Want a good opening gambit? These writers can help

Want a good opening gambit? These writers can help

We all know that first impressions count. So how have the world’s most famous writers tackled the task of kicking off their stories?

By Peter Foy

You only get one chance to make a first impression. Whether you are writing a CV, attending an interview or making a sales pitch, your opening sentence is of vital importance.

    Get it right and you’ll gain permission to tell your story. Get it wrong and you’ve lost them forever.  

You need to engage the audience, grab their attention and tickle their fancy. Get it right and you’ll gain permission to tell your story. Get it wrong and you’ve lost them forever.

The next time you are in the departure lounge of an airport, watch how passengers select their last-minute holiday reading. They look at the cover, read the blurb on the back and turn to the first page. The book must pass all three tests. If an author is going to get you to invest your time, energy and money in their story, they need to hook you from the get-go.

All of which got us thinking: how do great writers begin their stories? If we can pinpoint their technique, surely it can help us all make a pitch-perfect first impression. So, without further ado, here are 10 openers from the world’s finest authors.

1. The Catcher In The Rye, J.D Salinger (1951)

“If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don’t feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.”

For people of my generation this book was a must read in school. Salinger’s opening sentence was the perfect introduction to the troubled story of Holden Caulfield.

This is a story about youth. Disturbed youth. Youth that won’t take or give any crap. It invites us into a story that is going to disturb us.

While the book was a disruptive force it also calls on earlier works. I find real echoes of Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn in how Salinger opens his novel.

And we can’t fail but recognise that at the time Salinger penned this work, Jack Kerouac was writing On The Road. Dean Moriaty is a much more rounded rebel than Caulfield. They both rail against the hypocrisy of post-war American society, but Salinger has the better opening.

2. Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell (1949)

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

Orwell’s classic is an exercise in futurology that retains huge relevance today.

    Orwell’s classic is an exercise in futurology that retains huge relevance today.  

This wonderful opening line says, loud and clear: I’m going to tell you a story about normality in an abnormal world.

A normal day in April and the clock strikes 13. Bong.

Buckle your belt. We’re going on a ride.

3. Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier (1938)

“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley.”

Okay, it’s an innocuous enough sentence. What it says is: this is a dream. You will never know my name. I’m going to take you on a journey where you will never be sure. I’m going to tell you a story that might be true, but then again it might not be.

And it works: since publication Rebecca has never been out of print.

4. Slaughterhouse-Five, Kurt Vonnegut (1969)

“All this happened, more or less.”

This wonderful novel tells the story of Billy Pilgrim and his experience of the Dresden bombing. Or does it?

Part science fiction, part history, and wholly fiction; even fantasy.

The opening sentence is totally honest. It all happened, more or less. Possibly.

Engage with this fantastic story and you engage with truth distorted. That’s not a bad thing, especially in our era of post-truth and fake news.

5. The Luck of the Bodkins, P.G. Wodehouse (1935)

“Into the face of the young man who sat on the terrace of the Hotel Magnifique at Cannes there had crept a look of furtive shame, the shifty, hangdog look which announces that an Englishman is about to talk French.”

In my humble opinion, Wodehouse is the finest humorist ever to write in English. As the meerkat would say: simples!

I don’t care what comes after this opening to Bodkins (though it is all brilliant, by the way). This is just a fantastic image. As we come to terms with our relationship with Europe, Wodehouse was parodying Boris when Boris was but a twinkle in his grandmother's eye.

    “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”  

6. Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy (1878)

“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

You might disagree with Tolstoy’s sentiment, but what an opener.

We are going to meet an unhappy family. We are going to explore and share its secrets and sadness. We are going to find out about Anna’s very own unhappiness.

The greatest novel ever written? I think so.

7. Earthly Powers, Anthony Burgess (1980)

“It was the afternoon of my eighty-first birthday, and I was in bed with my catamite when Ali announced that the archbishop had come to see me.”

I have read every novel by Burgess and loved each one of them, for very different reasons.

This opener sums the man up. I am going to shock you and then I am going to name drop because I can. He could and he does. The novel is the story of the 20th century and in a brilliantly crafted narrative, Burgess’s protagonist meets everyone from James Joyce to Adolf Hitler. Another work of mainstream fiction that is a fantasy.

8. Under Milk Wood, Dylan Thomas (1954)

“To begin at the beginning: it is spring, moonless night in the small town, starless and Bible-black, the cobblestreets silent and the hunched, courters'-and- rabbits' wood limping invisible down to the sloeblack, slow, black, crowblack, fishingboat-bobbing sea.”

I know, it’s not a novel. It’s a play. A radio play. It is also the greatest opening sentence of any piece of literature written. With the possible exception of John’s Gospel.

One of the greatest joys I have is to sit in “my space” with headphones on, glass of malt in hand, and listen to Richard Burton read these words.

Try it.

9. Moby Dick, Herman Melville (1851)

“Call me Ishmael.”

