2012
The cottage sat at the edge of the lough. She could hear the wind and rain whipping across the expanse of open water: it hit the trees and muscled its way into the grass.
She began to wake early in the morning, even before the children. It was a house worth listening to. Odd sounds from the roof. She thought, at first, that it might be rats scuttling across the slate, but she soon discovered that it was the gulls flying overhead, dropping oysters on the roof to break the shells open. It happened mostly in the morning, sometimes at dusk.TransAtlantic
by Colum McCann
TransAtlantic by Colum McCann is my current audiobook, but I've also requested a print copy from the library. After the first thirty minutes, I'm enjoying both the writing and the narration in this Mann Booker nominee. It will be interesting to see how McCann will tie the various story lines together.
What do you think of the opening? Would you keep reading this novel?
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. Feel free to grab the banner and play along.
I like the opening. Very interesting about the gulls! But I love "animal facts" - LOL - probably doesn't have much to do with the story!
ReplyDeleteJill - Probably not, but I found it quite entertaining too.
DeleteSounds interesting. I would keep reading.
ReplyDeleteI like the setting and the descriptions. Would keep reading for sure.
ReplyDeleteI like the image of awakening in the early morning and identifying the sounds...lovely! And I'm glad those weren't rats she heard. LOL
ReplyDeleteHere's MY TUESDAY MEMES POST
Great choice, JoAnn! This book is in my reading pile. Hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI had to look up "lough" -- not a very promising start for me ;) But I love the style. I would definitely keep reading!
ReplyDeleteCol - I kept thinking of the Scottish (I think) loch...might be an Irish variation?
DeleteI loved the opening paragraph, I'd keep reading. kelley—the road goes ever ever on
ReplyDeleteI love the imagery the intro provides. I'd definitely keep reading.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! I love anything set by the ocean or a lake, and this description is lovely.
ReplyDeleteLes - We certainly share an affinity for water!
DeleteI like that opening, and I loved his last book so I will cross my fingers and hope this one is a win for you.
ReplyDeleteSandy - Me, too! I really loved Let the Great World Spin.
DeleteI like the opening a lot JoAnn, and had this one on my TBR list even before reading this intro. Hope the rest is as good. Enjoy and thanks for joining us today.
ReplyDeleteDiane - Wish I had more time to listen... I really like it so far.
DeleteI like it and would keep on reading.
ReplyDeleteGood one! I would continue reading.
ReplyDeleteSold!
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful opening. I would certainly be interested enough to carry on. Hope you're enjoying it still.
ReplyDeleteLindsay - I'm still enjoying it very much, but have made little progress s far this week.
DeleteI've NEVER read McCann! Shame on me.
ReplyDeleteAndi - I'm not making much progress with TransAtlantic because it's on my phone and I just started listening to Salt Sugar Fat on CD in the car, but think you might like McCann's writing.
DeleteI like the opening. The cottage gives me a cozy feel - the inhabitants safe from the wind and rain.
ReplyDelete