What is it about the phrase “Let’s Play a Game” that sets your nerves on edge when you hear it in a movie or read it in a book? That moment when the computer says “Global Thermonuclear War,” in War Games . . . you know something horrible is about to happen right?
In Black Chalk, it’s when university friends Chad, Jack and Jolyon attend something called the Freshers Fair, an event for students to learn about the various societies they can join for involvement in everything from tiddlywinks to socks. The three despair of finding anything worth their time and attention until Chad sees a stand labelled “Game Soc(iety).
“I have a proposition for you,” [Chad] said, “for an entirely original and inventive game.” No one from Game Soc flinched. “But I can turn straight around right no, if you don’t think original and inventive ideas are your thing.” He lifted his hands and made to leave.
“Continue,” said Tallest.
“Six people, a number of rounds, each one separated by a week. A game of consequences, consequences which must be performed to prevent elimination. These consequences take the form of psychological dares, challenges designed to test how much embarrassment and humiliation the players can stand. Throughout the rounds players who fail to perform their consequences are eliminated until only one is left standing.”
Jolene moved forward to stand shoulder to shoulder with his friend. “The game takes place in utter secrecy,” he said . . .
“So why, may I ask, are you doing to us?” said Tallest.
“Funding,” said Chad.
Game Soc’s representatives exchanged looks, then quickly and silently reached their decision. It was the first time any of them had smiled and now all three of them were smiling unanimously.
“How does ten thousand pounds sound?” said Tallest.
What could go w
rong? Six college students in the throes of self-actualization, raging hormones, insecurity and angst agree to play a game in which the goal is to test how much embarrassment and humiliation each player can stand.
Compare it to Donna Tartt’s The Secret History or Will Lavender’s Dominance, intellectual thrillers set on and about college campuses.
In reviewing Black Chalk for NPR, Jason Sheehan said, “I don’t want to say a word.” He explains it is because he loved Black Chalk so much, he doesn’t want to ruin the surprise for any reader, but rather allow each reader to “suck it down in one breath, like a lungful of dark water,” as he did. http://www.npr.org/2015/08/05/429436922/six-friends-a-pile-of-cash-and-a-game-with-deadly-consequences
Black Chalk effectively pits the six players of the game against one another, against the game itself, against Game Soc and against themselves. But Christopher Yates pits the reader against Black Chalk. Even as the students play, the reader is engaged in an ever-increasingly staked battle to figure out just what the heck is going on.
To say more, as Jason Sheehan so eloquently put it, might prevent you from experiencing “one of the greatest surprise reveals I’ve witnessed. A twist that’s like screwing your head on backwards.”
The author
Unlike many novelists, Yates (trained as a lawyer at Oxford University then worked as a puzzle editor in London) treats internet visitors to his website to the first two chapters of Black Chalk, for free. Undoubtedly confident that after you’ve read the first two chapters you will be hooked enough to buy the book. I share his confidence and even if you don’t read the first two chapters free, read the book.
The website ALSO includes four Black Chalk themed puzzles, photos of himself, his wife and his adorable dog Mabel, and . . . wait for it . . . a PLAYLIST! I haven’t found any recipes though. The website: http://www.christopherjyates.com.
Seriously, choose this book for your book club. You will love it!
“But it was never supposed to be that sort of game.”
(bwa ha ha ha ha ha!!!)
MENU
Given that the book’s primary locale is the fictional Pitt College, the majority of comestibles mentioned are liquid.
Champagne cocktails of Pol Roger with one sugar cube per glass
Cuba libres or rum, coke and limes
Pints of ale
Gin
Kir Royales of cava and creme de cassis
Whiskey
But there is a scene early on with a meal that I can quote here without violating my pledge not to spoil the book.
Jolyon climbed onto his bed to reach his window. On the ledge outside was a jug that matched the teacups. He brought the jug to the coffee table, removed a piece of foil from the top and poured milk into the teacups. Then he poured tea. The spout of the pot extended from a hole in the tea cosy.
