The opening line of a book is more important than you would initially think. If they’re done well, they can pull you into the book from the very beginning. If they’re done really well, they can become just as popular as the book itself. Think Rebecca’s, “Last night I dreamt of Manderly again.” or Moby Dick’s, “Call me Ishmael.” So, I just want to take a second to share some epic opening lines that I’ve come across lately. Let’s chat.
I, Dracula
The year is 1531. My understanding of the world has changed for some time, although the disappointment with it has not.
The Name of the Wind
“It was night again. The Waystone Inn lay in silence, and it was a silence in three parts.”
The Secret History
“The snow in the mountains was melting and Bunny had been dead for several weeks before we came to understand the gravity of the situation.”
Empire of Silence
“Light. The light of that murdered sun still burns me.”
Those are a few epic opening lines that I’ve enjoyed. Do you have a favorite? Let me know in the comments.
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Oh, these are great! I love this!! I need to pay more attention to opening lines.
Brilliant. I don’t think I notice opening lines as much as I should because the author has probably spent quite a while thinking about the best way to start their book.