Margaret Drabble gives us the history of jigsaw puzzles in a
meandering manner with lots of detours along the way. In her research (which
was extensive) she found that jigsaw puzzles started out as educational toys-
maps cut into countries or counties, teaching geography as they are put
together. Later, picture puzzles were used as a free gift with purchase. They became
immensely popular, triggering the creation of picture puzzles as things to be
sold. The author relates them to the history of games in general (there have
always been games), and, at the suggestion of a cab driver, to mosaics.
Drabble was introduced to jigsaw puzzles as a child by her
spinster aunt Phyll, and so this memoir talks a good bit about her, and Drabble’s
relationship with her- a relationship more loving –or at least friendlier-than
what existed in Drabble’s own home, where the children were always being told
to shut up and be quiet. It was a lifelong relationship; Drabble continued to
visit her aunt until Phyll’s death in a senior home. She has also continued working
jigsaw puzzles as a means of relaxation.
This is neither autobiography, family history, nor strict
history of puzzles. It’s not in chronological order. It’s like sitting down
with a very erudite friend and having a chat-quite possibly over one of those
jigsaw puzzles- and bouncing back and forth between subjects as one does in
conversation. It was a pleasant book to read, and it was very interesting to
hear one of my favorite author’s personal voice as opposed to her fiction
writing voice. Reading about how her research branched and led her down rabbit
holes made me laugh- I know how that happens. And I found it reassuring that
someone as educated and smart as herself still wastes time doing puzzles- it
makes me feel less guilty about it!
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We like jigsaw puzzles too but haven't put one to gether in ages. I have a friend who does those 3 dimensional ones. That is way beyond me.
ReplyDeleteDarla
I can't imagine doing one of the 3-D ones, either.
DeleteI haven't done one in ages, either- I need to find a way to cat proof it while it's in progress!