“If I were a condemned man,” said Jolynon, “I’d definitely choose eggs for my last supper.”
Jolene put the breakfast in front of Chad. The egg was white and pure on the perfect golden toasts. He handed Chad a fork and put a small wooden dish of pyramid-shaped salt crystals on the coffee table between them. Then Jolyon went at his own egg with a fork, mashing it and spreading it over the slice of toast. The yolk was a bright orange, halfway between liquid and set. “Now this is important,” said Jolyon. “And I’m never going to tell this to anyone but you.” Jolene gave Chad his conspiratorial look. And then he said, “It’s the twenty-seven seconds that’s the secret.” He finished by crumbling salt across the smeared egg and raised the prize up. “English bruschetta,” he announced, and took a large bite.
There is also mention of salted pistachios and pork.
MUSIC
BLACK CHALK, THE SOUNDTRACK from Christopher J. Yates’ webpage.
1. Everything In Its Right Place — Radiohead [New York section] 2. Everything Happens To Me — Chet Baker [Chad’s favourite] 3. I Wanna Be Adored — The Stone Roses [Oxford section] 4. Nelson Mandela — The Specials [Jolyon’s favourite] 5. New York, New York — Frank Sinatra [Oxford section] 6. Bigmouth Strikes Again — The Smiths [Jack’s favourite] 7. Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead — The Munchkins [Oxford section] 8. Every Day Is Like Sunday — Morrissey [Oxford section] 9. Hey Jude — The Beatles [Emilia’s favourite] 10. Can’t Stand Me Now — The Libertines [New York section] 11. Love Will Tear Us Apart — Joy Division [Dee’s favourite] 12. The Ace of Spades — Motorhead [Oxford section] 13. Step On – Happy Mondays [Mark’s favourite] 14. Many Shades of Black — The Raconteurs [New York section]
If you follow this link, http://www.christopherjyates.com/the-soundtrack/#.VqenKcck_ww, Yates explains the music. (YAY CHRISTOPHER!)
MOVIE CASTING
Jolyon – Alex Pettyfer
Chad — Jesse Plemons
Jack – Rupert Grint
Mark – James Buckley
Emilia — Bella Heathcote
Dee — Evanna Lynch
***Amazingly, this does not appear to be in development as a movie at least according to IMDB. It would make a great one!
Happy Reading!
lost painting, and woven from it a deeply moving narrative about history, art and taste–and about the greed, envy, covetousness and professional jealousy of people who fall prey to obsession. It is as perfect a work of narrative nonfiction as you could ever hope to read.” —The Economist Also available on Kindle. 
It all began in 1933 at the Edevane’s Midsummer Party. Which actually was the deShielx tradition continued by Lord Anthony Edevane and Eleanor after Anthony rescued Loeanneth as a post-wedding, posf-suprise lordship gift for his wife.
et cute: Anthony saved Eleanor from being run down on the streets of London by a bus bearing a Lipton tea ad on her way to see some tigers.
Watching the Golden Globes on Sunday night, I realized just how many current and recent movies began with books. This post highlights some of my reviews — I didn’t do too well with the movie casting!
The Danish Girl by David Ebershoff. Still one of my favorite books of 2015, although I didn’t think the movie lived up to the potential of the book. It was beautifully shot, well-acted but somehow some of the feeling leaked away. I didn’t make any guesses in the casting department because the movie was already cast. So let’s call it 0-0 for now. 
The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini. A book I found too painful to even consider watching the movie. I did see a nice theatrical production at Actors Theatre of Louisville. No Casting here either so still 0-0. 
Room by Emma Donoghue. The book was fascinating but I think I appreciated the movie even more thanks to Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay and Joan Allen (who should be nominated for Best Supporting Actress). 
In the best television category, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I’m a long-time fan. Love the series. LOVE Jamie Fraser. Can you blame me? 
The New York Times ran an unreservedly positive review in September, 2015 and named Fates and Furies one of the 100 Notable Books of 2015.
daeandwrite 