Cryptic crossword No 1,598

I think this one is way too easy - feedback gratefully accepted!

Not too easy, I don't think, but definitely not difficult. 19a and 18d my favourites. Spoilers possibly in reply...

Thanks so much for your comments Dave - I learn so much every time someone takes the time and trouble to give feedback!

Definitely not too easy nanacat. Yes, it was a fairly quick solve for me at least, but by no means a pushover. What stood out were sparkles of wit and tongue in cheek humour. My turn to laugh out loud with 8a, also 17a for reasons closer to home, 5d (clever), 18d (cheeky!) among others. Only one small quibble, see reply…

I enjoyed this. It's been said that a good crossword puzzle should be a struggle between setter and solver which the solver eventually wins; too easy, there's no struggle - too convoluted, the solver gives up in despair. I think Ozpiper hits the nail on the head - a fairly quick solve, but no pushover. Favourites 1d and 7d; this Brit-with-a-grandparent-born-in-Melbourne wasn't aware of the story behind 17a, but thought it was a pretty neat clue nonetheless. Couple of spoilers in reply