Every Tuesday, I'll be posting the opening paragraph (maybe two) of a book I decided to read based on the opening paragraph (s). Feel free to grab the banner and play along.
After discovering and enjoying author Elena Ferrante's work recently with The Lost Daughter and The Days of Abandonment, I got my hands on another of her books from the library. This week's selection is:
(Europa Edition)
"My mother drowned on the night of May 23rd, my birthday, in the sea at a place called Spaccavento, a few miles from Minturno. In the late fifties, when my father was still living with us, we rented a room in a farmhouse in that very area and spent the month of July there, the five of us sleeping in a few burning-hot square meters. Every morning we girls drank a fresh egg, headed to the sea among the tall reeds on paths of dirt and sand, and swam. The night my mother died, the owner of that house, who was called Rosa and by now was over seventy, had heard some knocking at the door but, fearing thieves and murderers, didn't open it.
My mother had taken the train for Rome two days earlier, on May 21st, but had never arrived. Lately, she had been coming to stay with me at least once a month for a few days. I didn't like hearing her in the house. She woke at dawn and, as was her habit, cleaned the kitchen and living room from top to bottom. I tried to go back to sleep, but couldn't: rigid between the sheets, I had the impression that as she bustled about she transformed my body into that of a wizened child. When she came in with the coffee, I huddled to one side so that she wouldn't touch me as she sat down on the edge of the bed. Her sociability irritated me: she went shopping and got to know shopkeepers with whom in the ten years I had exchanged no more than a word or two; she became a friend of my friends, and told them stories of her life, the same ones over and over. I, with her, could only be self-contained and insincere."
What do you think? Would you read this book?
You're so dedicated!
ReplyDeleteI actually don't think I would read this book. To start with such a major bang -- my mother died -- and then to go on with all these little details didn't quite hit me right.
Oh, yes. It sounds great. Can't wait to see your review. Here's Mine
ReplyDeleteI love that opening! Can't wait to hear what you think of the book!
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot going on in that paragraph. I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteMy TI/TT.
I would definitely read this one!
ReplyDeleteSounds a bit too heavy for me at the moment, Diane.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to the photos.
An interesting introduction. Makes me a little curious.
ReplyDeleteThis week it is The Sauvignon Secret by Ellen Crosby http://booksnwhatnot.blogspot.com/
Knowing how much you enjoy this author, I would like to read one of her books... judging from the opening, this would be a good place to start.
ReplyDeleteHere's mine:
http://lakesidemusing.blogspot.com/2011/11/tuesday-intros-travels-with-charley.html
This sounds good. I look forward to your review!
ReplyDeleteI keep wondering about the speaker and I think she may be an unreliable narrator. From that point of view, the book could be interesing.
ReplyDeleteI'd keep reading this book as well! That's quite an opening.
ReplyDeleteI want to know what happens and why. the writing is a bit confusing at times but I think I would continue.
ReplyDeleteA very interesting opening. I think I would have to read a little bit more to see if it would be something that I would be interested in.
ReplyDeleteHere is mine: http://jaynesbooks.blogspot.com/2011/11/first-chapter-first-paragaphs-tuesday.html
I'll read anything, so yes, out of curiosity! I just finished a library book The Bird Sisters...a very good read! Missed all snow and cold. I'm visiting grands in TX.
ReplyDeleteI would read this one based on what you have posted here today. Are you going to read it?
ReplyDeleteThis one just didn't connect with me. I'll take a pass.
ReplyDeleteI would totally read this one! What a punch in the gut right from the start!
ReplyDeleteI would definitely keep reading. I'm intrigued by this one.
ReplyDeleteI agree with some of the other commenters--this sounds like an intriguing novel. I've never read this author, but I have The Days of Abandonment on my TBR list and may have to ad this one as well. I want to know what happens!
ReplyDeleteI love this! Love the quote and I love the cover! I've heard nothing but good things about her books -- all of her stuff is on my TBR!
ReplyDeleteThat's quite an opening, seems sad somehow. Well, sad even taking out the fact that the mother's dead.
ReplyDeleteI'd keep reading. I'm curious and want to know more. Since you liked this author so much would be another reason to keep going,
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds intense, but I would certainly keep reading.
ReplyDeleteWow! I would read this, definitely. Elena Ferrante's writing is so stark and straightforward, she doesn't mince words.
ReplyDeleteI want to know if the narrator is a nice person or cold. I guess we all have our moments when we've been annoyed by our mothers but the narrator's words are so blunt!
I will be reading my Elsa Ferrante very soon!
Ferrante seems to open all her books with hammer hit, yes? I like her style, actually.
ReplyDelete