Thursday, July 25, 2013

Book Beginnings on Friday (8)

Book Beginnings on Friday at Rose City Reader is the place to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the 

My choice this wee is from A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn.

"Don't believe the stories you have heard about me.  I have never killed anyone, and I have never stolen another man's husband.  Oh, if I find one lying around unattended, I might climb on, but I never took one that didn't want taking.  And I never meant to go to Africa."

So far this book is fascinating.  Delilah is quite the character- and we just met the continent of Africa.

Book Blurb:
Paris, 1923 

The daughter of a scandalous mother, Delilah Drummond is already notorious, even amongst Paris society. But her latest scandal is big enough to make even her oft-married mother blanch. Delilah is exiled to Kenya and her favorite stepfather's savannah manor house until gossip subsides. 

Fairlight is the crumbling, sun-bleached skeleton of a faded African dream, a world where dissolute expats are bolstered by gin and jazz records, cigarettes and safaris. As mistress of this wasted estate, Delilah falls into the decadent pleasures of society.  

Against the frivolity of her peers, Ryder White stands in sharp contrast. As foreign to Delilah as Africa, Ryder becomes her guide to the complex beauty of this unknown world. Giraffes, buffalo, lions and elephants roam the shores of Lake Wanyama amid swirls of red dust. Here, life is lush and teeming-yet fleeting and often cheap.  

Amidst the wonders-and dangers-of Africa, Delilah awakes to a land out of all proportion: extremes of heat, darkness, beauty and joy that cut to her very heart. Only when this sacred place is profaned by bloodshed does Delilah discover what is truly worth fighting for-and what she can no longer live without.

12 comments:

  1. I recently read this book as part of a blog tour and absolutely enjoyed it! Hope you're enjoying it :)

    My Friday Book Memes

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    1. SO far it's great! And I love the way the book feels - it's very unique.

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  2. Oh wow, I definitely see how she is quite the character. She reminds me of that one very honest friend everyone has, who give sit to you bluntly even if you'd rather not know!
    Thanks for sharing, I hope you enjoy it! :)
    My Friday post
    Juli @ Universe in Words

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  3. I am familiar with the author's name but have never read anything by her. This one sounds really good. I hope you are enjoying it. Happy reading!

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  4. I've been wanting to read this one. I've read a few books in this author's Lady Julia Grey series and have enjoyed them. Here's my Friday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2013/07/friday-focus-friday-56-and-book_26.html

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  5. Well! That's an opening that gets your attention.

    Thanks for participating in Books Beginnings on Fridays!

    Rose City Reader

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  6. Love that opener! Especially this part: "If I find one lying around unattended, I might climb on."

    Here's MY FRIDAY MEMES POST

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  7. I love her mystery series but have not read this new stand alone yet. Book Beginning at Mixed Book Bag

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  8. What a great opener - another author I am not aware of, - this one need investigating - thanks for sharing. Happy Reading!

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  9. Great beginning. Like the sound of it!!

    Here is my post

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  10. OOh, an exciting and attention grabbing opening there! Hope you enjoy it.

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