Prologue
The first time I saw her again, I felt as if I'd been hit.
I have heard that said a thousand times, but I had never until then understood its true meaning: there was a delay, in which my memory took time to connect with what my eyes were seeing, and then a physical shock that went straight through me, as if I had taken some great blow. I am not a fanciful person. I don't dress up my words. But I can truthfully say it left me winded.
I hadn't expected ever to see her again. Not in a place like that. I had long since buried her in some mental bottom drawer. Not just her physically, but everything she had meant to me. Everything she had forced me to go through. Because I hadn't understood what she had done until time - eons - had passed. That, in myriad ways, she had been both the best and the worst thing that had ever happened to me.The Ship of Brides
by Jojo Moyes
Originally published in 2005 and about to be released in paperback for the first time in the US this fall, I started reading The Ship of Brides over the weekend. I was captivated from the beginning and hope to carve out enough time to finish over the upcoming holiday weekend. I think this might be another winner from Jojo Moyes. The goodreads summary sounds promising, too:
The year is 1946, and all over the world, young women are crossing the seas in the thousands en route to the men they married in wartime - and an unknown future. In Sydney, Australia, four women join 650 other brides on an extraordinary voyage to England, aboard the HMS Victoria, which also carries not just arms and aircraft but 1,000 naval officers and men. Rules of honour, duty, and separation are strictly enforced, from the aircraft carrier's captain down to the lowliest young stoker. But the men and the brides will find their lives intertwined in ways the Navy could never have imagined.What do you think? 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.
Love the way this author writes. I would read more for sure. Enjoy
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diane. I do, too.
DeleteI loved Me Before You, but I'm not sure if this intro speaks to me. Seems a little too "mushy love story", but I will always give Moyes the benefit of the doubt b/c of Me Before You! Will be interested to read your review!
ReplyDeleteSarah - I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will be more than a "mushy love story".
DeleteI'm interested if mostly because I've read such high praise of Moyes's work. I'm definitely looking forward to reading reviews of this one.
ReplyDeleteKatherine - I love they way she tells a story. Haven't been able to read much this week, but hope to over the holiday weekend.
DeleteThis definitely sounds like an interesting read! I wonder what exactly is happening in the intro, assuming its from the perspective of a navy man! I'd definitely keep reading, just to see how it develops! Thanks for sharing :) Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteMy Intro & Teaser
Juli @ Universe in Words
Juli - I haven't figured out exactly what the format of the story will be yet, but Moyes hash;t let me down yet.
DeleteI'll read anything Jojo Moyes writes. Can't wait to get my hands on this one. Thanks for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteCatherine - I'm pretty confident in saying that I would, too.
DeleteOh, yes indeed! I am a big fan, and love discovering this author's older books...I am reading one of those this week (The Sheltering Rain). Thanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteLaurel-Rain Snow - It's fun to work my way through her backlist. Can't wait to hear more about the title you're reading.
DeleteI would read this, and thanks for pointing out an older title I was unaware of. I first thought it was just a love story but then the addition of the year in history and the Australian location caught my eye--yes, please.
ReplyDeleteRita - I'm hoping for a good dose of history, too!
DeleteJojo Moyes is a very entertaining writer. I like the intro and would read more. I hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pat. Not very far yet, but think I'm going to like it.
DeleteI have yet to read a book by this author, but I want to. This one is off to a good start. I would keep reading.
ReplyDeleteLiterary Feline - Hope you can try one of her books soon.
DeleteI might. I loved Me Before You, but wasn't as impressed with The Girl You Left Behind.
ReplyDeleteLes - I actually liked The Girl You Left Behind better, but can see why some might not. Did the present-day story not work for you?
DeleteIt's been a little while (and I haven't composed my review), so I'll have to thumb through the book to see why I was disappointed. I think I'm just tired of the dual narrative device. I'd rather read one character's story rather than have it go back and forth. So many authors are choosing this style, though...
DeleteLes - I agree - seems like I've read so many books have that kind of structure. Lately I've been thinking twice before picking them up.
DeleteI really liked that beginning, I'd read on. Enjoy your book. kelley—the road goes ever ever on
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kelley.
DeleteI struggled a tiny bit with the opener, but the story sure sounds fascinating.
ReplyDeletePeggy @ The Pegster Reads
Peggy - I think it's going to be a great story.
DeleteI've been wanting to read this author for awhile, so I'd keep going and see if I like it.
ReplyDeleteYvonne- Moyes can tell a great story. Hope this lives up to her later novels.
DeleteI'm a big fan of Moyes right now so I would pick this one up.
ReplyDeleteLinda - So far I am not disappointed!
DeleteI think I'd give anything by Moyes a shot! I had no idea that she had published so many books that are just now making the rounds again. Good for her! (and us, too). :)
ReplyDeleteTrish - My thoughts exactly!
DeleteI have a love for all books Jojo Moyes, so yes I'd keep reading. I'm sure I'll be reading this one before too long!
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to read this author for a while now. I'm a few books behind but I'll catch up one day.
ReplyDeleteI'd totally keep reading.. sounds great!
ReplyDeleteThe opener certainly draws me in. I hope it's as good as you hope. Happy reading. Thanks for stopping by Love Bites and Silk.
ReplyDeleteI've see so many great reviews for her books. I'd keep reading this one! I just finished a book set during post-WWII and enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteWhile I've not yet read a JoJo Moyes book which disappoints, I think Me Before You will always be my favorite. Maybe that's true of the first book one reads of an author? I know that happened with Murakami, too. Kafka on The shore was the first I read by him, and it will walkways reign. Anyway, I have to read Silver Bay before I get to this one, but it sounds as good as ever.
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah, I would read that for sure!
ReplyDelete