The Landlady (A Roald Dahl Short Story) Book Summary

by Roald Dahl82

TL;DR

Roald Dahl's 'The Landlady' is a dark, gripping story about a young man's encounter with a seemingly kind landlady who harbors a sinister secret.

Cover of The Landlady (A Roald Dahl Short Story) Book Summary

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What is The Landlady (A Roald Dahl Short Story) about

'The Landlady' by Roald Dahl is a chilling short story that delves into the darker aspects of human nature. It follows 17-year-old Billy Weaver, who arrives in Bath for a new job and decides to stay at a quaint bed and breakfast run by an oddly accommodating landlady. As Billy settles in, he soon discovers eerie details about his hostess and the fate of previous visitors. This story, part of the collection 'Kiss Kiss', exemplifies Dahl's talent for crafting unnerving tales that leave a lasting impression.

The Landlady (A Roald Dahl Short Story) 5 Key Takeaways

Billy Weaver arrives in Bath

Billy Weaver, a 17-year-old, arrives in Bath for a new job and needs a place to stay. After asking a porter for a recommendation, he decides to stay at a nearby bed and breakfast.

Meeting the landlady

Billy is welcomed by a seemingly sweet and harmless landlady who offers him a low price for a room. Her eccentric behavior and unusual interests begin to raise Billy's suspicions.

Strange discoveries

Billy notices peculiar details about the house, including the landlady's obsession with taxidermy and the names of two previous guests that sound eerily familiar.

Unsettling realization

Billy's curiosity leads him to realize that the previous guests never left the boarding house. He starts to piece together the landlady's dark secret.

The sinister conclusion

The story ends with the landlady serving Billy tea that is laced with arsenic, revealing her true nature as a serial killer who preserves her victims through taxidermy.

The Landlady (A Roald Dahl Short Story) Videos

The Landlady by Roald Dahl | Narrated by Geoff Castellucci

Top The Landlady (A Roald Dahl Short Story) Quotes

  • 'But the air was deadly cold and the wind was like a flat blade of ice on his cheeks.'
  • 'We have it all to ourselves,' she said, smiling at him over her shoulder as she led the way upstairs.

Who should read The Landlady (A Roald Dahl Short Story)?

Fans of suspense and horror short stories will find 'The Landlady' particularly gripping. It's suitable for readers who enjoy tales with a twist and those who appreciate Roald Dahl's unique storytelling style. Middle school to adult readers can benefit from its engaging plot and literary elements.

About the Author

Roald Dahl (1916-1990) was a British novelist, short story writer, and screenwriter renowned for his macabre humor and unexpected endings. He authored beloved children's books such as 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' and 'Matilda', as well as numerous short stories for adults. Dahl's works often feature dark themes and twisted plots, making him a master of both children's and adult literature.

The Landlady (A Roald Dahl Short Story) Best Reviews

  • 'Unnerving bedtime stories, subtle, proficient, hair-raising and done to a turn.' - San Francisco Chronicle

The Landlady (A Roald Dahl Short Story) FAQs

What is 'The Landlady' story about?

Roald Dahl's 'The Landlady' is a dark and terrifying look at 17-year-old Billy Weaver's first and last stay at a bed and breakfast, where the landlady has a dark secret tied to her taxidermy skills.

Did Billy survive in 'The Landlady'?

In 'The Landlady,' the landlady kills Billy by putting arsenic in his tea.

Is 'The Landlady' based on a true story?

If Roald Dahl based the character of the landlady on anyone in particular, he never mentioned it. The story serves as a warning that appearances can be deceiving, and seemingly innocent people can harbor dark secrets.