Since her marriage to Edward Swift, three years after the sudden death of her first husband Horace Torrington, Charlotte had changed her position at the breakfast table in order to accommodate her new husband's needs: specifically, aiding him in the spreading of toast and cutting of meat, owing to his having suffered the loss of his left arm at the age of twenty-three in an unfortunate encounter with the narrow wheels of a speeding gig, out of which he had fallen on the driveway of his them home in County Wicklow. Having always faced the window and wide view, now Charlotte sat on Edward's left, and faced him.
Her eldest children, Emerald and Clovis, aged nineteen and twenty respectively, but for whom the word 'children' is not inaccurate at the point at which we discover them, did not like this new arrangement. Nor did they like or approve of Edward Swift; single arm notwithstanding, they found he did not fit.The Uninvited Guests
by Sadie Jones
I was initially drawn to this book by the cover (isn't it gorgeous?), but after just one chapter, the writing and story have me totally invested. Can't wait to read more today...
Every Tuesday, Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea posts the opening paragraph (sometime two) of a book she decided to read based on the opening paragraph(s). Feel free to grab the banner and play along.
I do love that opener...I'm suddenly very curious about this family and what will occur. The scene sets up the players...and there's a hint of something ominous ahead.
ReplyDeleteLove that cover!
Thanks for sharing...and here's MY TUESDAY MEMES POST
Laurel-Rain Snow - I'm loving this author's way with words and enjoying the story, too. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI am interested in this book and the family dynamics that's bound to bet even more interesting. I agree the cover is eye catching. For some reason the figure reminded me of Peter Pan!
ReplyDeleteHarvee - LOL, now that you mention it, I can see a similarity to Peter Pan!
DeleteYes, I too loved the cover! So simple, yet beautiful. I'll look for your review as I have this on my watch list.
ReplyDeleteGeorgia Girls - Guess I can be shallow that way... so far I'm really enjoying the book.
DeleteI have to say that my first inclination was that this book wasn't for me, but I keep seeing it pop up and everyone loves it. I'm going to put an eyeball on it for awhile longer.
ReplyDeleteSandy - The Uninvited Guests do seem to be making the rounds lately :-)
DeleteThis is one that I want to read for sure!! Can't wait for your final thoughts on it!
ReplyDeleteStaci - I hope to finish before the weekend. We'll see.
DeleteI loooooooooooooooved this book -- from the cover, the endpapers, and the story -- so good!
ReplyDeleteAudra - This does seem to have it all - from design thru content!
DeleteAnd the feel of the dustcover is lovely. The green dress reminds me of McEwan's Atonement; the scene in the library...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
Care - Ack! I can't feel the dustcover because it's a library book. Think I'll stop by B&N later this week ;-)
DeleteI'm sold! I also read a great mini-review at amazon from Maile Meloy, whose book The Apothecary I loved.
ReplyDeleteNan - I'm 75 pages in now and the story is picking up. The writing is very 'smart', too. I love it!
Deletethat's one of my favorite covers all year!
ReplyDeleteMarie - It's definitely my favorite cover of the year!
Deletei liked that one JoAnn -- hope you do as well. My ARC had a different cover -- also very cool though.
ReplyDeleteDiane - This is definitely a good one! I did see another cover somewhere - it must have be the ARC. Still very attractive, but I just love this one.
DeleteYes, I love the cover and think this would be my kind of book.Here's Mine
ReplyDeletePaulita - I read more last night and it keeps getting better!
DeleteI admit that the cover has attracted me to this one as well--it is indeed gorgeous! I've also heard good things about it. I hope you enjoy!
ReplyDeleteTrish - Nearly at the halfway point and enjoying very much. I'm thinking about another 'unplugged weekend' to finish up.
DeleteI love the cover, too. Books should be aesthetically pleasing! I'm on an African writing theme at the moment but I'll add this to tbr for the future.
ReplyDeleteVintage Reader - I agree whole-heartedly that books should be aesthetically pleasing! That may be why I can't seem to ready anything other than classics too big to hold comfortably on my e-reader. Look forward to hearing more about your African theme...
DeleteTotally drawn in...by the cover and the opening. And luckily, this is waiting for me at the library!
ReplyDeleteAudrey - I know you're going to have a great weekend - enjoy!
DeleteI'm so on the fence about this one. Even the beginning, I don't know if it's charming or annoying.
ReplyDeleteCarol - I just finished last night. Liked it quite a bit, but didn't end up loving it as much as I was expecting. If you're on the fence after reading the opening, it may not be for you.
DeleteI want to read this! Love the cover.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte - It was a lot of fun, with smart writing and a great setting!
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