Tuesday, November 29, 2016

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday: Possession by A.S. Byatt


First Chapter Tuesday is hosted every Tuesday by Diane over at Bibiophile by the Sea. Join the fun by making your own post and linking up over at Diane's blog, or simple check it out to find more new books to read!


Possession by A.S. Byatt

Possession

Chapter 1
"The book was thick and black and covered with dust. Its boards were bowed and creaking; it had been maltreated in its own time. Its spine was missing, or rather protruded from amongst the leaves like a bulky marker. It was bandaged about and about with dirty white tape, tied in a neat bow. The librarian handed it to Roland Michell, who was sitting waiting for it in the Reading Room of the London Library. It had been exhumed from Locked Safe no. 5 where it usually stood between Pranks of Priapus and The Grecian Way of Love. It was ten in the morning, one day in September 1986. Roland had the small single table he liked best, behind a square pillar, with the clock over the fireplace nevertheless in full view. To his right was a high sunny window, through which you could see the high green leaves of St. James's Square."*


It's about time I read this book, I think. I hear it mentioned quite often and it has always intrigued me, so I decided to request it from my library and finally give it a go. (Plus, this first paragraph is talking about books and a library.. and Priapus... and... it just seems like it's off to a great start.)




What do you think? Would you keep reading? (And feel free to join in and make your own post!) 
If you're enticed by this chapter, be sure to check out the full synopsis on Goodreads!


*Excerpt taken from the novel itself; I do not claim to own any part of the excerpt.




9 comments:

  1. Now I'm intrigued! I always love stories about books and libraries. Thanks for sharing, and here's mine:
    “IN HER WAKE”

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  2. Great first paragraph! I feel the reverence for the library and the book about to be opened. I'd love to read this too,

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  3. This book sounds really interesting! I've never heard of it before now either, so thanks for bringing it to my attention ^_^

    Brittany @ Brittany's Book Rambles

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  4. I read Possession when I was in college and really enjoyed it so I hope you do too!

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  5. The opening made me curious about the book. I'd keep reading to find out more.
    My Tuesday post features MIAMI MORNING.

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  6. You can never go wrong when a book mentions libraries and books. Hope you are enjoying it!!

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  7. I heard this is a good book but, for some reason I've never read it - enjoy as the opening seems good.

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