The Children of Men – First Sentence

Every editor will tell you the first sentence in a novel is crucial. Most first sentences that are perceived as “good” are really first paragraphs comprised of short, punchy, humorous or incongruous sentences: “The earth ended yesterday. That wasn’t the weirdest thing to happen to me. But there’s no hiding it: I grew wings overnight.” Something like that.

I generally don’t prefer that kind since they are too common now. I don’t know what it is about the first sentence of The Children of Men, but it scratches my itch in the best way I can think of.

Early this morning, 1 January 2021, three minutes after midnight, the last human being to be born on earth was killed in a pub brawl in a suburb of Buenos Aires, aged twenty-five years, two months and twelve days.

Bravo, P.D. James.

2 Comments

  • Jill says:

    I watched the movie before I read the book. The movie was very well done. However, after reading the book, I realized the movie had altered the story in a way I didn’t like. I loved the book. And you’re right. That’s a great first line.

    • Jay says:

      I’m in the same boat as you re: film vs book. I’m noticing big differences.

      The car scene still kills me (lol) every time I see it. The acting was absurd, Owen and Moore especially.

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