Welcome to another Tuesday celebrating bookish events, from Tuesday/First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Bibliophile by the Sea 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.
My book this week is Harriet Said by Beryl Bainbridge, first published in 1972 and my version has the beautiful cover illustrated below.
Blurb
A girl returns from boarding school to her sleepy Merseyside hometown and waits to be reunited with her childhood friend, Harriet, chief architect of all their past mischief. She roams listlessly along the shoreline and the woods still pitted with wartime trenches, and encounters ‘the Tsar’ – almost old, unhappily married, both dangerously fascinating and repulsive.
Pretty, malevolent Harriet finally arrives – and over the course of the long holidays draws her friend into a scheme to beguile then humiliate the Tsar, with disastrous, shocking consequences. A gripping portrayal of adolescent transgression, Beryl Bainbridge’s classic first novel remains as subversive today as when it was written. Amazon
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First Chapter ~ First Paragraph ~ Intro
Harriet said: No you don’t, keep walking.’ I wanted to turn round and look back at the dark house but she tugged my arm fiercely. We walked over the field hand in hand as if we were little girls.
I didn’t know what the time was, how late we might be. I only knew that this once it didn’t really matter. Before we reached the road Harriet stopped. I could feel her breath on my face, and over her shoulder I could see the street lamps shining and the little houses all sleeping. She bought her hand up and I thought she was going to hit me but she only touched my cheek with her fingers. She said ‘Don’t cry now.’
I’ve been itching to read this book ever since I bought it a couple of days and from that opening, I think I’m in for a real treat. Have you read this book? What did you think?
Do you want to know more? Please leave your thoughts and/or links in the comment box below!
That is indeed a gorgeous cover. I also like the opening paragraphs and the summary. I think you’ve found a gem here Cleo. Enjoy.
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Thank you Margot – it is a great book, I can’t believe it has taken me so long to read anything by this author plus I’ve now read the scene which inspired the cover!
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That beginning certainly sounds as though it has the makings of a compelling read, Cleo. Lots of creepiness there, even in that first paragraph. I hope you’ll enjoy it!
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I’m really enjoying it, there is a lot of creepiness and a whole heap of darkness in this one!
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I haven’t heard of this one – it certainly sounds intriguing, and the cover is eye-catching!
Here’s my Teaser/Intro for this week: http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/2016/04/teaser-tuesdayfirst-chapter-first_19.html
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It is my first novel by this author and I have to say I’m loving it – very dark!
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This sounds excellent and I love the cover… adding it to my list right now!
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Yay – I do love it when other’s like my choices on this post – I’m nearly finished and have loved it…
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What a gorgeous cover! I love the sound of the excerpt, too, and I would definitely keep reading. Thanks for sharing…and for visiting my blog.
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Thank you Laurel – I don’t often read books with beautiful covers so that alone has been a delight – and I think I’ve found myself a new author!
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It seems like a compelling beginning, but it doesn’t grab me.
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Ah shame…
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I like the sound of this one. The opening is very relateable–who hasn’t been in a situation where you know what’s going on is wrong, yet you don’t want to appear weak. Lovely cover too.
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Yes the author really has a strong handle on her characters – and for once I have a beautiful cover!
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It sounds wonderful! I’ve read one book by Beryl Bainbridge (Every Man For Himself — about the Titanic) and it was great. I hope you enjoy this one!
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This is my first but I’m sure it won’t be my last!
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I’ve never read any Beryl Bainbridge but somebody reviewed her recently – Ali? – and she’s now on the wishlist. Can’t wait to hear what you think of this one – I love the premise!
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It was Ali – I came across this soon after I started blogging and put it on the wishlist – Ali’s review bumped it onto the ‘real’ TBR – will post my thoughts shortly 😉 It’s my first Beryl Bainbridge too
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I am intrigued and look forward to you thoughts when you have finished.
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Thank you Judy
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What a gorgeous cover. I haven’t read any Beryl Bainbridge and, whilst I like the blurb I am not convinced. One to ponder.
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I’m really enjoying it – it’s my first Beryl Bainbridge but I suspect I will be reading more now!
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Beautiful cover! I too would need to read a little more to see if grabs me.
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It is lovely isn’t it and the book is deliciously dark!
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I haven’t read this one and it is new to me. I love the opening.
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I’ve read only two books by her. Neither was outstanding but I haven’t given up on her so this might be of interest
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I really like the opening and the cover is exquisite. I am curious to see if the writing stands the test of time. The beginning sounds as if it would. Enjoy!
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I’d say it easily stands the test of time although it is important to remember attitudes were different in post-war Britain. Not many thirteen year olds would be allowed to roam as freely as Harriet and her friend did nowadays.
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That really is a lovely cover! Harriet sounds quite devious. This sounds like it will be good. I hope you enjoy it!
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It’s beautiful isn’t it? My Grandmother would have had quite a few choice names to call Harriet!
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I would keep reading and the cover definitely calls to you.
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It was a great read, thanks for visiting
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You’re so right about that cover! It’s absolutely beautiful! It makes me want to be little again, so I could ride one of those pretty horses….lol.
From the blurb and the opening, this book certainly sounds like a gripping read! I’m really intrigued as to what’s going to happen next. Definitely keep reading!
Thanks for visiting, and commenting on my own Tuesday Intros post!! 🙂
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Thanks for returning the visit – it is beautiful isn’t it?
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