A sense of words
1977
- romance fiction
- literary fiction
- coming-of-age
- language
- words
- meaning
- poetry
- writing
- creativity
- inspiration
The story
Judith knew that her assignment in Switzerland, translating for a big engineering firm, was going to be a challenge. But just how much of a challenge she didn't realize, until she met the stern head of the firm, Dieter Steiner, who believed only a man could tackle the job. So Judith had to prove him wrong!
What it’s like
Clean, unshowy prose sets the mood here, the kind of 1970s category romance where the pages move briskly and the setting does most of the atmosphere: Swiss offices, lake light, the crisp sense of a working world run by exacting men. The voice is light and brisk rather than lyrical, with a warm, wry undertone and a steady pull toward a sparring romance. Its vibe is brisk, old-fashioned charm, the feel of a comfortable spring afternoon with a cup of tea. It suits a rainy Sunday, a holiday read, or a gentle escape on a long train journey. Pacing is quick and conversational, and the emotional register stays low-stakes and hopeful: a determined young woman gradually earning respect from a stern, skeptical employer, with banter and slow thawing building to the expected romantic payoff. Intensity is mild; there is little violence, no gore, and any sensuality stays restrained and off-page. It is for readers who want an undemanding, optimistic story about a capable heroine, a proud man, and words used as both work and weapon.
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