This week's competition, in which you have to identify a book from its opening sentence, is from a pied noir witha red complexion:
"There is but one truly serious philosophical problem and that is suicide."
* Entries should be sent to First Impressions, The THES, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1 9XY, faxed to 020 7782 3300 or emailed to theschat@thes.co.uk The winner receives a Pounds 25 Blackwell's book voucher and the closing date is June 20.
The winner of last week's competition, who correctly identified George Orwell's The Lion and the Unicorn, is Richard Sheldon of the University of Bristol.