The Spinster's Exploits

You know that thing where you’ve not thought of something for years, then get two reminders of it, in two days? – that type of thing? Well, I saw a copy of the 1970s novel “The Dice Man” in Oxfam and then read an Observer magazine review where the subject commented on its influence on him at a stage of his life. I guess along with “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintenance” it was one of those novels that spoke to a certain section of those who were into alternative stuff although I believe it was widely-read it did feel cutting edge and alternative and is seen as a cult classic – find out more on Wilki or your trusted information source. Basically, the autobiographically styled novel reveals a life that literally goes in the direction indicated by the throw of a die. There has to jeopardy in each throw. It was originally written under the name of the protagonist, but I notice searches come up with the actual author’s name.

I remember few details, except it felt macho; the basic premise as outlined; and the fact that rape was one of the optionson one of the throws. The book has stayed with me, mainly for a strange encounter I had that came back on seeing the book. I once met a woman when I was in my forties I think -so 80s to 90s – and at a meal for volunteers. We got chatting and she told me her three books – not sure if they were favourites, or most influential or her desert island choice, or whatever – and I’d read all three, and she didn’t believe me at first! No idea of the other two books but possibly a sci fi novel. It seems I was the first person she’d met who’d also read the three. Weird how the oddest things stay with you , but fragmentary and free-floating. I only remember one other encounter with her – she and her partner had a party and I attended with a friend who knew her partner. I remember finding her mesmerising and a bit intimidating…

I am mainly a hoover-upper of fiction of all sorts, but got tempted this month in a Devon shop that seemed to be queer culture/feminist/alternative/spiritual/weird – my favourite sort of place. I came away with “Wise Women – Myths and stories for midlife and beyond”; “Sluts”- an anthology of writing about being “sexually promiscuous” and “Lady Sapiens – Breaking stereotypes about prehistoric women” – an interesting haul!