This week, and for the first time in a month, 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 A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson, who I love. Here’s what it’s about…
A God in Ruins relates the life of Teddy Todd – would-be poet, heroic World War II bomber pilot, husband, father, and grandfather – as he navigates the perils and progress of the 20th century. For all Teddy endures in battle, his greatest challenge will be to face living in a future he never expected to have.
This gripping, often deliriously funny yet emotionally devastating book looks at war – that great fall of Man from grace – and the effect it has, not only on those who live through it, but on the lives of the subsequent generations. It is also about the infinite magic of fiction. Those who loved the bestselling Life After Life will recognise Teddy as Ursula Todd’s adored younger brother – but for those who have not read it, A God in Ruins stands fully on its own. (goodreads)
And here’s how it starts…
30 March 1944
The Last Flight
Naseby
He walked as far as the hedge that signalled the end of the airfield.
The beating of the bounds. The men referred to it as his “daily constitutional” and fretted when he didn’t take it. They were superstitious. Everyone was superstitious.
Beyond the hedge there were bare fields, ploughed over last autumn. He didn’t expect to see the alchemy of spring, to see the dull brown earth change to bright green and then pale gold. A man could count his life in harvests reaped. He had seen enough.
What do you think? Would you keep reading?
Emma
p.s. if you want to find out more about Life After Life my review is here.
One Readers Thoughts 
I’ve read a couple of Atkinson’s books, so would definitely give this a chance. Hope it’s as good as her others!
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Me too! I really want it to be good.
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I like the beginning and plot summary. I’m going to add this one to my reading list.
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I do hope it’s good. I have high hopes, which don’t always end well!
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I haven’t read anything by Kate Atkinson but I’d like to try her. This sounds interesting.
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She is definitely worth reading. I came to her late and have been playing catch up. Lots of variety.
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I have enjoyed several books by the author…although I didn’t like Life After Life. But I would be willing to try another. Thanks for sharing, and here’s mine: “THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR”
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I wonder if this would be for you with the links to Life After Life, though I have no idea if it’s anywhere near the same,,,I have purposely read nothing about it.
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I like the way the book starts. It has the feel of a spy novel or some special intrigue. I’d keep reading.
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I am definitely intrigued. I have no idea what to expect and Life After Life was so different I hope this one is too.
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I do enjoy Kate Atkinson’s books so that combined with WWII- I’d keep reading
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If it’s anywhere near as good as the last one it will be great…fingers crossed!
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Yes – I really like the sound of this one – though it will have to wait a while as I’m suddenly stacked out with books I need to have read yesterday! Thank you for sharing. This is my TT
https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2016/08/09/teaser-tuesday-9th-august-2016/
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I know the feeling, though I thankfully have caught up with anything I needed to read. Now it’s all personal choice again. Lovely.
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This one definitely sounds like it might be good.
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I hope so. My boss apparently keeps giving it as a gift she is so in love with it (though I bought my copy)
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