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A number of years ago, when there still were a lot of outdoor used book stalls in many cities (usually fronting parks), I bought the same used paperback- within a one year period- three times. The first time in New York; the second in London; the third time in Athens. It was called "Don Juan" by Thomas Hardy (not the Thomas Hardy, but presumably some relation). This was a modern paperback version of the Spanish classic which incorporated BDSM (F/m, F/f, M/m), every sexual combination you could imagine, and at the same time wove modern political figures into the plot (Allen Dulles for one) while set in Franco's pre-WW II Falangist Spain.
The first time that I bought it, I had to re-schedule an appointment because my flight was cancelled. In those days, after finishing a paperback, I just left it behind. The next time I saw a used book stall, there it was malevolently glaring at again. I bought it a second time. This time, I shortly thereafter pretty badly sprained my ankle. Then I came accross the book a third time. This time, an airline lost my baggage. These minor annoyances always happened within 72 hours of buying or re-buying the book. It wasn't new, or in print, at the time. I've never come accross anyone else who knows of it. I've never come accross it again.
Still, though outdoor used book stalls are less common now, whenever I come accross one, or anywhere where used paperbacks are for sale, I always scan for it. I know that if I ever see it again, I'll buy it. |
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