The Lower River ~ by Paul Theroux, 2012, fiction (Malawi)
Ellis Hock's wife gave him a new phone for his birthday. A smart phone, she said. "And guess what?" She had a coy, ham-actress way of offering presents, often pausing with a needy wink to get his full attention. "It's going to change your life." Hock smiled because he was turning sixty-two, not an age of life-altering shocks but only of subtle diminishments.Interesting first lines, especially since I've already posted the book's summary when I got it from the library. That means I know his wife leaves him, and he goes back to the village in Malawi where he served happily in the Peace Corps. I wonder if the new phone contributed to the break-up of their marriage.
Coincidence?
After activating my new cell phone on Thursday evening, I flipped open this book to the first page so I could schedule this to post one minute after midnight. Imagine my surprise to see that the protagonist gets a new phone in the very first sentence. It made me smile. How many of you recently got a new phone?
Gilion at Rose City Reader hosts Book Beginnings on Fridays. Click here for today's Mister Linky.
5 comments:
This sounds like a really interesting read. Sometimes I think it's a bit of a shame when the synopsis of a book "ruins" the first few chapters in which the plot is being set up. I'm thinking I should pick this one up because I want to read more Africa-centric literature! Thanks for sharing :) I hope you have a great weekend!
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Juli @ Universe in Words
That's a funny coincidence about the phones! I've had mine for about a year but I don't think I'll be replacing it for awhile - at least another year. It is fun to get a new one though. All the new features and everything!
Sounds interesting! I have an old, not-so-smart that meets my needs. I was curious because the protagonist and I are about the same age. Happy reading!
I did get a new iPhone a few weeks back. I am delighted to see a book out of Africa. Is the author African? Anne@My Head is Full of Books
That is funny about the phone.
The book sounds good.
ENJOY!!!
Have a great weekend.
Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
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