Related Clues:

• Recognised novel being read out
• Had learnt; sounds like modern
• Was familiar with Kipling's first novel
• Distinguished name in garden suburb
• Was conscious of
• Was acquainted with Steinbeck's last novel
• Presumably had already read Steinbeck's last novel
• Kafka's first novel may be recognised
• Was familiar with Kafka's first novel
• Was aware of fresh hearing
• Acknowledged that it sounded fresh
• Recognised it might be novel to the listener
• Recognised that it sounded fresh
• Was aware of a novel sound
• Was aware of modern sounds