Barry Lyndon, by William Makepeace Thackeray (first published 1844). Also sometimes called The Luck of Barry Lyndon, or The Memoirs of Barry Lyndon. These are the book's opening lines:
CHAPTER I. MY PEDIGREE AND FAMILY—UNDERGO THE INFLUENCE OF THE TENDER PASSION
Since the days of Adam, there has been hardly a mischief done in this world but a woman has been at the bottom of it.
About the Book:
"Barry Lyndon" is the fictional autobiography of an adventurer and rogue. Born into the petty Irish gentry, and outmaneuvered in his first love affair, a ruined Barry volunteers for the British army. After seeing service in Germany he deserts and pursues the career of a gambler in the dissolute clubs and courts of Europe. In a determined effort to enter fashionable society, he marries a titled heiress but only to find himself easily outwitted.Initial Thoughts:
Well, that's certainly a very non-PC way of looking at things, isn't it?
I've been looking around for a 19th Century classic to read for the Back to the Classics Reading Challenge, and this might be it. Barry Lyndon has been on my "must read" list for decades. Loved the Kubrick movie, but somehow I've never gotten around to reading the book. Maybe this could be the year.
Happy reading, everyone! And have a lovely weekend.
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.
I am part of the Classics Club, but haven't read any Thackeray yet. Should I? My post is here: https://francebooktours.com/2019/02/05/first-chapter-first-paragraph-the-first-noel-at-the-villa-des-violettes/
ReplyDeleteI have not read anything by Thackeray apart from Vanity Fair, but loved it. I should check this one.
ReplyDeleteMy Friday meme
Hope you get a chance to read it.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental Friday Memes
Well that opening makes me pretty upset. I think a lot of people used to think that everything bad was because of women. My quotes
ReplyDeleteNot PC, but is it the character's view or the author's view? Perhaps to establish Barry as a rogue who is going to more than meet his match?
ReplyDelete