Here’s another idea about memorable first lines from books.
What are your favourite first sentences from books? Is there a book that you liked specially because of its first sentence? Or a book, perhaps that you didn’t like but still remember simply because of the first line?
The only first sentence I can remember off the top of my head is Proust's, Longtemps je me suis couche de bonne heure. But that's a classic! Otherwise I'm sorry to say that I can't really think of any that were particularly memorable. Maybe I'm just getting old!
I've never been good at remembering stuff like this. I do know that sometimes a first sentence will grab me immediately and other times not so much.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember lines from books either. First line, middle line, or Last line doesn't matter they do not stick.
ReplyDeleteThe only ones I know from memory are the first lines of Pride and Prejudice and A Tale of Two Cities. P&P because it's my favorite, and A Tale of Two Cities because it's so iconic. I'm going to have to grab some of my favorite books and re-read the first lines before I do this one!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, first lines just tend to stick with me. Unfortunately, sometimes that's the only good thing about a book!
ReplyDeleteFirst lines, although important, do not a good book make.
ReplyDeleteI struggle to remember them on my own, too, but I tend to recognize the better ones when I hear them again.
ReplyDeleteIt's possible I could remember an opening line in Spanish, but you got me with the French. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat ruth said. I love the first line of Pride & Prejudice. Couldn't recite it for the life of me, though.
ReplyDeleteWhile as a reader I prefer Great Expectations to A Tale of Two Cities, The first line of the latter "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" always sticks in my head.
ReplyDeleteHi Marie: Thank you for the nomination. I hope all is well is beautiful Boston.
ReplyDeleteThe first line is often a telling guage as to whether or not I will like a book...not always, but often.
ReplyDeleteMarie love your question and I have a couple I can remember. If its one I like I usually copy it down in my book journal.
ReplyDelete"Call me Ishmael."
ReplyDeleteThis one from "Moby-Dick" gets my vote for the greatest in American Lit.