27th APRIL 1926
On the day of the miracle, Isabel was kneeling at the cliff's edge, tending the small, newly made driftwood cross. A single fat cloud snailed across the late-April sky, which stretched above the island in a mirror of the ocean below. Isabel sprinkled more water and patted down the soil around the rosemary bush she had just planted.
"...and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," she whispered.
For just a moment, her mind tricked her into hearing an infant's cry. She dismissed the illusion, her eye drawn instead by a pool of whales weaving their way up the coast to calve in the warmer waters, emerging now and again with a fluke of their tails like needles through tapestry. She heard the cry again, louder this time in the early-morning breeze. Impossible.The Light Between Oceans
by M.L. Stedman
Even though I haven't finished Middlemarch, I still need to pack a few more books for our upcoming vacation. The Light Between Oceans is my book club's next selection and it's already in my bag. My sister loved this one and, after reading the intro, I can't wait to get started.
What do you think? Does the intro make you want to 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.
I've heard that so many people loved this book, but I didn't really like the intro. Seems a little too out there for me, but I probably will read it at some point since so many people liked it.
ReplyDeleteSarah - So many people seem to love this book, hope I haven't set my expectations too high.
DeleteThe writing in this looks terrific. Here's Mine
ReplyDeletePaulita - I'm hoping the rest is just as good.
DeleteI liked this book, but didn't love it. It started very slow for me, and the female protagonist really got on my nerves. But other parts were very intriguing (I am addicted to lighthouses). This was a book club read for me to, and overall I'm still glad I read it.
ReplyDeleteSandy - The slow start is a complaint I've heard before, so I'll be prepared for that and try to stay open-minded about the female protagonist.
DeleteWe are reading this for my book club as well and I keep hearing such good things about it. I'm excited that it's set a bit in the past. I didn't realize that until a few days ago. Good luck with Middlemarch.
ReplyDeleteTrish - Funny both our book clubs have this coming up. I'm really enjoying the read/listen combo of Middlemarch... hope to finish before the end of the month.
DeleteWhat an intro! I would pick it up....
ReplyDeleteHere is my intro post!
Gautami - I'll get started on it next week in Florida.
DeleteI love the descriptions in the intro....I could visualize the scene. Thanks for sharing, and here's MY TUESDAY POST
ReplyDeleteLaurel-Rain Snow - Definitely a strong visual associated with the opening. I'll be curious to see how there rest of the book stacks up.
DeleteI listened to this book and, like Sandy, liked it but didn't love it.
ReplyDeleteNise' - I'm surprised I never considered audio for this one.
DeleteI've been really wanting to read this one.
ReplyDeleteLiterary Feline - It's been on my lat for some time now, too, so I'm glad my book club decided to read it.
DeleteI've got this one on audio so I'd definitely keep going. I really need to make time for it!
ReplyDeleteDarlene - Funny I never even thought about audio this time. Hope you enjoy it!
DeleteI love it. Enjoy your book. kelley—the road goes ever ever on
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kelley. Can't wait to get started!
DeleteI have this one on my TBR list for a while. I loved the cover, now I really want to read it. The intro is great. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGrammajudyb - I think it was the cover that initially drew me to this one :)
DeleteI loved this book. It was very emotional and my heart kept getting ripped out but I thought it was beautifully written. Tragic, but in a beautiful way.
ReplyDeleteTi - I'm glad to know you loved it. Tragic, in a beautiful way sounds perfect!
DeleteI haven't heard about the book but sounds like lots of other bloggers have enjoyed it.My post is here
ReplyDeletePeggy - I hope I enjoy it just as much!
DeleteI'd like to read this one.
ReplyDeleteMystica - Hope you get a chance to read it soon,
DeleteJust this morning a friend who only reads occasionally told me about this book. She was very positive about it. "If they were all like this book, she'd read more," she said. I liked the opening paragraph so, I now have a new book on my to-read list.
ReplyDeleteMargot - That makes me even more excited to get started!
DeleteI'm trying my best to get back into the swing of reading post-wedding, and I'm starting with this book. We'll see how it goes!
ReplyDeleteAndi - Can't wait to compare notes with you and Trish!
DeleteSounds good and I love the cover of this one!
ReplyDeleteYvonne - So do I!
DeleteLove the intro and loved the book -- hope you enjoy this one Joann
ReplyDeleteDiane - Glad you loved it, too!
DeleteI like the intro - this one's been in my TBR pile for too long!
ReplyDeleteDiana - I know what you mean... it had been on my wish list for ages, too!
DeleteGood intro. I've had this title on and off my "want to read" list so many times! Don't know if I'll ever read it. Hope it's a good read for you.
ReplyDelete:)
Thanks, Pooch. I hope so, too :)
DeleteI gave this a 5/5 rating! I thought it was just wonderful. Spoiler-free review here whenever you're ready to read one. :)
ReplyDeleteLes - I remembered you liked it, but had forgotten that it rated 5 stars! Can't wait to get started. Thanks for the link :)
DeleteI loved The Light Between Oceans! I hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI've had this on my kindle for a very long time. My only excuse is when I see new titles I jump to them and forget about all the good ones waiting in the background :) Good choice and interesting intro.
ReplyDeleteRita - Forgetting about great books on my 'virtual shelf' has become an increasing problem for me these last few months, too. Sigh...
DeleteI don't know if the opening makes me want to read the book, but I do love the cover.
ReplyDeleteCarol - I'm glad I have this in print and not on my kindle just so I can get full enjoyment from that cover ;-)
DeleteI read this one and really enjoyed it. It brings up some interesting food for thought, also.
ReplyDeleteKaren - Glad to know you enjoyed this one... and especially happy to hear it might lead to an interesting discussion! That keeps our book club meetings lively.
DeleteYES! This book is one I want to read eventually.
ReplyDeletePeggy - I just found out tonight that the book club meeting will take place while we're on vacation. I'll read the book anyway... hope you get to read it, too.
DeleteI think this is on my TBR...
ReplyDeleteThis has been on my list. I'm not quite sure why I haven't yet read it.
ReplyDeleteI love the intro and the cover. I do want to read this one. Someday, (sigh)
ReplyDelete