stereotypical rainy weather when I go there.) I feed the ducks and watch the numerous people enjoying the walking trails, benches and playing fields.

Overall, I thought that this was a terrific book of short stories and I'm sorry that we took so long to finish it. I don't even know why this happened, really, although I think that the title story does start a bit slowly. Still, we have really enjoyed reading Roald Dahl's books and we will be sure to look for more of them at our local library. ...more

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Dec 04, 2011 eve rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: young-at-heart, private-collection, 2011

I unexpectedly love this book. Accidentally found in a book swap, this book gave me plenty of joy and good time. It contains Roald Dahl first piece of writing, written when he was in the States by the request of C.S. Forester, on the subject of his flying experience in the Second World War. To Roald Dahl's utter delight, he wrote in trance and later received a note from Forester:

Dear RD,
You were meant to give me notes, not a finished story. I'm bowled over. Your piece is marvelous. It is the w ...more

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Mar 02, 2013 April rated it really liked it

Shelves: childrens, reviewed

Fantastic book for kids! So imaginative and creative. Easy read that children will find delightful!

Roald Dahl is always brilliant! His stories and rhymes are fun and entertaining! Some of my all time favorites!! Such a great way to entertain children and get them interested in reading!

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Nov 10, 2011 Minh rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction

I've forgotten the number of times I've read the short story Henry Sugar, I love it more each time. I think this is probably the first time I've finished the entire collection of short stories! ...more

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