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A ŷ user asked this question about White Teeth:
This is probably a British person question. Does anyone know what she means when Archie says "That's why he never went anywhere without a tenpence coin" when he's talking about second opinions? Also, when she is talking about the Catholic school she says an "overexcited pustule could send you to Coventry" Is that a reference to the bombing? Like a pimple would destroy you down to dust?
RP He uses a coin to make decisions. A ten pence is as good as any I guess.

(From google search): Going to Coventry means “to deliberately ostracise some…mǰHe uses a coin to make decisions. A ten pence is as good as any I guess.

(From google search): Going to Coventry means “to deliberately ostracise someone�, this phrase originates from a 17th century English Civil War punishment, when Coventry was a Parliamentary stronghold. The king's soldiers were so hated that Royalist prisoners were sent to Coventry, where it was felt they would be ignored. (less)
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White Teeth
by Zadie Smith
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