This week, I’m 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. In really enjoy these tasters when I read them on other blogs so wanted to join in.
This week I’m reading The Little Red Chair by Edna O’Brien, who I’ve never read before but always thought I should have done. Here’s what it’s about…
When a wanted war criminal, masquerading as a healer, settles in a small west coast Irish village, the community are in thrall. One woman, Fidelma McBride, falls under his spell and in this searing novel, Edna O’Brien charts the consequence of that fatal attraction. This is a story about love, the artifice of evil and the terrible necessity of accountability in our shatter
And here’s how it starts…
The dirt of his travels, Gilgamesh washed from his hair, all the soiled garments he cast them off, clean new clothes he put on, about him now wrapped, clinging to him was a cloak with a fringe, his sparkling sash fastened it.
The town takes its name from the river. The current, swift and dangerous, surges with a manic glee, chunks of wood and logs of ice borne along in its trail. In the small sidings where water is trapped, stones, blue, black and purple, shine up out of the river bed, perfectly smoothed and rounded and it is as though seeing a clutch of good-sized eggs in a bucket of water. The noise is deafening.
What do you think? Would you keep reading?
Emma
One Readers Thoughts 
This sounds like a fascinating, if chilling, premise. Thank you for sharing and happy readingj.
LikeLike
Yes, it is quite dark so far. Long may it continue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very descriptive writing. I am interested. This isn’t a book I have heard of before but I definitely would keep reading from what you shared.
LikeLike
No, it was new to me to but I am glad I’ve picked it up.
LikeLike
I have this one on my list…it sounds fascinating and frightening, as well as mysterious. Thanks for sharing…and here’s mine: “FLIGHT PATTERNS”
LikeLike
I love the sound of all your descriptions. Dark and mysterious suits me just fine. 😄
LikeLike
I adore Edna O’Brien — I’m so sorry I haven’t gotten to this yet.
LikeLike
I have never read her before. People seem quite passionate about her books though so I have been looking forward to this.
LikeLike
I’ve only read one of Edna O’Brien’s books, Down by the River. That was years ago with my book club and I remember it being quite dark. Hope you enjoy this one!
LikeLike
Dark seems to sum this up so far…but not in a bad way.
LikeLike
Sure. I’d keep reading. Sounds like an intriguing concept to me. If the characters are compelling I am there!
LikeLike
It is a bit different isn’t it. I haven’t got as far as I’d have liked but so far, so good.
LikeLike
I do want to read this, I’ve been eying it! Great intro.
LikeLike
I like the descriptive style, I found it powerful .
LikeLike
I don’t think this book is for me, but I hope you enjoy it!
LikeLike
No, this might be a marmite book. We’ll see which way I go!
LikeLike
I liked the writing style in the opening paragraph. Girl Who Reads
LikeLike
I have to admit I found it quite wordy but I’m getting there with the style now.
LikeLike
I would keep reading Emma, I’ve been eyeing this one up for a while and I’m eager now to know more.
LikeLike
It seems to be on a lot of people’s lists and I have high hopes. Having to concentrate though so might not have been the best book for this week!
LikeLike
The blurb appeals and this one is actually on my wishlist already. But… ugh! I hate that first sentence so much! And the next bit isn’t much better! I read it before really registering what book it was, and assumed it was a debut from someone who was dramatically over-writing. I’ll be intrigued to hear what you think of the whole thing…
LikeLike
It is a little hard going but I’m not far in and I’m getting in the groove. It might be one of those marmite books?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am curious about this one.
LikeLike
The blurb is what got me. Now I am getting drawn in.
LikeLike
I like the sound of this one! 🙂
LikeLike
Me too…I hope it’s good!
LikeLike
I think the first paragraph is interesting. I’d like to keep reading. I do hope you are enjoying it.
LikeLike
So far, I am but it’s going to be a slower read than other books I pick up. I am having to concentrate!
LikeLike
This one is on my TBR though it does sound on the dark side. The premise is absolutely fascinating and more than a bit chilling. I’d definitely keep reading! I can’t wait to see what you think of it.
LikeLike
It does seem quite dark. I’m looking forward to a bit of a change up in my books and this seems perfect, if maybe heavy.
LikeLike
Just reading the synopsis has me a little creeped out. I don’t know if I could keep on.
LikeLike
I have a feeling it might an uncomfortable read. Am hoping it is too.
LikeLike
[…] putting it off because I knew it was a dark story and I thought I needed to be in the mood. As my Tuesday Intro shows, that mood is definitely upon me […]
LikeLike
[…] The Fire Child by S. K. Tremayne, but stalled with The Little Red Chair by Edna O’Brien (see Tuesday’s post for an overview). I was too distracted by the TV, binge watching The Disappearance (a French crime […]
LikeLike