Every Tuesday I host First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros where I share the first paragraph sometimes two, of a book that I'm reading or plan to read soon.
Mercury; Margot Livesey
Harper - 2016
Part OneDonald
"My mother called me after a favorite uncle, who was in turn called after a Scottish king. Donald III was sixty when he first ascended the throne in 1093. He went on to reign twice, briefly and disastrously. As a child I hated my name--other children sang Donald, where's y'er troosers? in the playground--but as an adult I have come to appreciate being named after a valiant late bloomer: a man who seized the day. Of course most Americans, when I introduce myself, are thinking not about Scottish history but about a cartoon duck. They are surprised when I tell them that a Scot invented penicillin and that James VI, for whom the Bible was so gloriously translated, was a keen amateur dentist. I used to believe that in my modest fashion, I was contributing to the spread of Scottish values: thrift, industry, integrity. I have my own business, a full-service optometrist's, in a town outside of Boston. More than most people, I have tested the hypothesis that the eye is the window of the soul"
(Feel free to join in this week by posting your intro below?
Ah, ha! I've just learned about the book's clever cover. It sounds like it will be a very interesting story.
ReplyDeleteThe plot seems very different, really looking forward to this one.
DeleteI am definitely curious. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like a story that will have wide appeal.
DeleteI admit my first thought as I read your intro was of Donald Duck. I can relate. Most people either associate me with Peter Pan or the Wendy's Hamburger restaurants. This does sound like it will be an interesting book, Diane. I hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how we do associate some names with something from our past.
DeleteDonald sounds like an interesting character. I like the tie-in of the cover with his job as an optometrist. Clever!
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting.
Sandra, glad u liked the cover and intro.
DeleteI do like the sound of this one particularly because I do think some names through up certain associations (when you have an unusual one like I do I suppose it is even more obvious) I do like the narrative voice of this one, it sounds like a book to cosy down into and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI like the voice as well and yes, it's funny how we do associate some names with something from our past.
DeleteI like how the narrator introduces himself in that first paragraph. I'd like to read more.
ReplyDeleteGlad it appealed to you Margot.
DeleteI like this opening too. I must admit that the name Donald makes me think of a cartoon duck rather than the Scottish king. The cover is very eye-catching!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with "duck" versus "king" when you think of name Donald.
DeleteI like this intro - there is humour too it, though having read the blurb I think it will be more than a humorous story. I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased that you enjoyed the intro Emma.
DeleteNot my usual genre but it's an interesting intro.
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating this week Yvonne.
DeleteI don't like going to the dentist, so this book may not be for me!
ReplyDeleteDentist? huh?
DeleteI really like the excerpt! I would keep reading. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling this is going to be a good one.
DeleteI really like the voice in this one, so I say keep reading. This is new to me, but I really think it's one I'd enjoy.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm thinking this will be a good one.
DeleteThat was way too busy.
ReplyDeleteYes, keep reading! I first heard about this one during the fall bloggers preview event.
ReplyDeleteYes I would keep reading. I have seen this book on several blogs and lists. And I have always heard of Margot Livesey but have never read her.
ReplyDelete