Listener No 4458: Difficulty By Chalicea

[Contrarian]

Thanks Chalicea.

Rather simple clues, though, and the theme jumped out a little too obviously.

[AHearer]

Well, yes, it was an easy solve, but there's quite a lot to like. Apart from the fact that anything that directs me to this rich source of thematic material always brings a smile to my face, the method of getting the perimeter to work was nice. Many thanks, Chalicea, a nice entertainment on a hot afternoon.

[starwalker]

A source that is indeed rich in material and always worth a revisit. Certainly one to encourage the beginners. Thanks Chalicea.

[olichant]

I thought this was a gem. Not the hardest, I agree, but the complete embodiment of the theme in the whole puzzle -
every last bit of it - was lovely. That can't be easy to pull off. And some nice clues - 26 in particular made me smile.

[Aloysius535]

Disappointing. Another Listener solved in under half an hour (without needing the BRB)

[Hagen]

One of those rare occasions when I was sad that solving the Listener was over so soon. Not because it was too easy - no Listener could be too easy for me - but because I was enjoying it so much, not least the opportunity to revisit the source material. Sunny Dave's excellent comment on last week's Listener applies equally to this one - an old school puzzle without irritating fiddly stuff to extend the solving time.

I won't try to repeat my appalling puns on the setter's name from last week, so instead, "shall I say a" really lovely puzzle!

[kdgs2]

My slight chagrin at getting the theme and finishing the grid very quickly was fully neutralised after I realised that Chalicea really meant it that the *entire* puzzle reflects the difficulty. (This answer likewise.)

[AHearer]

Thanks, kdgs2 -- I hadn't noticed that. Another really nice touch.

[Philoctetes]

Yes, simple to finish but enjoyable nonetheless. Lots of favourite "Listener" words popping up. This now means I do not have to take my BRB on holiday tomorrow - which will disappoint the little fellow as it had its bathers packed ready

[midazolam]

Before posting knee-jerk comments, just take a breath and look at what the setter has achieved.

Just because it might have taken some of you half and hour it certainly would not have taken Chalicea 30 minutes to set this. There is a reason why the clue structure is such and why the preamble is unorthodox. The clues have to be praised, the grid has to be praised, purely on the constraints imposed. We need a variety of difficulty levels in the Listener series, but just because it is easier than average, doesn't mean it is poorly set.
If I was a new solver (or setter for that matter), I would welcome this puzzle. The former will get more into Listener solving with a finale of admiration and the latter may just make setters realise you can push yourself to give the solver something extra.

Well done Chalicea

[olichant]

Midazolam, I agree wholeheartedly, particularly with your last point.

I've just spotted something else in the puzzle that fits in with the theme. There is much to delight, here.

[Hagen]

What Midzolam said. With knobs on.

[Scorpius]

I agree with Midazolam. The grid is a very fine achievement, both for the thematic feature and the wealth of thematic material. It's also unusual in having no across and down entries that share their initial letters, enabling the clues to be presented in one numbered list. Anyone who thinks they can knock a grid off like this in an hour should try it. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that it took well over twenty hours.
I took me a bit longer than some above to complete it, partly because I didn't get into my stride until about half way through the clues, some of which were very nice. In fact I've just noticed that there is one gem I never solved; it emerged after filling in the perimeter.

[upsetter]

lots of fun clues.

[icynorth]

It's a work I know off by heart, and sadly I spotted the theme from the preamble. Yes it was well crafted, but a little more disguise would have led to a more enjoyable revelation.

Thanks, Chalicea!

[Alekhine]

Of course, it would be churlish not to agree with the positive comments expressed my midazolam an others ... but doesn't that miss the point a little?

We are drawn to 'The Listener' because it is different. More difficult/obtuse/challenging etc than other crosswords. I recall that solvers were supposed to be occupied, on an off, deep into the week. Not completing the thing in less than an hour.

Fair play to Chalicea ... but this was a crossword, not a Listener crossword.

[s_pugh]

Well the hot weather seems to have made for some right tetchy comments! I thought this was a delight, no 30-minute thrash for me but equally no blank grid-staring moments with a dollop of ambiguity thrown in. Enjoyed it from start to finish (unlike last weeks which I found a tedious slog - funny how some puzzles just don't seem to gel), a great subject line excellently treated. Thank you Chalicea.

[Encota]

I've just returned to a machine with my AB credentials so am now in a position to post here!
I really enjoyed this puzzle from Chalicea - the clever numbering, the link between the theme and the endgame, and much more besides (I am really looking forward to blogging at LWO on this one!). OK, the clues weren't the hardest we've had this year; Chalicea has been less scary with her breadth and depth of vocab here than in some of her other recently published puzzles; and the endgame is straightforward if you know the source well. However, having only recently finished Shark's E Grade puzzle in the Magpie I for one needed a little respite!

I always believe that it is the variety in The Listener that makes it so special - so thank you, Chalicea!

[laptoplou]

As a newbie, loved it! Managed in about 2 hours and thought perimeter fill so neat! I wondered if anyone who think it is 'too easy' might like to try his/her hand at setting a puzzle, which must be an incredibly difficult task.

[greenfarmroad]

Let me echo midazolam’s sentiments. I am a less experienced solver and am heartened by an upward curve on completion. It is good that you don’t need a classical education or sophistication in a foreign language to complete. Together with the All Blacks getting an overdue come-uppance it made for a good weekend. Thanks Chalicea

[Cloverjo]

Lovely puzzle, and a very enjoyable theme. Brings back memories. Haven't finished yet, but it's nice to get into a Listener for a change.

Am I correct in thinking the setter is a regular contributor to this thread, or am I getting her mixed up with someone else?