Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Tuesday Intro: City of Women


"The Blind man taps his cane rhythmically. Three taps, three taps, three taps to gain the attention of passing Berliners. He is a cadaverous sentry with a shaved pate under an old soldier’s cap, selling pencils from a canister strung about his neck. A pyramid of dots are stamped onto the armband he wears, and his round black goggles are like two holes poked through the day, letting the night bleed through. Sigrid fishes out the coin purse from her bag as she emerges from the U-Bahn stairwell, and drops a few groschen into his cup, “Bless you,” he rasps in answer to the jangle. “Please choose a pencil.” She thanks him, but when he turns his head in the direction of her voice, something behind the blindness of those goggles seems to mark her. She puts the pencil into her handbag and crosses the street at the signal."

City of Women
by David R. Gillham
Narrated by Suzanne Bertish

My current audiobook (on CD in the car) is both tense and intense. Enjoyment is not really the correct word, but it sure is compelling.

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.






18 comments:

  1. I liked this one a lot. Hope you're enjoying the book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kaye - I wouldn't really call it enjoying, but am totally absorbed in this book. Have requested a print copy from the library so I can get through it faster, but am still a long way from the top of the waiting list.

      Delete
  2. Thank you JoAnn for picking CITY OF WOMEN for your First Paragraph Tuesday . I worked very hard on that first paragraph, because I too often judge whether a book is right for me by those first few sentences. Even if its not Tuesday. And hasn't Suzanne Bertish done a fabulous job narrating the audio version? I listened to the entire book myself and thought she was pitch perfect. All the best, and thanks again — David Gillham

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David - Thank you for commenting! Your novel immediately drew me in (almost unwillingly) to life in Berlin during WWII. I'm on chapter 12 now and wish I had more time in the car. Suzanne Bertish is the PERFECT reader - her delivery keeps me on edge, tense, and wanting more. Do authors have input on the audio production? This is very well done.

      Delete
    2. My publisher, Amy Einhorn, is terrific with her authors, and involves them in most all such decisions. I was sent a batch of auditions , and the moment I heard Suzanne, I knew that she would get my vote! Also, I have to mention the director, May Wuthrich, who did a terrific job as well. It's amazing the strange power that words on the page take on when spoken aloud. I call into book clubs a lot around the country, and just came across and audio book club — all the members had listened to the book, and were all bowled over by the performance.

      Delete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have been wanting to read this one! Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laurel-Rain Snow - I am not usually a fan of war novels, but am totally hooked on this one.

      Delete
  5. The cover and the writing captivate me. I'd keep going. Here's Mine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Paulita - The writing is marvelous, and the novel is disturbing and though-provoking.

      Delete
  6. I've looked this one over at the library. Look forward to your thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nise' - Not sure I would have chosen this on my own, but am thankful PenguinAudio sent a review copy.

      Delete
  7. Quite curious about this one. Like the intro, I'd keep reading/listening. thanks for playing along.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane - This is very different from my usual fare... a good change of pace!

      Delete
  8. I've seen this one around and I swear someone else highlighted this one a week or two back...sounds very interesting. Looking forward, as usual, to what your final feelings are!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Staci - You're right. Margot featured this a couple of weeks ago. I haven't listened to anything quite like this. The reader is perfect!

      Delete
  9. The quote you chose certainly is compelling... can't wait to hear more about this book!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chinoiseries - I'm hoping for more 'alone time' in the car so I can finish soon!

      Delete

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! Be sure to check back, I always respond. Due to a recent increase in spam, all comments are moderated.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails