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. (This one was chosen by my book group for July, and although I don't read a lot of historical fiction, I fell in love with the writing just from the intro).
A Good American; Alex George
G.P Putnam - 2012
(INTRO)
"Always, there was music.
It was music--Puccini, to be precise--that first drew my grandparents into each other's orbit, more than a hundred years ago. It was an unusually warm afternoon in early spring, in the grandest municipal garden in Hanover, the Grosse Garten. Mygrandmother, Henriette Furst, was taking her usual Sunday stroll among the regimented flower beds and manicured lawns so beloved of city-dwelling Prussians. At twenty-five, she was a fine example of Teutonic rude health; Jette, as she was known by everyone, was six feet tall, and robustly built. She walked through the park with none of the feminine grace that was expected from ladies of her class. Rather than making her way by trippingly petite steps on the arm of an admirer, Jette clomped briskly along the graveled paths alone, too busy enjoying the day to worry about the unladylike spectacle she presented to others. Rather than squeezing her considerable frame into the bustles and corsets that constrained the grim-faced ladies she so effortlessly outflanked, Jette preferred voluminous dresses that draped her outsized form like colorful tents. She swept along in a dramatic, free-flowing swirl, leaving all those rigidly contoured women hobbling in her wake."
What do you think -- keep reading or pass?
(Feel free to join in this week by posting your intro below?
I like that character already! A dramatic, free-flowing woman. Sounds great!
ReplyDeleteGlad the intro appealed to you Laurel.
DeleteOh, I am so glad you are reading this book Diane. I read it a couple of years ago and, through the book, felt a great connection with my grandparents. The fictional experiences and the time period just reminded me of them. I do hope its enjoyable for you too.
ReplyDeleteMargot, happy this one resonated with you. I have high hopes.
DeleteThat is one visual opener, I can picture Jette marching along in her splendid dress. Yes, I would like to know more about this book and will be checking it out for sure.
ReplyDeleteLOL - me too Cleo.
DeleteI like the sound of Jette and the description of Prussia. I already see a tragic love story (though I haven't read what the book is about yet so will probably be completely wrong) so, yes, I would carry on reading. Emma
ReplyDeleteI hope I will love this one Emma.
DeleteMusic is always good at bringing people together! And I like Jette, she sounds like a very interesting woman! I hope you enjoy this in and thanks for hosting :)
ReplyDeleteJuli @ A Universe in Words
Juli, you are right about music.
DeleteOne of my all-time favorite books! Hope you love it too.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, I am so happy to hear this. I haven't started it yet but, will this week.
DeleteI've had this on my list for years... thanks for reminding me!
ReplyDeleteI am very happy that my book group picked it as I would not have chosen it on my own probably.
DeleteI think I like Jette. I'd keep reading because I think she's going to rock a few boats and ruffle a few feathers while being so nonchalant about it.
ReplyDeleteYou think so LOL? Me too.
DeleteWhat a beautifully written opening! And such an intriguing character
ReplyDeleteMia, I fell in love with Jette already.
DeleteOh yes! my kind of heroine.
ReplyDeleteI agree Mystica.
Deletesounds good!
ReplyDeleteSounds like she's going to change the world. My link says Tour de France, but doesn't really mean it! It's a memoir Finding Fontainebleau
ReplyDeleteYou think so? I do like her already.
DeleteI'm already feeling captivated by this character! It sounds like she will perhaps be making some waves. Love the writing, as well!
ReplyDeleteGlad the writing appealed to you Jordan.
DeleteThis is one I would keep reading!
ReplyDeleteKym, glad u liked the intro.
DeleteI love your teaser, Diane. Jette sounds like someone I want to get to know. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMe too, I'm rooting for her already.
DeleteThat first line got me. "Always, there was music."
ReplyDeleteI looked it up and since it is about German immigrants to America, which was my grandparents all around, it looks even better to me.
Sounds like this one would be perfect for you Judy.
DeleteOh this does sound wonderful. Plus I've been to the Royal Gardens in Hannover, Germany so I feel like I must read this :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow, sounds like one that you should try as well.
DeleteThat intro really painted an interesting picture!
ReplyDelete