Listener 4078: The Fragmentation of Reality by Lavatch

[Zabadak]

This one's a gem: don't be put off by the complex instructions or that fearsome 65,536 possible combinations: It all comes out well in the end. Good, fair clues, some lovely PDM's, and a satisfying final resolution. And I learned some stuff that I didn't know (to my shame) about the main theme. I especially liked the character that needs to be ringed - thats a doozy that I've not seen used before: does anyone know of an instance?
I'm also interested to know whether the title has a particular reference to the subject: I can find one isolated connection, but a fair bit in the general vicinity.

[starwalker]

I agree, this is a gem. I enjoyed every minute of it, but am still trying to link the title more precisely to the theme - but I can wait for that moment to arrive.
The "ringing" is certainly a new one on me. Cannot recall seeing it in the past 10 years of Listener solving.

[midazolam]

I agree - very enjoyable. Despite watching sport relief (hilarious Smithy sketch) and the now empty bottle of wine, I am amazed at how you raced through this one Zabadak. Hats off, as I thought this was tricky in places and a theme that was new to me too (in relation to its later connections). There is one final piece that eludes me that can wait until tomorrow.

[AHearer]

Another enjoyable puzzle from Lavatch, with a theme which I've always avoided -- after reading about it (thank you, Google) maybe I'll give it a go. I wonder if the puzzle title is a reference to the effect named after one of the hidden titles? At the moment I've got the 65536 down to two: I'll pause for some coffee.

[Zabadak]

I think that's a good call, AHearer - I wasn't aware of the Effect, but although there's no direct citation of the puzzle title that I can find, it's clearly in the same ballpark. This is definitely one of those puzzles where you learn stuff!

[dr b]

I may be at the same point as AHearer - 2 possibilities remain - where to place one set of 7-letter group B answers? I assume that the correct choice will reveal the second title, which I've yet to spot. I'll put it down for a while and see any pennies drop later.

[daagg]

Me three

[midazolam]

look up group A in wikipedia to give you the group B possibilities and then the penny should drop. My late night dilemma actually was more obvious than I was trying to make it

[Jogler]

Us four....

[Speravi]

We five...

[daagg]

I think I might be onto something, as I have found a fairly well ringed character. Still not sure about the second title though.

[dr b]

clink.

[JackDeCrow]

Just spent most of the afternoon staring at the same last two options and the penny has finally dropped. Sneaky!

[Ruthrobin]

I am astounded at Zabadak's speed in solving this one. I have spent a few hours on it and am 'more or less' there but, like several others, wondering about the placing of one set of 7 and the second title, also how to 'ring'. Indeed, that figure of 65,536 was daunting and I haven't avoided the theme - I was simply totally ignorant of it.

[jacinth]

I was just at Ruthrobin's stage and about to leave it for the night when the penny dropped and the second theme revealed itself. Very clever and most enjoyable - an excellent subject too!

[Zabadak]

Just lucky, I guess: once the A clues were resolved with only one recognisable outcome, both thematic titles were apparent enough to ring bells, confirmed by Wiki. As mentioned above, spotting the ringed character was a particularly delightful moment, and I felt the way in which the B clues interacted was especially clever. Check Wiki for the full set of thematic elements.

[Ruthrobin]

Penny dropped! I'm delighted, and even I had heard of that!

[Clamzy]

For me this was the puzzle of the year so far - thanks Lavatch.
This pseudonym was appropriate for a couple of the clues which tickled my
schoolboy sense of humour. "It's no use standing on the seat........":-)

[AHearer]

I'm quietly kicking myself. I was trying to use the S as a Roman numeral for that purpose, and of course it wasn't helping. Very pretty!

[Jogler]

I think we have seen something like this before... but brain is so burnt out that it might take a few days to surface!

[catstail]

Am enjoying this. I particularly liked the camouflage of the second theme. Still have the NW corner and the group C elements to do. I think quite a few more pdms are required - have spent ages staring at group C but can't see any of the elements even though I have printed them from wiki. Perhaps a cup of tea will help.