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 24 February 2015

First Chapter, First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - How Green Was My Valley




Every Tuesday Bibliophile by the Sea hosts First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where we share the first paragraph or (a few) of a book we are reading or thinking about reading soon.




I'm reading How Green was my Valley by Richard Llewellyn.

These are the opening lines...


'I am going to pack my two shirts with my other socks and my best suit in the little blue cloth my mother used to tie round her hair when she did the house, and I am going from the Valley.'

~~~~~
What do you think, would you keep reading?


Synopsis

Growing up in a mining community in rural South Wales, Huw Morgan is taught many harsh lessons. Looking back, where difficult days are faced with courage and the valleys swell with the sound of Welsh voices, it becomes clear that there is nowhere so green as the landscape of his own memory.

34 comments:

  1. Lindsay, I have never read this book, sadly, and based on the intro, I would keep reading.

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    1. It's one I've been meaning to get and read for a while, and finally I bought it and have made a start! Thanks for commenting Diane :)

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  2. Hum. Promising opening for sure. I'd have to a little more to see if I'd continue

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    1. It took me a little while to get used to the narrator. Thanks for commenting Beth :)

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  3. I have never read this book but based on its reputation I probably should.

    I like the simplicity of the opening.

    I hope that you put up a full review on one . I am looking forward to reading your thoughts on it.

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    1. I will try Brian, I still have lots of reviews to catch up on. I like the style too, it continues like that. Thanks as always for your comment :)

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  4. Oh, yes, a blast from the past...I like the intro. Thanks for sharing and for visiting my blog. I want to know more!

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    1. Yes, a modern classic that I've finally got round to. Thanks back too :)

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  5. I'm not sure about this one...think I would need to read a bit more before making a decision.

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    1. It's beautifully written Sarah - what I've read so far anyway - but took me a little while to get right into the story. Thanks for commenting :)

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  6. I read this many moons ago in school and remember liking it.

    My Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2015/02/first-chapter-first-paragraph-95.html

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    1. Nice to hear you liked it Catherine. Thanks for visiting :)

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  7. I'm interested...would need a bit more before making a call!

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  8. Yes, I would read it. I think he loves his mother. Maybe it's his way to carry a memory with him.

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    1. Yes, this is so much about memories, thanks for commenting :)

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  9. I have never read this one, but will add it to my list. I like to be transported to a place I have never been.

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    1. Me too. It really does take you there. Thanks for commenting :)

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  10. I've wanted to read this for years. Love the opening!

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    1. Me too, finally got there! Hope you do too. Thanks for commenting :)

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  11. I loved this one when I read it so many years ago. I hope you will like it too!

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    1. Lovely to hear that Wendy. I like it a lot so far, though am reading it fairly slowly. Thanks :)

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  12. I'm intrigued. I know very little about Wales and this would be an interesting (and I have a feeling heartbreaking) look at it.

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    1. I just visited Wales so it seemed a good time to finally start it. It does have that feel so far... Thanks for commenting :)

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  13. I'm so excited that you shared the opening of this book today. It is the book one of my book clubs is reading next month. I was a little skeptical about reading this, but I love what you shared. Now I'm going to dig in heartily. Thanks.

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    1. Oh Margot that's good timing then. I do hope you like it. I am only part way through so far. Thanks for commenting :)

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  14. I would read a bit more to and then decide.

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    1. I think it needs more time to get into the story, and see where he is headed. Thanks for commenting :)

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  15. I want you to read this book, then review it. I plan to. I have a 1941 copy of this book that I found at a garage sale. I paid a nickle for it.

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  16. A book I read a long while ago, its on my pile of books to be re-read.

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    1. It's lovely to hear you plan to re-read it Tracy, it must have made a good and lasting impression on you. Thanks for commenting :)

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  17. That's one of those books where the title is familiar, but I really had no idea what it was about. Thanks for filling me in! :)

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  18. I'm curious, but the cover has me wanting to know more than the intro did. I hope you enjoy your book. kelley at the road goes ever ever on

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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 :)