Book Beginnings: In Thrall

In Thrall, by Eva Hanagan (The Odyssey Press, November 2016; first published 1977). These are the book's first lines:

I dug her grave beneath the big pine tree on the edge of the clearing, and when I had finished I sat crouched upon a rough exposed tree root and let handfuls of dry pine needles trickle through my fingers until all the dark fresh loam was gently covered in sepia gold. I could feel the eyes of the watchers upon me, although I could not see them, as my own were masked with tears.

About the Book:

"Recently-widowed Amelia Grace seizes the opportunity to escape her stifling middle-class suburban life by becoming the new occupant of Thatchers Cottage, with Ponsonby the cat her only company. A yearning for peace and tranquillity that has so far eluded her draws her towards the small stretch of woodland at the edge of her land. 

...she passes many an hour there each day, drinking in the life-giving spirit of the clearing near the curious rocky mound. 

But is a tranquil woodland atmosphere all there is to it? Is there more to the local folklore about the woods at Thatchers than just ‘old wives’ tales’?"

Initial Thoughts:

The watchers? What watchers? And whose grave are we digging? Hmmm.

Thinking about reading this one for the Read Scotland Challenge at Goodreads. I had never heard of this book or its author before I discovered it while browsing at Amazon the other day. Eva Hanagan was a Scottish writer and In Thrall, her first novel, was published in 1977. That beginning definitely makes me want to sample a little more. What about you?

Rose City Reader hosts Book Beginnings on Friday.  As she says, the idea is to post the first sentence (or so) of the book you're currently reading, along with any first impressions or thoughts you have about the book, the author, etc.  It's a wonderful way of adding new books to your must-read list, and a chance to connect with other readers and bloggers.