This week’s Quote of the Fortnight is from Raymond Chandler’s short story, “Red Wind,” available in his story collection Trouble is My Business.

It’s about the crazy things that happen when the Santa Ana winds are blowing in Southern California. Joan Didion quoted this passage in her essay, “The Santa Ana,” available here: http://bobbyhundreds.tumblr.com/post/13597404539/the-santa-ana-by-joan-didion

And the quote:

“There was a desert wind blowing that night. It was one of those hot dry Santa Anas that come down through the mountain passes and curl your hair and make your nerves jump and your skin itch. On nights like that every booze party ends in a fight. Meek little wives feel the edge of the carving knife and study their husband’s necks. Anything can happen. You can even get a full glass of beer at a cocktail lounge.”

Image credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:AERONET_La_Jolla.2007297.aqua.250m.jpg LIC-PD-US