Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, now hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book they are reading or that they plan to read soon.
Fifty Words for Rain; Asha Lemmie
Dutton - 2020
PRELUDE
Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Summer 1948
"The first real memory Nori had was pulling up to that house. For many years afterward, she would try to stretch the boundaries of her mind further, to what came before that day. Time and time again, she'd lie on her back in the stillness of the night and try to recall. Sometimes she'd catch a glimpse in her head of a tiny apartment with lurid yellow walls. But the image would disappear as quickly as it came, leaving no sense of satisfaction in its wake. And so if you asked her, Nori would say that her life had officially begun the day she laid eyes on that imposing estate that rested serenely between the crests of two green hills. It was a stunningly beautiful place--there was no denying it--and yet, despite this beauty, Nori felt her stomach clench and her gut churn at the sight of it. Her mother rarely took her anywhere, and somehow she knew that something was waiting for her there that she would not like."
What do you think pass or read more? I loved the sound of this from the first time I read about it on Judy's Blog, Keep the Wisdom. I'm enjoying this one so far.
Japan is a country that gets neglected by me when it comes to reading and I've no idea why. I'll be interested to see what you think of this if you decide to review it.
ReplyDeleteI've read a couple of books set in Japan; Pachinko was a favorite.
DeleteYes. I love the first paragraph. Beautiful cover, too!
ReplyDeleteI was curious about this book after reading about on Judy's blog, too. The opening makes me want to keep reading... will be curious to hear what you think.
ReplyDeleteThe lines conjure up such interesting thoughts and images. I am curious about where the story goes. Thanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I wonder what she is afraid of remembering?!?!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shout out! I did find much to love in this novel.
ReplyDeleteI love the voice and have heard good things about this book--another one for my list!
ReplyDeleteI would definitely keep reading. I'm curious what's going to happen to Nori.
ReplyDeleteIt has my attention. I would give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI love that opening. And that cover! So pretty. As Brian asked, I can't help but wonder what it is she is afraid of remembering. I look forward to reading your thoughts on this, Diane.
ReplyDeleteI would like to know more, for sure- I'd keep reading!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good and I am going to list it for a book set in Japan for my reading challenge! Thanks for spotlighting this one.
ReplyDeleteElza Reads
I would definitely have to keep reading! What a great opening paragraph. :)
ReplyDeleteThe title is enough to catch my interest.
ReplyDeleteI think there's supposed to be a lot of sadness & loss in this novel ... so I am holding off on it for now ... though I'd be curious to hear what you think of it.
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds interesting and I like that beginning. I'll have to look for more about this one.
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