Every Tuesday, fellow blogger Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea hosts First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where bloggers share the first paragraph of the book they are currently reading or thinking about reading soon.
I’m about halfway through this one and, I have to say, I’m somewhat “blah” about it so far. I’m hoping things will pick up, but I’ve found myself zoning out way more than normal at this point. That can’t be a good sign, right?!
Plot Summary from Amazon
Fiona Maye is a leading High Court judge who presides over cases in the family court. She is renowned for her fierce intelligence, exactitude, and sensitivity. But her professional success belies private sorrow and domestic strife. There is the lingering regret of her childlessness, and now her marriage of thirty years is in crisis.
At the same time, she is called on to try an urgent case: Adam, a beautiful seventeen-year-old boy, is refusing for religious reasons the medical treatment that could save his life, and his devout parents echo his wishes. Time is running out. Should the secular court overrule sincerely expressed faith? In the course of reaching a decision, Fiona visits Adam in the hospital—an encounter that stirs long-buried feelings in her and powerful new emotions in the boy. Her judgment has momentous consequences for them both.
Here’s the first paragraph (this is from an uncorrected proof, so please check with the finished book after publication for confirmation):
London. Trinity term one week old. Implacable June weather. Fiona Maye, a High Court judge, at home on Sunday evening, supine on a chaise longue, staring past her stockinged feet toward the end of the room, toward a partial view of recessed bookshelves by the fireplace and, to one side, by a tall window, a tiny Renoir lithograph of a bather, bought by her thirty years ago for fifty pounds. Probably a fake. Below it, centered on a round walnut table, a blue vase. No memory of how she came by it. Nor when she last put flowers in it. The fireplace not lit in a year. Blackened raindrops falling irregularly into the grate with a ticking sound against balled-up yellowing newsprint. A Bokhara rug spread on wide polished floorboards. Looming at the edge of vision, a baby grand piano bearing silver-framed family photos on its deep black shine. On the floor by the chaise longue, within her reach, the draft of a judgment. And Fiona was on her back, wishing all this stuff at the bottom of the sea.
What do you think? Would you keep reading? Stay tuned for my full review…
I’m with you. This doesn’t grab me.
I have really been wanting to read this, and may start it today. So I’m sorry to hear it’s been kind of blah for you! The reviews seem to be mixed . . .
I’ve seen some really good reviews (I think Shannon at River City Reading was one?!), so definitely give it a shot! It’s short at least, so not a huge commitment either way.
I’m one of the few people who doesn’t like McEwan, so I won’t be reading this. I gave him two or three tries. That’s enough.
Based on just this paragraph, I would probably keep reading…I want to know more; however, based on your own personal experience (especially halfway into the book!), I’m not so sure…if you’re not digging it, I may have to pass! I was kind of on the fence about this one, anyway, so I’m not going to get in any hurry. Thanks for sharing, Sarah!
I’m now almost done and am skimming just to finish quickly. Definitely not a win for me 🙁
Oh, I have been eyeing this one, wanting it desperately! The intro reminds me of someone in the throes of a deep depression. Sparse language, everything is too much of an effort….
I guess I will wait for more info before deciding. Thanks for sharing, and here’s mine: “THEN AND ALWAYS”
Oh…I’ve been looking forward to reading this one…and am planning to toss it in my carry-on for my upcoming flight to London. Critics love it!?!? Hope it gets better for you.
My Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2014/09/first-chapter-first-paragraph-75-and.html
That’s a slow beginning but it definitely creates a somber mood. Hopefully the next few paragraphs give the reader an idea of why Fiona is so downhearted. I’d read more to find out.
Here’s the link to my Tuesday post: Retirement Can Be Murder.
I hope this one gets better for you, Sarah. I have only read one of McEwan’s books and I loved his writing style. The premise of this one sounds interesting.
It does seem as if she is deeply depressed. But why? I would read a bit more before deciding. Thanks for sharing.
I want to try this one, but gotta be honest that intro doesn’t say, “turn the page”. Will look for your review.
I think its the writing style that’s putting me off on this one. Short clipped sentences? I’ve enjoyed other books by this author so I’d keep reading a few more pages.
This one doesn’t really grab me, either. And the only book by this author I ever picked up didn’t grab me either, so I think I’ll be skipping this one!
I would have to be in the mood for this one as I normally prefer faster paced books.
This one did not grab me. I either really like his books or put them down and don’t pick them back up.
I certainly like the opener and story line sounds interesting. Let us know how you get on. The Pegster Reads
I’m not quite hooked by the beginning, I’d have to read a bit more before deciding. I hope you like it.