“It wasn’t a very likely place for disappearances, at least at first glance.” – first line in Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon.
What place?
What is this place? Where is it? What kinds of disappearances? Are the disappearances only in the past or is there one in the offing? If so, who is going to disappear, and where are they going? At second glance, does it become obvious that it’s a “likely place for disappearances?”
The hook
That one 12-word sentence brings up many questions. In so doing, it accomplishes what a novel’s first sentence is supposed to do. The reader is compelled to keep reading in order to find the answers to those questions. It “hooks” the reader.
The tip of the iceberg
When Diana Gabaldon penned the opening sentence in Outlander, I wonder if she had a clue what an adventure she was embarking on as a writer or what an adventure she was inviting readers to take. It turned out to be the first step we took on a journey that continues today.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, time travel, or Scotland and have not read Outlander or the other books in Ms. Gabaldon’s Outlander Series, it’s not too late to start. I got sidetracked after reading Fiery Cross, so I have some catching up to do!
This is a series that you definitely should read in order because one book builds on the previous one. I have enjoyed the “Outlander” series on TV. It is excellently done; however, it doesn’t take the place of reading the novels.
Until my next blog post
I hope you have a good book to read. (I’m reading A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman.) If you’re a writer, I hope you have productive writing time.
Janet
Janet's Writing Blog 
I’ve heard of this series, but I’ve never read it. I’ll have to check it out; I’ve been looking for more historical fiction. Thanks for the recommendation!
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I think most people who have read the series have been quite drawn in by it. I’ve only heard one person say they didn’t like it. I think it’s the first time travel series I’ve read, but it’s a clever approach to historical fiction. Be sure to let me know what you think, if you decide to read Outlander!
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I will! Thanks 🙂
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It is a compelling first line indeed. I am reminded of ‘Rebecca’, which I read more than 50 years ago, as a teenager. The first line of that book drew me in too.
“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.”
Many thanks for following my blog, Janet.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Hello, Pete. Yes, that first line in “Rebecca” is another good one. I appreciate the offer you made on your blog for guest bloggers. I’ve never done that before, but I might consider it now. Best wishes to you, Janet.
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