I have recently read The Cardturner by Louis Sachar (of Holes fame). Believe it or not it is a young adult novel about bridge – yes the card game. The ‘cardturner’ of the title is Alton, who ends up turning cards for his blind uncle at his bridge games. Of course with Louis Sachar, it’s never just about the situation but all about the characters in them with a bit of surrealism thrown in.
Some of the bridge may get a bit much for those without an interest in card playing but Alton, who narrates the novel, puts a whale before technical bridge talk and gives a summary at the end of it, for those who want to read the story without getting bogged down in technicalities. I read the technical bits, as a long-time card player, although not of bridge, got suckered in and now want to learn how to play.
For other potential players you can
So anyone else out there fixated on contract bridge or some other slightly guilty pleasure?
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