Currently Reading:The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King
Description: What would happen if Sherlock Homles, a perfect man of the Victorian age--pompous, smug, and misogynisitic--were to come face to face with a twentieth-century female? If she grew to be a partner worthy of his great talents?
Opening sentence:
"Dear Reader,
As both I and the century approach the beginnings of our ninth decades, I have been forced to admit that age is not always a desirable state. The physical, of course, contributes its own flavour to life, but the most vexing problem I have found is that my past, intensely real to me, has begun to fade into the mists of history in the eyes of those around me."
As both I and the century approach the beginnings of our ninth decades, I have been forced to admit that age is not always a desirable state. The physical, of course, contributes its own flavour to life, but the most vexing problem I have found is that my past, intensely real to me, has begun to fade into the mists of history in the eyes of those around me."
I must admit that the first sentence did not really draw me in. Only the very young, the too-young-to-do-the-fun-stuff-legally crowd, wish for age, I think, so I don't really identify with someone who claims that only at 90ish is she forced to admit that age isn't desirable.
However, the second sentence is more interesting... (which is why I've included it even though the feature is only for the first line. Yeah, I'm a rulebreaker.) The second line is something that I think that most people can understand and identify with... their lives passing into the realm of history. It's rather sad, when you think about it. We like to think that we're immortal, in a way, and yet every minute that passes is a minute now relegated to the sands of time, hopefully not to be forgotten, but who can say?
I do like the writing, and the tone is lovely, if a little sedate in the pacing, so I have continued reading. I believe that at the point where I am now, page 90 (coincidence!), the story is about to begin picking up and will hopefully get good enough to explain the various recommendations for this book. We shall see where it goes...
Readers, how much does a book's opening line affect you? Does it color your whole reading experience, good or bad, or does it not matter as much as the general opening of the book, or does it not matter at all? Will you trudge through a tedious beginning in the hopes of a good middle and end, or does a bad beginning turn you off completely?
Leave a comment and let me know what you think! :)
First of all, I'm really interested in this book now. Not to mention the cover...I love covers like this.
ReplyDeleteHmmm. The opening line doesn't effect me unless it is *really* awful. I usually give the first chapter a chance, if I can't "get into" the first chapter, then I'll sometimes drop the book. Not always though. Sometimes I struggle halfway through, other times I end up skipping to the end. I don't usually drop after the opening line, though.