In "The Brightest Star in the Sky," Marian Keyes captures a moment of humor and intensity through the character's reaction to the word "Minsk." The way it's pronounced evokes strong emotions, which can be startling or even intimidating when said with the right intensity. This reflects how certain words can carry significant weight and impact, creating memorable phrases that resonate with the listener.
Keyes cleverly illustrates how the sound of a word can evoke feelings and reactions that might seem disproportionate. The quote highlights the power of language and its ability to convey feelings beyond mere meanings. It demonstrates that even a single word like "Minsk" can generate a sense of drama or excitement in everyday conversations.