October Meeting, The Way Up to Heaven by Roald Dahl

 October Meeting

Source: Amazon

The Book

It has become a tradition in our EBC to start the school year with a story by Roald Dahl. On this occasion the story we have chosen is The Way Up to Heaven (1954). 

It is a captivating and darkly humorous short story that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of unchecked obsession. The narrative centers around Mrs. Foster, a seemingly mild-mannered woman trapped in a suffocating marriage with a husband who takes pleasure in tormenting her.

Dahl masterfully builds tension and suspense as he portrays Mrs. Foster's growing desperation and her husband's sadistic tendencies. The story takes a sinister turn when Mrs. Foster's trip to visit her daughter becomes a test of her husband's cruelty.

The twist ending is classic Dahl, revealing the extent of Mrs. Foster's cunning and the poetic justice that follows. Dahl's skillful storytelling and sharp wit keep readers engaged throughout, and the story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pushing someone too far. "The Way Up to Heaven" is a chilling exploration of the human psyche, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease and dark satisfaction.

If you want to enjoy reading while listening to the text, the complete audiobook can be found in the following video.


Source: Biography.com - Roald Dahl - Photo: Tony Evans/Getty Images

The Author

Roald Dahl (1916-1990) was a British novelist, short story writer, and screenwriter renowned for his whimsical and darkly humorous tales that have captivated generations of readers. Born in Llandaff, Wales, Dahl's early life was marked by adventure and tragedy, having served as a fighter pilot during World War II and later enduring personal hardships, including the loss of his daughter, Olivia.
Dahl's literary career took off with works like "James and the Giant Peach" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," where his inventive imagination and witty storytelling thrived. He had an uncanny ability to connect with young readers, infusing his stories with unforgettable characters and fantastical worlds. His macabre tales for adults, such as "Tales of the Unexpected," showcased his versatility as a writer.
Throughout his life, Dahl's work garnered critical acclaim and widespread popularity, solidifying his status as one of the world's most beloved and enduring children's authors. His legacy lives on through his timeless stories, which continue to enchant and entertain readers of all ages.


The EBC Meetings Dates 2023-2024

 


Review of The Vanishing half by Brit BENNETT

 Ana Melendo's contribution


It’s a long novel for me - nearly 360 pages - because it’s in English. Anyway, it was worth it.

I’m interested in the subject: the situation of Black people in the States. I like very much the way the author narrates the story that takes nearly all of the 20th century.

It’s interesting to see with what skill she mixes individual stories with the major events. Thanks to it, the reader understands quite well the evolution of mentalities and morals. The description of the psychology of the characters is very nuanced. That’s why it is very difficult to criticise the characters: the reader understands their choices and points of view even if he/she doesn’t share them.

If you haven’t read this novel, I highly recommend it!


Source: Waterstones

What are you reading? Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris


Source: Amazon

Josefa's contributions

Me Talk Pretty One Day

I would like to tell you about a book I have read recently: Me Talk Pretty One Day, by American writer David Sedaris. If I had to describe the book in one single word, without any doubt I'd say "CRAZY". Although it is not technically a biography, the author talks about his life, starting when he was a teenager until the present. He narrates episodes of his life, some of them incredibly crazy. Sometimes you wonder whether he's making the whole thing up. The book is terribly funny and one cannot help laughing out loud on many occasions. Its pages are full of American slang words, which may be both annoying and an interesting way to learn. All in all, a different read which will not leave you unmoved. 


Source: Wikipedia - David Sedaris

Links

> The Official David Sedaris Site

YouTube - TvsCraigFerguson2Craig Ferguson 6/24/14D Late Late Show David Sedaris XD


"El Ancho Mundo" by Pierre Lamaitre

Source:Amazon

Another book I have read recently is El Ancho Mundo, by Pierre Lemaitre. I have read it in Spanish as my French is too limited to read it in the language it was written in. It's the most entertaining book I have read in a long, long time. The author masters the art of storytelling. The plot is full of adventure, love, family secrets, envy, revenge, corruption. It is the sweeping saga of a French family. A very interesting historical novel set in post-war Paris, Beirut and Saigon. Highly recommendable. 





What are you reading? Paul by Daisy Lafarge

 

Source: goodreads

Noelia's contribution


REVIEW

Paul by Daisy Lafarge is the last novel I've read this summer. Readers may assume the main character is male based on the book's title. Nevertheless, the heroine of this story is a young female, Frances.


Frances is a 21-year-old British woman. Due to her involvement in a scandal, she has to abandon her research project on a medieval book in Paris. Frances decides to take a break in an eco farm called Noa Noa in rural south France. When she arrives at this location, she encounters Paul, the charming, seductive and domineering farm owner.


Readers will get to know Paul through Frances's experience. A male, sometimes magnetic and other disagreeable.


I have to admit that I am torn between recommending it or not. The cornerstone of this story is the domination, manipulation and patriarchy in a relationship in which the significant age difference plays an important role. Nonetheless, the story is sometimes predictable, and the character of Frances is a bit dull. Moreover, there are a lot of secondary characters which do not provide anything to the story. 


Source: daisylafarge.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Daisy Lafarge was born in Hastings in the South of England. She works for Granta, LitHub, Wellcome Collection Stories, Art Review, TANK Magazine, and The White Review, writing ecology, art and literature essays and reviews. 


Her first novel, Paul, was published in 2021, winning the Betty Trask Award. One year before, she won the Scottish Poetry Book of the Year award for her collection, "Life Without Air."


More interesting links about the author

> GRANTA - Daisy Lafarge Interview

YouTube - T.S. Eliot Prize - Daisy Lafarge Talks about her work