I read a memoir about a woman who was reading one book a week for a year and one of her chapters talked about great first lines. Suspicious River was one of the books she mentioned.

First line:

"The first time I had sex with a man for money, it was September..."

I was instantly intrigued. My college library happened to own a copy of this book, so of course I checked it out. This book is very dark and sad and beautifully written, and the main character isn't very likeable. But the thing is that she doesn't give a damn whether she's likable or not, and I like that. ( )

Ecriture magnifique, très poétique , sans pathos pour ce roman très noir, mais extrèmement émouvant dans la narration de cette quête desespérée. ( )

Un beau roman , extrêmement lyrique, dont la noirceur étonne. ( )

One of my favorite, all time novels. I actually recommended this to Oprah via letter when she was doing her book club, though I know it's too dark for that kind of audience. LOVE IT. ( )