This week, I am linking up again with Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea who hosts a post every Tuesday for people to share the first chapter / paragraph of the book they are reading, or thinking of reading soon. I really enjoy these tasters when I read them on other blogs so wanted to join in.
Up next on my reading list (and being started today) is Fallout by Sadie Jones.
Leaving behind an emotionally disastrous childhood in a provincial northern town, budding playwright Luke Kanowski begins a new life in London that includes Paul Driscoll, an aspiring producer who will become his best friend, and Leigh Radley, Paul’s girlfriend. Talented and ambitious, the trio found a small theater company that enjoys unexpected early success. Then, one fateful evening, Luke meets Nina Jacobs, a dynamic and emotionally damaged actress he cannot forget, even after she drifts into a marriage with a manipulative theater producer. As Luke becomes a highly sought after playwright, he stumbles in love, caught in two triangles where love requited and unrequited, friendship, and art will clash with terrible consequences for all involved.
I really should have read this by now as it is a review copy but I kept getting waylaid by other books, not sure why but such is life – especially as I do want to read this (I’ve enjoyed all Jones’ other books). Here’s how it starts:
Afterwards – New York – 1975
New York was not his city and this was not his life. He bought postcards and wrote them to the people he loved but he did not send them. At night he dreamed the ache of human kindness and every stranger’s face he saw reminded him of home. The title of his play and the name that was not his real name, and other names on other theatres on the crowded billboards of the street, shone on canopies ringed by lights. It was every Broadway film imagining made humble by the rubbish-blowing poverty of the world; nostalgia torn down in the grey afternoon – this is what it feels like, not that, but this.
What do you think? Would you keep reading?
Emma
One Readers Thoughts 
I’ve read something else by Jones (can’t remember the title at the moment) and liked it, so I’d probably give this a chance too.
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Hmmm…I like the cover, but I think I’d have to read more to see if it would be for me. Thanks for sharing it!
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I’ll let you know how it turns out. I’ve heard good things through those who got their reviews done in time for the mumsnet book club, which is where I got this…
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I’ve never read anything by Jones but the beginning is intriguing. I want to find out more about it.
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I will let you know how it goes. I can recommend her though.
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I have been noticing this one, but after reading the blurb and the excerpt, I am fascinated. I definitely want to keep reading. Thanks for sharing…and for visiting my blog.
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I hope it’s good. Her other books are so in theory this one should be right?
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I like the author’s opening, the writing style, and voice of the narrator. I would definitely continue.
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I do like the way she writes. Her books are all different but there is a familiarity because of the style.
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Since you shared the blurb also, I would probably pick this one up. The first paragraph seems a bit of a downer though. Hope you like it.
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I have a feeling it won’t be that happy an ending,..it’s set in the 70’s for a start but I don’t mind (as long as it doesn’t make me cry!)
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I have to confess I’ve struggled with Sadie Jones in the past and wasn’t overly keen on the synopsis for this one but I do like that opening paragraph – maybe I should give her another shot…
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I know other people who aren’t keen but that’s the joy of reading, so many books, so many tastes I guess. Will let you know how it goes…might change your mind 😄
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My thoughts exactly!
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I’ve had mixed feelings about Sadie Jones’s book in the past, but I like the sound of this one and she writes very well, so I’d definitely keep reading.
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I think one of the things I like is that each book is different. That can make them a bit more hit and miss though in terms of enjoyment but I do like her writing style too.
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I wasn’t thrilled with her earlier novel, The Uninvited Guests, but might be willing to give this a try. Will keep an eye out for your review.
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Comments for those who’ve read her seem to be divided. I did like The Uninvited…think The Outcast was my favourite.
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I think this is one I might like. Happy u shared with us. I like this author.
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I hope you do…I hope I do!
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