BOOK BEGINNINGS ON FRIDAYS
Time to get cozy with a Victorian novel! I’ve been looking forward to Victober since last October! Who else?
Until I got into bookstagram more, I didn't know Victober was a thing, but it makes so much sense. The idea is to read books in October written during the Victorian Period (Queen Victoria reigned from June 1837 to January 1901). Chilly, windy, rainy, spooky October is the perfect time to switch from summery beach reads to hefty, moody melodramas. And nobody did hefty, moody melodramas better than the Victorians!
If you need inspiration, the Daily Telegraph's 1899 List of “100 Best Novels in the World” (that’s right, from 1899) has plenty. The list is not limited to the Victorian era, or even to the 19th Century. But you will find lots of Victorian books on it.
Are you participating in Victober this year? What are you reading? I’m reading The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens. If I finish, I hope also to read Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell.
Please share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading or featuring this week. Add a link to your post below. If you share on social media, please use the #bookbeginnigns hashtag so we can find each other.
If you don't have a blog, feel free to play along by leaving a comment with the opening sentence from you book, along with the title and author.
MY BOOK BEGINNING
Night is generally my time for walking.
That's a pretty short opening sentence for a book that's over 600 pages long!
The Old Curiosity Shop is one of the 50 classic books I picked for my Classic Club list. Anyone can join the Classics Club and pick 50 classic books to read over the next five years.
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Freda at Freda's Voice hosts another teaser event on Fridays. Participants share a two-sentence teaser from page 56 of the book they are reading -- or from 56% of the way through the audiobook or ebook. Please visit Freda's Voice for details and to leave a link to your post.
Near the door sat Miss Sophy, still fluttered and confused by the attentions of Mr. Cheggs, and by her side Richard Swiveller lingered for a moment to exchange a few parting words."My boat is on the shore and my bark is on the sea, but before I pass this door I will say farewell to thee," murmured Dick, looking gloomily up on her.
That's more Dickensonian! I'm halfway through and find the main story of Little Nell and her grandfather tedious. But the side characters like Dick Swiveller, whether villains or angels, make it worthwhile.
I didn't remember the title, but I do remember Little Nell for some reason. I recently finished a dense mystery by P.D. James so I'm looking for something lighter this week. Hope you enjoy the rest of Victober.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this one, but it looks interesting. I like the quote too.
ReplyDeleteVictober seems like a wonderful idea! I've just signed up for the FraterFest Read-a-thon, but next year I will try Victober. Thanks for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteHope you will have a wonderful week Gilion.
Hi Gilion,
ReplyDeleteVictober is something I also need to look into for next year, as it would force me into scheduling some of those classic books, which I keep promising myself I will read, but never do!
Mind you, I might have to find one to begin with, which isn't quite such a 'chunkster' read, as I am none too keen on those.
The classics offer a style of writing, narrative and dialogue, which suits me, so long as I am in the zone and prepared for reading it.
I hope that you enjoy the overall experience of reading 'The Old Curiosity Shop' and thanks for sharing :)
Yvonne xx
Thanks for that 1899 list. I love finding really good old books that have fallen out of favor. I need to read more Dickens, as I've only read a couple.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of Victober before, I like the idea and will check that 1899 list- thank you for that. I enjoyed The Old Curiosity Shop very much when I read it a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of Victober, but I love the idea of it! I haven't read this Dickens' book, either, but that seems like a really short beginning for one of his books lol. Oooh, love the 56 quote, though!
ReplyDeleteI've heard many good quotes from this one over the years but haven't read it myself yet. I want to though. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this one, but it sounds good. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteVictober is new to me--what a great idea!
ReplyDeleteI don't know who first thought of it, but I love it!
DeleteWoah I had no idea about Victober! Hmm, I like it!! Thanks for sharing, I'll check it out as well!
ReplyDeleteAutumn is such a good time to read chunky classics!
DeleteI didn't know about Victober! I'll have to try and fit something appropriate in before the end of the month. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your week :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun idea! I like thinking of people reading Victorian classics all at the same time. :)
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