Pretty Girl in Crimson Rose (8) (Hardcover)

On the way, he reflects on matters less cerebral: his early life in Apartheid-era South Africa, his transplantation to Britain, the travels and tribulations of international filmmaking, and a personal journey to fatherhood; all the time both burdened and enabled by the seemingly conflicting modes of thinking--unfettered and rebellious, pedantic and disciplined--that characterise the successful cryptic crossword. The book is studded with cryptic clues (thankfully, and instructively solved later), and culminates in a crossword set by the author's chief tormentor, and hero, Araucaria, of the Guardian, which appeared in the newspaper to celebrate Balfour's 40th birthday.

Balfour writes in an easy, discursive style, and while it's doubtful that complete newcomers to cryptic puzzles will find him an entirely suitable tutor (try instead How To Do The Times Crossword), he is at least blessed with a wonderful capacity to enthuse. Crossword regulars should seek no more elaborate invitation than the challenge of the book's title. --Alex Hankin

Review
An award-winning television producer, Sandy Balfour is originally from South Africa, but he has lived in Britain for 20 years. As he tries to get to grips with what his life is all about, we see how his discoveries about crosswords keep step with personal and professional discoveries about himself, and along the way we learn much about both in an entertainingly and unusually constructed story. Balfour wants to find out where he really belongs and what grounds him. His love for his girlfriend and family is described in a touching and genuine way, and it is perhaps not surprising to learn that it is his girlfriend who tries to teach him the 'rules' of crosswords. Cryptic crosswords are a peculiar and obsessive pleasure. Surprisingly, they have only been around for about 80 years. Initially seen as a 'menace' (according to The Times in the 1920s, which lamented all those wasted hours which could have been used for work), they have also been considered very suitable entertainment, 'peaceful recreation', for prison inmates with time on their hands. Crossword setters, particularly those in the broadsheets, are highly revered and the construction of clues is hotly discussed by those in the know. To be successful at crosswords, certain skills have to be developed; there are different types of clues with many different qualities, such as 'precision, concision, legitimacy, humour', and to solve the best of clues, so neatly and cleverly constructed, the solver will have to forego obvious assumptions and look below the surface. In our lives there are many things that trigger memories and emotional responses; a great clue can do that too. This is a funny and wise book, as satisfying to read as a cryptic crossword is to complete. (Kirkus UK)

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