In your opinion, what makes a great opening line in a novel? What does it have to do to make you read on? And what’s your favourite opening line of any novel?
I think opening lines are overrated a bit. A good opening line can set the tone for a novel, but I don't think anyone judges a book on one line. I would say the opening paragraph is a lot more important. Yet some can be iconic; It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Longtemps je me suis couché de bonne heure. Call me Ishmael. It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. They can serve as mnemonics for novels, and also as crossword clues.
I think opening lines are overrated a bit. A good opening line can set the tone for a novel, but I don't think anyone judges a book on one line. I would say the opening paragraph is a lot more important. Yet some can be iconic; It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Longtemps je me suis couché de bonne heure. Call me Ishmael. It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. They can serve as mnemonics for novels, and also as crossword clues.
Agreed!