Welcome to another Tuesday celebrating bookish events, from Tuesday/First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Vicky from I’d Rather Be At The Beach who 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.
This week my opener comes from Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton which is one of the books on my Classics Club list.
Blurb
‘He seemed a part of the mute melancholy landscape, an incarnation of its frozen woe, with all that was warm and sentient in him fast bound below the surface’
Ethan Frome works his unproductive farm and struggles to maintain a bearable existence with his difficult, suspicious and hypochondriac wife, Zeena. But when Zeena’s vivacious cousin enters their household as a ‘hired girl’, Ethan finds himself obsessed with her and with the possibilities for happiness she comes to represent. In one of American fiction’s finest and most intense narratives, Edith Wharton moves this ill-starred trio towards their tragic destinies. Amazon
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First Chapter ~ First Paragraph ~ Intro
I had the story, bit by bit, from various people, and, as generally happens in such cases, each time it was a different story.
If you know Starkfield, Massachusetts, you know the post-office. If you know the post-office you must have seen Ethan Frome drive up to it, drop the reins on his hollow-backed bay and drag himself across the brick pavement to the white colonnade: and you must have asked who he was.
Well I’m not sure how much of a taste you get from that but I know I’m looking forward to the tragic destiny part!
What do you think? Would you keep reading?
I’ve had this one on the shelves for years. I read one Wharton novel years ago and now I can’t even remember if it was Age of Innocence or House of Mirth. I’ve been meaning to return to her one day but that day has not yet materialised….
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I have so many books that fall into that category it’s untrue. This is one from The Classics Club list which I’m determined to keep up with.
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I’ll keep an eye out for your reactions to the book whenever you get to read it – then I can decide whether to go for this one first or The Age of Innocence
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I loved this book – a rural tragedy that reminded me of Thomas Hardy’s books.
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Thanks for the vote of approval Margaret – I was very taken by the synopsis and I do like Thomas Hardy’s books.
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I keep saying I must read more classics but this has never really been one that appeals. I do quite like that opening though so maybe if you give it a glowing review I’ll give it a try 😀
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I’ll keep you posted Ali 🙂
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Ooh, that’s a tough one. The paragraph doesn’t give much away but I am intrigued by the blurb.
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Yes, the synopsis drew me in when I was making the list and I actually have a copy of this book which is always helpful when you decide to read 50 books!
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Well, I can tell that this one wouldn’t be for me, but I hope you enjoy it. I just can’t get into many of the classics, unless they involve solving a crime. LOL
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Haha – I’ve actually read the first of my Classic Club reads which I’m reviewing later this week and there wasn’t a crime so I’m feeling supremely confident now!
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First chapter doesn’t do much for me – the blurb piques my interest though. Good luck with your classic reading challenge.
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No it wasn’t the most gripping of openers but I did really like the synopsis – thank you 🙂
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What a great choice, Cleo. I think this one is a classic for a reason, and I hope you’ll enjoy it.
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Thank you Margot – I’m definitely intrigued!
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I’m curious about Ethan now. And yes , I want to keep reading. I hope you review this one.
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I’m sure I will review it otherwise I’ll never get through my list of 50 titles 🙂
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This novel was required reading for one of my high school English classes. I don’t think I appreciated the story at the time and should probably do a re-read.
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I always have mixed feelings about ‘required reads’ as I think many of them work better with a bit of life experience behind you – I’m looking forward to getting to know Ethan.
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I haven’t read this one but the opening is lovely.
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Thanks for stopping by Ann Marie.
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I am sure that I read this one many, many years ago…but a re-read seems like a good idea. Thanks for sharing…and for visiting my blog.
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I have to admit when I was producing my list I wasn’t always sure whether I had read some of the titles I was choosing but I haven’t read this one.
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I too loved this book. The first paragraph reminded me of the author’s narrative style that I liked so well. I hope you really enjoy it, Cleo.
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That’s great news Margot and I liked the opener style wise so I’m sure it will be a great read.
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Not sure this one would be for me.
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Hopefully I’ll chose one that appeals next week 🙂
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You know, I don’t think I’ve ever read this, but I’m not altogether sure! 🙂 if I did it was in high school. Maybe when you review it, that will jog my memory! I know I read House of Mirth and Age of Innocence and loved them.
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This is a new one for me but I have to admit when I was sorting my list there were a few books that I wasn’t entirely sure whether I’d read them or not 😉
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This one’s on my to-read list. I like that opening, not necessarily gripping, but it does set the story up well.
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It is a gentle opening but it does have a pull doesn’t it?
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Such wonderful writing. You recognize an author’s talent when they keep you focused even when nothing really exciting is happening. I think I have a copy of this in the guest bedroom. Another gem hidden away that I need to read.
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I can’t believe I’ve never read this classic! The opening paragraph does a great job of giving the setting and making me curious about Ethan Frome.
My Tuesday post features a family saga: Miller’s Valley.
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I recall really enjoying this one; I hope you do too.
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Great opening line. I have not read this one.
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