Book Reviews

‘The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - which you had thought special and particular to you. And now, here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out, and taken yours.’ Alan Bennett

“Many a book is like a key to unknown chambers within the castle of one’s own self.” ― Franz Kafka

Tuesday 13 May 2014

Tuesday Intros: The Blue Suitcase by Marianne Wheelaghan


First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros hosted by Bibliophile by the Sea - every Tuesday, sharing the first paragraph (or a few) of a book you are currently reading or thinking about reading soon. Visit the blog here to join in.


I'm reading The Blue Suitcase by Marianne Wheelaghan.


First paragraph

'Mum was eighty-two when she died. I discovered the suitcase three months later. Her flat was to be sold. I was waiting for the agent to come and view it. Except for a feather duster forgotten in the airing cupboard, a kitchen chair and the big mahogany wardrobe, the place was empty.'

 ~~~~~

What do you think, and would you keep reading?

 I've nearly finished this book and have found it a very interesting historical read with a compelling voice, namely Antonia's personal diary entries.

~~~~~

Synopsis


It is 1932, Silesia, Germany, and the eve of Antonia's 12th birthday. Hitler's Brownshirts and Red Front Marxists are fighting each other in the streets. Antonia doesn't care about the political unrest but it's all her family argue about. Then Hitler is made Chancellor and order is restored across the country, but not in Antonia's family. The longer the National Socialists stay in power, the more divided the family becomes with devastating consequences. Unpleasant truths are revealed and terrible lies uncovered. Antonia thinks life can't get much worse - and then it does.
Partly based on a true-life story, Antonia's gripping diary takes the reader inside the head of an ordinary teenage girl growing up. Her journey into adulthood, however, is anything but ordinary.
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23 comments:

  1. Felicity Grace Terry13 May 2014 at 11:32

    Reading that paragraph I'd definitely keep reading but then reading the synopsis the word diary puts me off slightly as as you know I'm really not keen on books written in this format.

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  2. Marianne Wheelaghan13 May 2014 at 12:50

    How lovely to find The Blue Suitcase as a First Chapter, First paragraph intro feature here. Thank you so much – and so glad you have found it so interesting so far :)

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  3. Kim@Time2Read13 May 2014 at 12:55

    This one hasn't grabbed me, and I usually avoid memoirs, but I do enjoy WWII history, so I'd probably keep reading for awhile.

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  4. Harvee13 May 2014 at 13:50

    I'dbe interested in this one because of the time period and place.
    Harvee
    Book Dilettante

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  5. Catherine @ Book Club Librarian13 May 2014 at 14:05

    I think I'd have to read a bit more before making the decision to commit to the book. Glad you are enjoying it.

    My Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2014/05/first-chapter-first-paragraph-60.html

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  6. Unknown13 May 2014 at 14:33

    I think I would read more as well. I hope you enjoy it.

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  7. Barbara13 May 2014 at 14:47

    Oh yes I would definitely want to read it. It sounds intriguing. Thanks for visiting me earlier today, it's always lovely to hear from you. Barbara.

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  8. Laurel-Rain Snow13 May 2014 at 15:47

    Ooh, I love stories about secrets...and a secret diary is such a treasure. Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.

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  9. Literary Feline13 May 2014 at 16:09

    I would keep reading. The book sounds very intriguing.

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  10. gautami tripathy13 May 2014 at 16:23

    Wonderful Intro. Secret Diary!!! I would go on.....

    Here is my Intro post!

    AND

    Here is my teaser post!

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  11. Brian Joseph13 May 2014 at 16:44

    I would definitely keep reading.

    The plot and the protagonist of the book remind me a little of After Midnight by Irmgard Keun.

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  12. Leslie (Under My Apple Tree)13 May 2014 at 16:50

    Sounds good. I like using diary entries to tell the story. And just what is in that suitcase?

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  13. Anonymous13 May 2014 at 18:25

    I'm reading about WWII also. There are so many story angles for WWII. No story is the same, and every story is important.

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  14. Nise' 13 May 2014 at 20:10

    The intro did not grab me, but the summary did add interest.

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  15. So many books, so little time13 May 2014 at 20:14

    Yeah I am so nosey I need to know what is in the case lol - diary is not my fav form for writing though to be honest but I would still give it a go.

    Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

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  16. Sarah (Sarah's Book Shelves)13 May 2014 at 20:24

    This book sounds so interesting - I have read a lot about that time period in Germany and it continues to fascinate me.

    Here's Mine: http://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/fiction/first-chapter-first-paragraph-tuesday-intros-bittersweet-miranda-beverly-whittemore/

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  17. Sarah (Sarah's Book Shelves)13 May 2014 at 20:25

    Also - I love the quote on the top of your blog!

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  18. kayerj13 May 2014 at 23:08

    I'm hooked, I'd keep reading. kelley—the road goes ever ever on

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  19. Yvonne @ Fiction Books Reviews13 May 2014 at 23:15

    Hi Lindsay,

    I would be interested in reading this book, if there isn't too much 'reality' in it, only in as much as I am not really interested in biographies.

    If your opening lines were all the information I had, then I would definitely keep reading. I have never been in the unenviable position of needing to clear a deceased relatives home, however just clearing out my mum's room at home when she passed away, uncovered much that I never knew about her.

    Thanks for sharing,

    Yvonne

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  20. Yvonne14 May 2014 at 00:10

    This sounds good. I'd keep reading.

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  21. (Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea14 May 2014 at 00:20

    I like that intro a lot and want to know more. Thanks for joining us.

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  22. Margot14 May 2014 at 00:48

    I like the starting paragraph. I'm already sympathetic with the daughter.

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  23. Unknown14 May 2014 at 22:07

    That sounds like an intense read, the author covers this terrible part in German history intertwined with a families' story which makes history come alive.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and leave a comment. It's great reading your comments and I really appreciate them :)

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