First Impressions

This week's competition, in which you have to identify a book from its opening sentence,is from an autobiographical novel about frustrated desires and stultifying conformity:

"'The cow is there,' said Ansell, lighting a match and holding it over the carpet"

* Entries, including postal address, should be sent to First Impressions, The Times Higher , Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX, faxed to 020 7782 3300 or emailed to theschat@thes.co.uk

The winner receives a £25 book voucher. The closing date is November .

The winner of last week's competition, who identified Jung Chang's Wild Swans , is Thelma Fletcher of Aberdeen University.

THES (TSL Education Ltd) and its associated companies may from time to time wish to process, or disclose your data to approved third-party companies, in order to monitor our service and send you future promotions. If you do not wish us to do this, please notify us by writing 'No promotions' on your entry.