The Friday 56 and Book Beginnings #10

The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader.  Visit their links to learn more.

Title:  The Gate to Women's Country

Author:  Sheri S. Tepper

The Beginning:  Stavia saw herself as in a picture, from the outside, a darkly cloaked figure moving along the cobbled street, the stones sheened with a soft, early spring rain.  On either side the gutters ran with an infant chuckle and gurgle, baby streams being amused with themselves.  The corniced buildings smiled candlelit windows across at one another, their shoulders huddled protectively inward - though not enough to keep the rain from streaking the windows and making the candlelight seem the least bit weepy, a luxurious weepiness, as after a two-hanky drama of love lost or unrequited.

The Friday 56:  "Things happen to you when you're young.  And you think you know what it was that happened, but you really don't.  Then later, sometimes years later, you suddenly understand what was really going on.  And you feel such a fool because it's too late to do anything about the mistake you made."

Comment:  The imagery in this book is incredible.  I usually don't do such a long beginning, but this beginning just spoke to me.  So much of this book is just beautiful -- not to mention, it's a great story!