Every Tuesday I host First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where I share the first paragraph or (a few) of a book I am reading or thinking about reading soon.
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The Lemon Table; Stories; Julian Barnes
Vintage - 2005
A Short History of Hairdressing
1
"The first time, after they moved, his mother had come with him. Presumably to examine the barber. As if the phrase short back and sides, with a little off the top, might mean something different in this new suburb. He'd doubted it. Everything else seemed the same: the torture chair, the surgerical smells, the strop and the folded razor--folded not in safety but in threat. Most of all, the torturer-in-chief was the same, a loony with big hands who pushed your head down till your windpipe nearly snapped, who prodded your ear with a bamboo finger. General inspection, madam? he said greasily when he'd finished. His mother had shaken off the effects of her magazine and stood up. Very nice, she said vaguely, leaning over him, smelling of stuff. I'll send him by himself next time. Outside, she had rubbed his cheek, looked at him with idle eyes, and murmered, you poor shorn lamb."
What do you think? Keep Reading?
(feel free to join in and post your link below)
I'm not sure what to make of this, but I am definitely curious! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'd have to read a bit more to see if it's for me.
ReplyDeleteThis has me curious but I'd need to read a bit more to know for sure. Happy Reading!
ReplyDeleteOh Diane, I love that first paragraph! Its touching as well as humorous. Its been too long since I've read a good Julian Barnes. I'm going to find this one. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLove the description in the opening you posted. I felt like I was in that barber's chair! This is a collection of short stories. Right?
ReplyDeleteYes, Sandra it is a collection of stories.
DeleteThe author certainly has a strong voice, and I like the way the last sentence belies what she said earlier.
ReplyDeleteI really like this beginning! It's interesting and I want to know more, which is great for an opening! I'm having problems getting to the Linkie list, not quite sure why :( I'll try again later! Thanks for hosting :) I hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteJuli @ Universe in Words
Sorry uou are having Linky problems:( I'll pop over and heck out your post. Thanks for leaving the comment.
DeleteLove this! I've been wanting to read more of Julian Barnes ever since The Sense of an Ending... it was a favorite a could years ago.
ReplyDeleteI loved Sense of an Ending as well!
DeleteI was not a fan of The Sense of an Ending, but I really loved the writing in this intro. I'd keep going...
ReplyDeleteOh no Sarah, I loved Sense of an Ending as well!
DeleteFirst, I love the cover. That lemon looks delicious. As to the paragraph, well, it made me think of my husband's descriptions of getting his hair cut as a boy. LOL
ReplyDeleteLOL too funny Kay.
DeleteLuving Short Story month - thinking this would fill the bill :) enjoy more...
ReplyDeleteIn conjunction with my Children's Book Week Giveaway of Anne of Green Gables, Here's my Tuesday Intro 1st Paragraph:) and thanks for hosting, Diane!
Hope u can try this one sometime.
DeleteI also read The Sense of An Ending a couple of years ago. I like this opening, and it makes me curious about what his short stories are like. I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteI do like His writing style.
DeleteI'd read on... love the cover.
ReplyDeleteYay, me too Harvee.
DeleteThe cover is quite nice! After reading about the barber shop, I think I'd read more . . .
ReplyDeleteThat opening hooked me as well, and I am not a huge short story fan.
DeleteI've heard so many great things about Barnes! This little snippet reminds me of a book the girls have about a sneaky little lamb who refuses to be shorn. Ha!
ReplyDeleteLol- I have enjoyed this author in the past and would read more , great experiences with his work.
DeleteI am loving the book cover! I'm not much for short stores tho--but that's just me. I hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteMe neither Debbie, yet somehow this works for me.
DeleteBased on the title I didn't think I would like it, but it sounds quite entertaining.
ReplyDeleteThis author is very talented. Great success with his previous stuff.
DeleteI would keep reading. Short stories are just what is needed some days.
ReplyDeleteI agree Judy!
DeleteI'm piqued.
ReplyDeleteMe too Freda, and I generally shy away from shorts.
DeleteI haven't fared well recently with short stories, but I keep trying them out. Girl Who Reads
ReplyDeleteSame experince here Donna but I keep trying.
DeleteI need to read more ss collections. Sometimes they just fit the schedule better.
ReplyDeleteI am running, not walking to the Canterbury book store and buying this book! Sounds like fun!
ReplyDelete