Best first lines from some of the most popular novels in literature

Books and literature have been an important part of life throughout the history of mankind. Almost hundreds and thousands of books are published every year. Some of those become iconic works in literature. The writer must keep the opening lines of books engaging so that the reader is encouraged to read further.

Here are some of the best opening lines from books in literature:

1984 by George Orwell

The book 1984 is a dystopian novel written by George Orwell. The book was published in 1949. The book is a political satire as he presents a completely scary version of the world as every move of the citizens is followed and scrutinized. The opening line of the book is as follows:

It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.

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Pride and Prejudice

This classic novel is written by the British novelist Jane Austen. The book traces the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy. The book was published in 1813. The opening line of the book perfectly summarizes the essence of the novel:

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

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Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone

The opening line of this first book of the series has proven to be the start of a lifelong franchise. The series is written by J. K. Rowling. This opening line has become iconic for all the Potterheads out there. Here is how the Harry Potter series begins:

Mr. and Mrs. Dursley of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.

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Gone with the Wind

This book is written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Margaret Mitchell. The book was first published in the year 1936. It is an epic historical romance novel set during the American Civil War. Here is the opening line of this epic novel-

Scarlett O’Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm as the Tarleton twins were.

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The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy

The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy is written by Douglas Adams. The book was first published in 1979 and belongs to the science fiction genre. This epic saga started with the following lines:

Far out in the uncharted backwaters of the unfashionable end of the western spiral arm of the Galaxy lies a small, unregarded yellow sun.

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