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SKIN

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by Roald Dahl (1954)

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In 1913, three friends gather for a convivial evening of frivolity and drinking. By the end of the night, one friend has an enormous artwork tattooed on his back. Next day, the friends separate and shortly thereafter World War One intervenes and social upheaval disrupts everything including friendship. Years later, the war is over, and ruins lay everywhere. Many of those who have survived are now homeless and without means. Our friend is now walking the street, seeking a meal, when he notices an art exhibition in progress. He recognises the striking artistic style at once. He attempts to enter the venue but is manhandled by bouncers. Our friend then claims to know the artist and begins to strip. The curator approaches the commotion and spots the tattoo. He looks closely and can see that this half naked man is wearing a signed original etched upon his back. The curator promptly offers to make a deal with our friend and invites him to dinner. A few weeks later, a rare, signed and framed artwork by the same artist appears for sale in an art auction. And our friend is never heard from again. Fiction. 17 pages.

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DETAILS:

Title: Tales of the unexpected – Skin

Year: 1954

Author: Roald Dahl

Pages: 288 / 17

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Book review by Keith Salter