The Chequer Board Quotes

“The Negro said, “I don’t feel so good right now. Say, if I’d known that cutting your throat gave you septicaemia, I sure would have made a job of it.” “Or else not done it at all,” said Turner. The Negro paused for a moment in abstraction. “Well,” he said at last, “that would have been another way.”
― Nevil Shute, The Chequer Board

“In the quiet serenity of the night that did not seem very important; it was only important that she should shut up and not spoil his evening. “Now you get on and start her up, and shut up talking.” She opened her mouth to give as good as she got, but said nothing. What he had told her was incredible; and yet it was what she had secretly feared for some time.”
― Nevil Shute, The Chequer Board

“He sank into an apathy of heat and dust and sweat, and joined the morose ten per cent of men in South Fast Asia Command whose wives had let them down.”
― Nevil Shute, The Chequer Board

“He searched his mind for something he could do for her to match her generosity in some small measure. “Like to go to the pictures tonight?” he said. “I see there’s Cary Grant on at the Regal.” Four days later he left Poole on the flying boat for Rangoon.”
― Nevil Shute, The Chequer Board

“Mr Parkinson told him what was his due. “On your salary scale, the firm gives three months’ sick leave on full pay. Then if you are still unfit for work, another three months on half pay.”
― Nevil Shute, The Chequer Board

“Jerry stood the old man to a glass of mild, and asked, “What do you think of all these Americans in Trenarth, Mr Parsons?” The ancient piped in his old quavering voice, “I like them very well; oh, very well indeed. We get on nicely with them here. I don’t like these white ones that are coming in now, though. I hope they don’t send us no more o’ them.” It was too good not to be repeated; it ran round both whites and blacks that afternoon.”
― Nevil Shute, The Chequer Board

“He is a good man, and will climb up to the Six Blissful Seats. He has known sin and trouble and it has not made him bitter; he has known sorrow and it has not made him sad. In these last months that have been granted to him he is trying to do good, not”
― Nevil Shute, The Chequer Board

“It appeared in the bar window next morning. It read: THIS HOUSE IS FOR ENGLISHMEN AND COLOURED AMERICAN TROOPS ONLY”
― Nevil Shute, The Chequer Board

“It’s ever so kind of you to take the trouble,” she said. She turned to her father. “Dad, this gentleman’s mended my iron, and it works beautifully.” She used her normal language without thinking anything about it, but each Negro within hearing caught the word “gentleman” and stiffened for a moment in wonder. They certainly were in a foreign country, a long ways from home.”
― Nevil Shute, The Chequer Board