What are some examples of the best first lines in novels?

A really good one is from 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara. 'When the call came through on his private line, Jude was in conference with the litigators from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.' This opening line drops the reader right into a scene. It makes you wonder who Jude is and what kind of work he's involved in with these litigators.

The opening line of 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' is very powerful. It gives a sense of the duality and complexity of the era that the story is set in, and makes the reader wonder about the different situations and characters that will be explored.

One example could be 'It was a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' from Pride and Prejudice. This line sets the stage for the story's exploration of marriage and relationships in that era.

The opening of 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens - 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' is a classic. It sets up the contrast that is going to be central to the story, which is set during the French Revolution. It's a very powerful and thought - provoking start that gives a sense of the complex and chaotic times in which the story unfolds.

Well, from 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, 'There was no possibility of taking a walk that day.' This unassuming opening is actually quite effective. It creates a sense of confinement and the start of a story that will likely involve the main character breaking free from some sort of restriction, whether it be physical or emotional.

Another good one is 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' from Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'. This line not only gives an insight into the society of the time where marriage was a big deal for financial and social reasons but also makes the reader interested in seeing how this idea will play out in the story.

The ending line of 'Lord of the Flies' - 'Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy.' This line sums up the entire dark journey of the boys on the island. It shows the loss of their initial innocence, the revelation of the evil that can lurk within humans, and the grief for the death of Piggy, which is a very poignant way to end the novel.

Another inspiring line comes from 'Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. 'All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.' It encourages people to take control of their lives and make the best use of the time they have.

Sure. In 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, 'Call me Ishmael.' This simple yet powerful line draws the reader into the story, making them curious about who Ishmael is and what his story will be. It's a very direct way to start a novel that goes on to be an epic adventure on the high seas.

One great example is 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' from George Orwell's '1984'. It immediately sets an off - kilter mood, making the reader wonder about this world where the clocks seem to be acting strangely.