Yvonne
My single word this week, is from a book that I have just finished, but have yet to review.
It was a fantastically moving, thought-provoking read and I have linked to my ‘Book Beginnings’ excerpt from the book, so that you can get a taster, although as usual, the Amazon link will take you through to the full synopsis, if you want to check out the reviews it has already received.
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‘This Perfect World’ by Suzanne Bugler
Lumpen: …” Heddy was dark and lumpen, with heavy eyebrows and an unfortunately large mole on her left cheek, right below her eye.”
Lumpen: …
adj.
Wondrous Words Wednesday is a weekly meme where we share new (to us) words that we’ve encountered in our reading. It is hosted by Kathy, over at BermudaOnion’s Weblog. You can either stop by and leave a link to your own ‘mystery’ words of the week, or just browse the eclectic mix of words that others have discovered, there is always a great selection. Just don’t forget that Kathy and the rest of us, all love to read your comments as well!!
I would have guessed it meant lumpy too! I think this is a word I can use – thanks for sharing!
Hi Kathy,
I must admit that I did add the Leslie Fiedler quote to my site, although I did feel rather insulted by it!!
Yep, I would have guessed wrong, too. And probably have when I came across this word in the past.
Hi Joy,
Nice to meet you, thanks for stopping by.
Even in the context of the sentence where the word was used, I would still have made an educated guess at ‘lumpen’ meaning lumpy, overweight etc.
I was certainly insulted to think that as an avid fiction reader, I was part of a ‘despised lumpen minority’!!!
I knew lumpenproléeariat, but never read lumpen alone. Thanks !
Hello Annie,
I too have come across the phrase ‘lumpenproletariat’ several times, but never ‘lumpen’ as a single word.
That single word, as part of the opening paragraph, does give a strong image of the character of Heddy, as seen by other people. It is a book that certainly teaches us in an uncomfortable way, the error of judging someone by appearances and by using words such as ‘lumpen’ which is really quite an awful word.
I think I prefer it as an alternative to lumpy. A new word for me in its proper usage. Thanks.
Hi Louise,
I agree with you about it being a better alternative word to lumpy, sounds more ‘Olde Worlde’ somehow.
I am always amazed at the amount of words I discover when reading, that I haven’t come across before and have no idea of the meaning of.
It just goes to show how little we actually know about our own language and it always makes me feel a little inferior when an author seemingly drops these great words seamlessly into a story.
I’ve been looking for this book here in the US, but it isn’t out here…sounds good too.
Hi Diane,
This book is definitely a good, strong, thought provoking story and given some of the books that you highlight and review on your own site, one which I am almost certain you would enjoy.
I have checked and it ‘This Perfect World’ is available on Amazon.com, for a little over $4
http://www.amazon.com/This-Perfect-World-Suzanne-Bugler/dp/033051069X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1309408976&sr=8-3