Welcome to another Bookish Friday, in which I share excerpts from books…and connect with other bloggers, who do the same.
Let’s begin the celebration by sharing Book Beginnings, hosted by Rose City Reader; and let’s showcase The Friday 56 with Freda’s Voice.
To join in, just grab a book and share the opening lines…along with any thoughts you wish to give us; then turn to page 56 and excerpt anything on the page.
Then give us the title of the book, so others can add it to their lists!
What a great way to spend a Friday!
Today’s feature is an e-book that has been relaxing on Pippa, my Kindle, since December 2016. Sweet William, by Beryl Bainbridge, is an ironic investigation into the art of self-deception and the repercussions of sexual freedom, a blend of black comedy and social satire that showcases the wit of award-winning author Beryl Bainbridge, and affirms her status as a mainstay in twentieth-century British literature.
Beginning: In the main entrance of the air terminal a young man stood beside a cigarette machine, searching in the breast pocket of his blue suit for his passport. A girl, slouching in a grey coat, as if she thought she was too tall, passively watched him.
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56%: ‘Where do you think he’s gone? Where’s he gone?’
‘Perhaps he’s looking at graveyards,’ said Pamela. ‘He likes graveyards, doesn’t he?’
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Synopsis: When dull professor Gerald leaves London for the United States, his fiancée, Ann, is a bit afraid and sad to see him go—never has he looked so handsome and masculine as when he’s about to board the plane. But a few days later at a religious service, Ann is beckoned to sit next to a stranger with yellow curls and a nose like a prizefighter’s. Her heart inexplicably begins to race; she feels like she has the flu. This stranger, William McClusky, tells Ann in his Scottish accent that he is a playwright who will be interviewed on TV the very next day. Furthermore, he promises to have a television dropped by her house so she can watch him! From this first bizarre seduction, Ann is infatuated, and in the days following, William begins to take over her life.
In the throes of the affair, Ann gives up her BBC job, helps a friend get an abortion, encourages adultery, and writes a break-up letter to her fiancé. Her engagement to Gerald had been rushed, after all, and was designed to serve her mother’s desires more than her own. With William, on the other hand, everything feels different. But is this new man really who he says he is? Is he a genius or a fraud, a compassionate soul or a cheater? Perhaps William is simply a means by which Ann can play out her dangerous fantasies and finally take part in the swinging sixties. Only one thing is certain: Now that she’s with him, there’s no turning back.
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I’m eager to read this book, and wondering why I’ve waited so long. What do you think?
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This is an author that I’ve always wanted to read. Will look forward to your thoughts.
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Thanks, Catherine, I’ve been meaning to try this one for a while…so glad I managed to work it in. Enjoy your pick.
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I think I’ve got a copy of this one on my shelves somewhere. And now I really want to find it! Thanks for reminding me. Hope you enjoy the read.
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Thanks for visiting, Joy, and I’m glad you remembered it. I am looking forward to it.
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This sounds like one I’d like. Thanks for sharing. my book this week is Finders Keepers by Belinda Bauer.
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Thanks, Bev, I also like the look of yours. Enjoy!
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Did he find his passport? I wondered if the slouching girl had something to do with its disappearance. My Friday Quotes
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I am curious about this strange duo, also. Thanks for stopping by, Anne.
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Sounds like quite a quagmire she’s gotten herself into.
Did I read that right? Pippa? Is your Kindle? Is so, I love it.
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Definitely! Thanks for stopping by, Roberta, and yes, my Kindle is named Pippa. (My iPhone is Phoebe, and my laptop is Louisa May). LOL.
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I haven’t heard of this author before, but this book sounds pretty interesting.
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I’ve been noticing her books around, and have never read one. So I am definitely curious. Thanks for visiting, Breana.
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Never heard of this one but it sounds interesting so I hope you like it. 🙂
Stormi
Friday Memes
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Thanks, Stormi, and enjoy your reading, too. Glad you could visit.
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Great visual opening. This sounds like one of those stories that slowly draws you in:)
My Friday 56 from Origin
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I think so, too, Laura….and I’m glad you could stop by. Enjoy your week!
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I’m obsessed with Scottish accents! William sounds like he might be trouble though… yikes!
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Thanks for visiting, Glenna, and I agree that there will be trouble ahead.
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Sweet William sounds intriguing.
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Thanks for stopping by, Lynn…enjoy your reading!
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I like that quote about graveyards. Nice!
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Thanks for stopping by, Book-Filled Day, and that is definitely an interesting quote about graveyards.
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I love Beryl Bainbridge’s writing but haven’t read Sweet William as yet. Your post has definitely made me want to though so I’ll be adding this to my wishlist 🙂
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This one is my first, Hayley, and I’m enjoying it so far. Thanks for stopping by.
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Love the descriptive beginning, and enticingly mysterious 56! Happy weekend!
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Thanks, Freda, I like descriptive beginnings….and I’m fascinated by this one so far.
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It sounds like a good one! I hope it is!
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Thanks for stopping by, Karen, and overall, I was disappointed as I didn’t like any of the characters. But if viewed as social satire, I guess I could say that it achieved its goal.
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I hope you enjoy this one. It sounds a little strange to me. I have Spill Zone by Scott Westerfeld – a graphic novel – this week. Happy reading!
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As it turns out, I was disappointed in this one, but to be fair, I guess I should not have taken it seriously. It was more social satire than anything. Thanks for visiting, Kathy.
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What an interesting thing to like. That excerpt makes me feel so dreary too. Hope you enjoy your weekend!
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It was full of unlikable characters, Alicia, and in the end, I didn’t like the story, either. Oh, well. LOL.
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Graveyards, who doesn’t liek em? 😀
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Ha! Thanks for stopping by, Aloi, and enjoy your reading.
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Thanks very much for sharing!
Lauren @ Always Me
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Thanks for stopping by, Lauren. Enjoy your week!
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