That spring --the spring of 1950-- had been particularly wet.
An area at the bottom of the garden at Hart House flooded, creating a shallow pool through which the crocuses gamely raised their little flounced heads, like cold shivering children in a swimming class. The blond gravel on the garden paths had turned green, each pebble wrapped in a moist transparent blanket of slime, and one could not sit on either of the two cement benches that flanked the river gate without first unhinging the snails and slugs adhered to them.
The excessive moisture of the garden was of no concern to anyone at Hart House except for the new nurse, who had arrived on Thursday, and had attempted, on the two afternoons that were somewhat mild, to sit outside for a moment, away from the sickness and strain of the house. But she found the garden inhospitable, and so had resolved to stay indoors.Coral Glynn
by Peter Cameron
After reading about this title at Cosy Books a couple of weeks ago, I decided to request a copy from my library. I'd never heard of the author, but tend to love novels set in an English country home. Although published in 2012, the book has a much older and slightly ominous feel. It may even turn out to be suitable for RIP.
What do you think of the opening? Would you keep reading?
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.
It wouldn't dampen my enthusiasm (so sorry...I couldn't resist). I think I may have read something by him years ago... and how intriguing to know that it is a contemporary "vintage" book.
ReplyDeleteAudrey - An oxymoron, I know, but very apt ;-)
DeleteI also like the setting.
ReplyDeleteMystica - Who can resist an English country house?
DeleteI would keep reading. I like the setting and the sound of this one. Here's my Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2013/10/first-chapter-first-paragraph-36.html
ReplyDeleteThanks, Catherine, Have a good week :)
DeleteI would probably continue. Hopefully it won't get too "creepy", I am kind of a wimp when I read.
ReplyDeletegrammajudyb - So do I, because I'm a wimp, too ;-)
DeleteI am intrigued....the cover and the excerpt are grabbing me....here's MY TUESDAY MEMES POST
ReplyDeleteLaurel-Rain Snow - I really like it so far!
DeleteOh JoAnn, I am so thrilled you're sharing this book with blog friends! Definitely KEEP READING! (Not yelling, just enthusiastic)
ReplyDeleteCosy Books - I definitely plan to continue... starting Part 3 now and have a feeling I will need to finish the rest of the book in a single sitting!
DeleteThe cover alone intrigues me! Thanks for introducing this one to me. Curious to see how it turns out.
ReplyDeletePicky - That cover is very odd and gives me a an uneasy feeling... starting to feel that way about the book, too!
DeleteI like the intro and definitely would want to keep reading. I like the imagery the author has created.
ReplyDeleteLiterary Feline - I love that imagery, too!
DeleteOne will certainly want to know more about this nurse and the role of the girl on the cover.
ReplyDeleteNana - It is sort of a tease, isn't it? I think I like the book even better because I'd never heard of it, or the author.
DeleteThe intro held my attention enough to want to know more! A new to me author too.
ReplyDeleteNise' - It's always fun to discover a new author!
DeleteIt sounds interesting to me and one that I would enjoy reading as well. Enjoy your book. Kelley at the road goes ever ever on
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kelley. This book has really held my interest so far.
DeleteI never heard of this one but it sounds like something I would be intrigued by.
ReplyDeleteYvonne - It's a strange little book.
DeleteThis one appealed to me when I first read about it, and that intro ---begs for more. Yes, I would read on --curious now. Thanks for joining us this week.
ReplyDeleteDiane - I finished it last night... very unusual!
DeleteI'm curious where the story is going and what it's all about so, yes, I would keep reading!
ReplyDeleteAmy - There were quite a few interesting twists.
DeleteThis sounds good -- I'm awaiting your review. I too like the setting. And the time period.
ReplyDeleteBeth F - Hope to get a review posted before the end of the month for RIP.
DeleteYou really couldn't tell from that cover that it was published so recently. Looks good.
ReplyDeleteStacy - The cover (and the story) both have a much older feeling... strange.
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