Every Tuesday I host First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros sharing the first paragraph, maybe two, of a book that I'm reading or plan to read soon. This pick is just 147 pages, but it's a translated work (German to English) so I'm just not sure how this will flow.)
Other Press - 2016
1
"Agnes is dead. Killed by a story. All that's left of her now is this story. It begins on that day, nine months ago, when we first met in the Chicago Public Library. It was cold when we first met. It is generally cold in this city. But it's colder now, and it's snowing. The snow is blowing across Lake Michigan, on the gale-force wind I can hear even through the soundproof glass in my picture windows. It's snowing, but the snow won't settle, it gets picked up and whirled on its way, and only settles where the wind can't get at it. I've switched off the light, and look out at the illuminated tips of the skyscrapers, at the American flag that gets tugged this way and that by the wind, in the beam of a searchlight, and at the empty streets far below, where, even now, in the middle of the night, the lights change from green to red and red to green, as though nothing had happened, or was happening."
Based on this intro, would you read more or pass on this book?
Feel free to join in by posting your own First Chapter First Paragraph Intro and linking below.
Now I am very curious. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt is a different kind go start for sure.
DeleteYes, I'd keep reading. I want to know more about Agnes. I like the feel of this first paragraph.
ReplyDeleteGlad the intro appealed to you Margot.
DeleteI'm intrigued at the way this one opens with Agnes being dead but then concentrates o the weather, it makes me more curious to learn her story.
ReplyDeleteI think it's odd --she's dead and now we'll talk about the weather LOL
DeleteThis intro really intrigues me - I'd continue reading!
ReplyDeleteJade, glad the intro appealed to you.
DeleteDefinitely a great opening! I'd keep reading!
ReplyDeleteGlad u liked the intro Karen.
DeleteI love the descriptive opening and can picture the scene. I also really like the cover. It would make me pick it up. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThe cover is kind of eerie looking too many but seems appropriate.
DeleteI like the writing. The description of things like the weather and of colors is very good. The "killed by a story" thing is also interesting. I would keep reading.
ReplyDeleteGlad the intro appealed to you Bria Joseph. I hope I'm going to like this one.
DeleteFirst of all, that cover is disturbing somehow. And how was Agnes killed by a story? I was cold reading the paragraph - it's bleak. Not sure this one would be for me. LOL
ReplyDeleteYes, I found the cover fitting somehow though LOL
DeleteI'm interested because of the Chicago setting.
ReplyDeleteI like the library mention at the start and am curious enough to continue reading. Hope it's a good one.
ReplyDeleteYes! He got me. Going to look up the book right now.
ReplyDeleteThat opening makes me feel cold. I would keep reading. I want to know more about what's happened to Agnes. Thank you for sharing (and hosting!), Diane.
ReplyDeleteWell, I liked it too and would keep reading!
ReplyDeleteThat's an intriguing opening. I want to know just who Agnes is and what happened. I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteI am curious, too. What happened to Agnes, who was "killed by a story"? This is a mysterious opening (and the cover). I'd read more, for sure!
ReplyDeleteI would definitely read on, especially because I'm apt to be curious about contemporary German novels. My library system does not have this novel by Stamm.
ReplyDelete