It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. Winston Smith, his chin nuzzled into his breast in an effort to escape the vile wind, slipped quickly through the glass doors of victory Mansions, though not quickly enough to prevent a swirl of gritty dust from entering along with him. (Published 1949) I love the classics and plan to share some "opening lines" over the coming months. Comment if you like, or read for inspiration. Writing styles were different then, but were they really?
Sharon M. Himsl
Writer/Author. Blogging since 2011.
Published with Evernight Teen:
~~The Shells of Mersing
Great lines to open a book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Yvonne.
It's the clock striking thirteen that always gets me. A very strange book!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite opening lines ever. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Awesome that first sentence!
DeleteI read this book and it is quite depressing and now 1984-the actual date, is 31 years old never mind the book. Excellent opening line to a great book
ReplyDeleteI had a certain mindset after reading 1984, and wrote a pretty dark short story afterwards. I guess that's the power of words!
DeleteFantastic opening lines - chills on clock striking 13 .. vile wind and grit entering with him into the mansions ... full of imagery! Thanks Sharon :)
ReplyDeleteYes, chilling.....really describes and fits this book. It was so different at the time too.
DeleteIt's been ages since I read this book. Makes me want to dig it out again. Definitely a classic.
ReplyDeleteMakes you wonder how it would sound in 2015 or how many young people read today, or if it's still required reading.
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