It's Tuesday . . . time for . . .
First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, now hosted by Vicki at I'd Rather Be At The Beach, where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon.
Today I'm featuring an upcoming read, The Only Story by Julian Barnes. The excerpt shared is from a hardcover version borrowed from the library.
ONE
Would you rather love the more, and suffer the more; or love the less, and suffer the less? That is, I think, finally, the only real question.
What do you think? Would you continue reading?
The author starts this novel by asking quite a profound question, and sets the tone for the story of a profound relationship between a younger man and an older woman: what draws them together, what they offer one another, and what ultimately draws them apart.
Julian Barnes is an astute observer of the human heart, and The Only Story is his latest insightful novel.
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First Chapter ~ First Paragraph post was originally composed and/or
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I would love to read this one, although the first paragraph is off on a very weighty note. But I have liked the Julian Barnes novels I've read.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Barnes is a thoughtful and prolific writer of both fiction and non-fiction.
DeleteI want to read this one too and like Margot I've enjoyed the Julian Barnes books I've read. I wonder what answer was given?
ReplyDeleteIndeed! That, as they say, is the $64,000 question.
DeleteI've always enjoyed Julian Barnes, though I haven't read much of his work so I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Emma.
DeleteI have never read anything by this author, but I certainly agree that the question asked is one for the ages. Anybody got a suggestion for the perfect book by this author to start with?
ReplyDeleteI recommend The Sense of an Ending, for which he won the Man Booker Prize.
DeleteLove the sound of this one! The question is definitely one to ponder. Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteA question with untold repercussions . . .
DeleteThat is an intriguing question. This week I am featuring Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire - from my TBR mountain. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteHope you're able to make a real dent in your TBR mountain!
DeleteSounds good. I'd like to know what the answer is, too! Very intriguing.
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday!
Here's mine: http://bit.ly/AlexEliza
Luv Sass x
A question not easily answered . . .
DeleteVery intriguing intro and indeed a profound question. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting!
DeleteIt sounds like a weighty read. I would keep reading.
ReplyDeleteA change of pace from my thriller and cozy reads for sure.
DeleteGood answer!
ReplyDeleteI have not read this author. What an opening line.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued but hesitant. I like the sound of it but I get a little nervous when an author gets to introspective!
ReplyDeleteChallenging question. I'd like to read the book though.
ReplyDelete