7 Legendary Opening Lines In Books That Captivate Every Reader

“Call me Ishmael.”

Simple yet profound, this opening invites readers into an epic journey

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

A perfect balance of contrast, setting the stage for revolution and upheaval

“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

A brilliant reflection on the complexities of human relationships and family dynamics

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.”

The whimsical start to an unforgettable adventure that has captivated readers for generations

“It was a pleasure to burn.”

A chilling opening that immediately draws the reader into a dystopian world

“The sun shone, having no alternative, on the nothing new.”

A signature Beckett line, filled with absurdity, meaning, and ambiguity

“Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday; I can't be sure.”

A disorienting and existential opening that introduces the novel’s detached protagonist