Ernest Hemingway’s first novel is The Sun Also Rises, initially published in the UK as Fiesta, a fact that kicks off a surprisingly interconnected quiz.

A Literary, Musical, and Geographic Puzzle

Test your knowledge across a range of topics, from classic literature to global geography, all linked by a subtle thread.

  • The quiz spans literature, music, geography, sports, television, and history.
  • All questions are connected by a common, underlying theme.
  • The quiz challenges both general knowledge and attention to detail.

Let’s see how well you know your cultural touchstones. Here are ten questions to ponder:

  1. What’s the title of Ernest Hemingway’s first novel, initially published in the UK as Fiesta?

  2. Which song by Beyoncé won the 2010 Grammy for Song of the Year?

  3. Which Asian lake is the lowest point on the Earth’s surface?

  4. Which British golfer’s only win in a Major tournament was the 2013 US Open?

  5. Stubbs and Theodopolopodous were the surnames of the sisters in which hit British sitcom of the 1990s?

  6. Which official US presidential retreat is in Maryland?

  7. What’s the nickname of the character Simon Williamson in Trainspotting?

  8. What’s the common two-word name for deuterium oxide, a liquid used in nuclear reactors – and whose manufacture in Norway by the Germans was sabotaged by allied commandos during the second world war?

  9. When asked what they were fighting for in the second world war, the traditionally stock answer of American soldiers was, “For mom and” . . what?

  10. The wealthy neighbourhoods in Los Angeles known as the three Bs are Brentwood, Beverly Hills – and what?

Digging Deeper into the questions

These questions aren’t random.They require a broad range of knowledge, testing recall of literary classics, contemporary music, geographical landmarks, sporting achievements, and ancient events. The answers, once revealed, demonstrate a surprising interconnectedness.

What is the lowest point on Earth’s surface? The Dead Sea, an Asian lake, holds this distinction, adding a geographical element to the quiz.

From the literary world of Hemingway to the pop culture phenomenon of Beyoncé, the quiz offers a diverse challenge. The inclusion of historical details, such as the sabotage of deuterium oxide production in Norway during World War II, adds a layer of complexity and intrigue.

The questions also touch upon popular culture, referencing the British sitcom and the cult film Trainspotting, appealing to a wider audience with varied interests.

Ready to check your answers? Click here to see how you fared.