First Impressions

This week's competition, in which you have to identify a book from its opening sentence, is from an author more lauded for his ground-breaking television work:

"A minute away from disaster, as he was thinking that nothing was the same any more, and that nothing could ever again be as sweet as it used to be, the tall and sharp-boned traveller in the corner seat let out the sigh of his body's premonition, shifted awkwardly as though his limbs were hurting him, and stared out through the dining-car window."

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 e-mailed to theschat@thes.co.uk

The winner receives a £25 book voucher. The closing date is September 10.

The winner of last week's competition, who identified William Goldman's The Princess Bride , was Tara McQuitty of Larne.

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