Every Tuesday Bibliophile by the Sea hosts First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros. Here is my intro for today.
The bridge
Ten days after the war ended, my sister Laura drove a car off a bridge. The bridge was being repaired: she went right through the Danger sign. The car fell a hundred feet into the ravine, smashing through the treetops feathery with new leaves, then burst into flames and rolled down into the shallow creek at the bottom. Chunks of the bridge fell on top of it. Nothing much was left of her but charred smithereens.
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Tragedy seems to follow Iris Griffin in the opening pages of Atwood's novel. But then there is another story--a novel within the novel, written by Laura and published posthumously, about a man who seems to be wooing a woman in secret with a story.
I will keep reading. This book is actually part of my First 50 Project to read at least the first 50 pages of every book that I own, but I have a feeling that I will have to finish it. I have enjoyed all of the other Atwood novels that I have read and some of her short stories.
Great intro! Not sure why I've never read this book, especially since I've enjoyed a few of her earlier novels.
ReplyDeleteI have not read it yet because I find its length and small font intimidating!
DeleteGotta read it! I like the idea of 1st 50 challenge, but I would probably feel obligated to finish. Maybe that is the idea? Hope you finish this one and share a review.
ReplyDeleteThe last time I tried this I read all of the books. This time I have started about 10: 2 have ended up on the donate pile, and the rest went onto a shelf.
DeleteThat's a good project, one that I might follow!
ReplyDeleteHarvee
Book Dilettante
Thanks! I feel like I need to do something, and I hate to get rid of a book without giving it a try.
DeleteI like the intro and would keep reading. I hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's quite the beginning! enjoy your book. kelley—the road goes ever ever on
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long while since I've read an Atwood book. Maybe this summer if I can find the time . . .
ReplyDeleteMy post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2014/05/first-chapter-first-paragraph-61.html
I love the beginning of this book. And the book itself, it was kind of a slow burner but Atwood has such skill.
ReplyDeleteI often find Atwood's book slow because there are so many layers. This one looks to be the same.
DeleteMargaret Atwood writes beautiful books and it is such a long time since I picked one up, I must remedy that! Here is my Tuesday Post http://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2014/05/20/teaser-tuesday-may-20/
ReplyDeleteI keep setting this one aside. I need to get back to it. I really found the intro intriguing though. I'm still curious to know more about what happened to Laura.
ReplyDeleteI will almost definitely finish it. I'm just not sure when!
DeleteI've heard good things about this one and I liked the intro! Will be interested to see what you think about it!
ReplyDeleteHere's Mine: http://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/fiction/first-chapter-first-paragraph-tuesday-intros-accident-chris-pavone/
Love the into and a book I always meant to read as well -- hope the rest is as good. Enjoy and thank u for joining us.
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