June Classic Club Meme Question

Thursday, June 6, 2013


What is your favorite opening sentence from a classic novel (and why)?

I love the opening scene from I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. Cassandra Mortmain tells us the story through her personal journal. The opening line, “I write this sitting in the kitchen sink” paints the perfect picture. She’s a young girl on the cusp of womanhood. She’s living this strange life in a dilapidated castle and from those opening paragraphs you’re completely hooked. Her strange family, the mysterious neighbors, the romance of the castle life with it’s drafty rooms and cups of tea, I just love it.

Join in the fun here. 

11 comments:

The Relentless Reader said...

Wonderful opening. I haven't read this book yet. YET ;)

Sarah Reads Too Much said...

I need to read this. I wonder if I have it on my list? I've got to check... thanks for the reminder!

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

Jennifer - It's such a lovely story!

Sarah - I didn't read it until 2010, but I think I'll have to re-read soon.

Brona said...

I must, I must, I must read this book!
Great opening line.

Jason C. said...

I keep seeing this novel pop up in different reading circles! Perhaps I should finally see what all the hoopla is about :P

Lynn said...

I really enjoyed this book. It's a great coming of age novel and as you point out - it has a great opening too.
Lynn :D

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

Brona Joy - I really did love it!

Jason C. - You should! It's a sweet book.

Lynn - It's a classic coming-of-age story and a unique one too.

Melisa said...

Well the opening line definitely made me curious about the book!

Here's my favorite opening line: http://surgabukuku.wordpress.com/2013/06/19/my-favorite-opening-line-the-classics-clubs-june-meme/

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

Melisa - I love the one you picked too!

Anonymous said...

I had to pick this too. Such a special book!

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

ahostofsparrows - It is, and that first line is fantastic!