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Unlocking Literary Portals: The Mesmerizing Allure of First Lines

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bhaktihere Sat 09-Dec-23 15:02:46

Hello fellow book lovers! I thought it would be delightful to start our journey here by diving into the enchanting world of literature through the lens of first lines. The opening words of a book have a unique power—they can captivate, intrigue, and set the tone for the entire story.

Let's share and discuss some of our favorite first lines from books that have left a lasting impression. What makes a first line memorable for you? Is it the poetic beauty, the suspenseful promise, or perhaps the humor that grabs your attention? And of course, feel free to share the titles of the books that accompany these unforgettable introductions.

I'll kick things off with one of my favorites: 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' - Charles Dickens, 'A Tale of Two Cities.'

Looking forward to hearing about the literary gems that have enchanted you from the very first line! ✨

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Ilovecheese Sat 09-Dec-23 15:04:06

Last night I dreamt I'd been to Mandalay again.

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Calendargirl Sat 09-Dec-23 15:26:16

‘Scarlett O’Hara was not beautiful….’

Margaret Mitchell, ‘Gone With The Wind’.

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eazybee Sat 09-Dec-23 15:58:03

'Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents.'
Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

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Siope Sat 09-Dec-23 16:12:51

‘“Lymond is back.”’

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RosiesMaw Sat 09-Dec-23 16:17:31

Great idea for a thread- but oh dear, what an off-putting title hmm

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grandtanteJE65 Sat 09-Dec-23 16:40:06

"It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

And like Ilovecheese and Siope, I feel that on this literary thread, it is unnecessary to tell you who wrote this memorable lines.

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MrsKen33 Sat 09-Dec-23 16:55:16

How about endings ?

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Calendargirl Sat 09-Dec-23 18:23:05

MrsKen33

How about endings ?

‘After all, tomorrow is another day’.

Ok, will not mention the author again!

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Ilovecheese Sat 09-Dec-23 19:06:31

Ending:
Oh God, leave me alone. I'm too tired and too old to learn to love. Leave me alone forever.
( I think this is correct, it is from memory)

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Ilovecheese Sat 09-Dec-23 19:08:27

It was a cold bright day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen.

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Ilovecheese Sat 09-Dec-23 19:14:18

I don't recognise "Lymond is back"
Where is that from?

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TheatreLover Sat 09-Dec-23 19:19:13

Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do:

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Elegran Sat 09-Dec-23 19:25:23

Marley was dead . . .

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Callistemon21 Sat 09-Dec-23 19:26:31

Ilovecheese

It was a cold bright day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen.

Oh, you got there first Ilovecheese 😁

That is not a first line in a book.
But it could be!

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Callistemon21 Sat 09-Dec-23 19:28:47

Gallia est omnis divisa in partes tres

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Ilovecheese Sat 09-Dec-23 19:30:26

Callistemon21

Ilovecheese

It was a cold bright day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen.

Oh, you got there first Ilovecheese 😁

That is not a first line in a book.
But it could be!

By golly you are right Callistemon13!
It just feels like it should have been.

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Casdon Sat 09-Dec-23 19:31:56

I write this sitting in the kitchen sink. (I capture the castle)

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Callistemon21 Sat 09-Dec-23 19:32:13

“Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy …”

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Callistemon21 Sat 09-Dec-23 19:33:12

Ilovecheese

Callistemon21

Ilovecheese

It was a cold bright day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen.

Oh, you got there first Ilovecheese 😁

That is not a first line in a book.
But it could be!

By golly you are right Callistemon13!
It just feels like it should have been.

You can write it, but please send me a signed first edition!!

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Grandma70s Sat 09-Dec-23 19:34:01

The Fossil sisters lived in the Cromwell Road.

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Dickens Sat 09-Dec-23 20:05:36

grandtanteJE65

"It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

And like Ilovecheese and Siope, I feel that on this literary thread, it is unnecessary to tell you who wrote this memorable lines.

"It is a truth, universally acknowledged"... etc

Ah, you got there before me!

I'm on my third reading of the book. smile

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Chocolatelovinggran Sat 09-Dec-23 20:11:53

Oh Grandma70s- that is such a wonderful book.

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Oreo Sat 09-Dec-23 20:19:19

IIlovecheese I think you mean Manderley, that’s a great book
I used to love all her books especially Rebecca.

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Oreo Sat 09-Dec-23 20:21:00

I think it’s a good idea of the OP to mention the book as well as the first line and the author.None of us have read every book ever published.

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