For me, this is the daddy of all opening sentences.

Moby Dick is not much read these days outside of university, but it is a fantastic novel. Hold onto that word fantastic.

There are commentators who will tell you that this is a homoerotic novel. There are people who will say it is a Freudian exploration of the id.

    Sometimes the opening line is a will o’ the wisp. It draws you in.  

All nonsense.

It’s a fantasy.

“Call me Ishmael.” My real name is Brian but call me Ishmael. Everything you read from that opening line is a fantasy.

Melville writes about the design of the Pequod as though he were a marine designer. He describes the migratory path of whales as if he's David Attenborough. Fantasy!

Brilliant fantasy.

10. Ulysses, James Joyce (1922)

“Stately, plump Buck Mulligan came from the stairhead, bearing a bowl of lather on which a mirror and a razor lay crossed.”

Sometimes the opening line is a will o’ the wisp. It draws you in. You buy the book and 40 years later it’s still unread. But you know, in your heart of hearts, that it’s already changing you, shaping your dispositions. Making you in its image.

For many, Ulysees is that book. Impossibly difficult, but oddly compelling. Pull it out of that dusty corner of your bookshelf and read on. You’ll find it just gets better and better with each chapter.

 

Published: 30 October 2020

© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2020

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: How to create the perfect cover letter

You may also enjoy: Why smart workers aren’t busy doing nothing

Jobs currently available

Project Assistant
Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913617
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a market leading organisation, looking to recruit a client focused Project Coordinator, to join their vibrant team in Colchester.

Reporting to the Project Director, you will support multiple projects from initial brief to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget. Your role will involve costing, briefing, and successfully coordinating projects across various business teams.

Key duties and requirements:

  • Client focused, with the ability to meet client expectations efficiently and cost effectively.
  • Co-managing alongside the Account Manager to build strong client relationships.
  • Developing an understanding of the assigned client’s brand and market.
  • Checking that all emails and calls are dealt with appropriately.
  • Attending regular meetings to discuss upcoming projects.
  • Taking accountability of projects which aligns with the scope defined by the client.
  • Briefing and managing projects through the business departments, encouraging teams to do their best, to work under deadlines.
  • Proofreading and checking against technical plans to ensure all work is accurate.
  • Accurately providing feedback and support to team members.
  • Demonstrating a broad awareness of the wider picture and accurately reporting to the Project Director on launches and upcoming projects, sharing proposed project budgets and timelines.

You will be working with a variety of clients, so you will need to be organised with the ability to multi-task and communicate effectively. Your attention to detail will also be second to none.

About you:

  • Analytical and task driven, valuing creation.
  • Proactive nature and calm under pressure. Adaptable and resilient whilst maintaining a positive focus.
  • Able to work simultaneously on numerous projects.
  • Confident, with the ability to work self-sufficiently.
  • Contributes to creating a collaborative working environment and building successful relationships across the teams.
  • Treats others with respect, building trust and honoring commitments.
  • Excellent communication skills, both interpersonal and written. Actively listen to others and are confident with asking questions to clarify understanding.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing and exciting business.

This role is office based — offering free-parking and excellent company benefits.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913596
About the role

Just Recruitment seeks a Maintenance Engineer with a mechanical bias for a well-established and long-standing company in Sudbury. This is an opportunity to join a dedicated, long-serving team.

This is a day-shift role!

The key purpose of this role is to provide a knowledgeable, safe, cost effective, efficient multi-skilled maintenance service, to the Sudbury site that adheres to all engineering and electrical standards and procedures for compliance with statutory and business requirements.

Key duties include:

  • Maintaining all buildings, equipment, and services in a safe and cost-effective manner through effective maintenance programmes, ensuring traceable and auditable records are maintained.
  • Ensuring the changes to machinery and infrastructure are adequately managed via the appropriate site procedures.
  • Ensuring that all engineering/maintenance work carried out on site complies with relevant regulations and that all inspection and testing regimes are completed as required.
  • Identifying, ordering or supporting the business in ordering parts or services required to satisfy the day-to-day maintenance and engineering requirements of the business and to catalogue and control stocks of necessary spares.
  • Undertaking and supporting the co-ordination and implementation of any capital projects or site improvements works required, including installation and commissioning of new equipment.
  • Working with the Production Manager to ensure that a flexible schedule is in place to provide appropriate cover for maintenance and engineering works out of standard working hours, including call outs where required.
  • Working with Site Management, Production and Technical teams in looking at improving plant efficiency and minimising processing times, ensuring data is recorded to enable analysis to take place.
  • Completing and maintaining all records in a timely manner, ensuring they are available and auditable as required.
  • Being proactive in maintaining and developing knowledge and skills to meet the needs of this position, to enhance personal performance and meet career objectives.
  • Undertaking training as directed by the business to develop experience and capability.
  • Working with, supporting and educating Process Operatives to undertake basic maintenance tasks on machinery. Being responsible for producing formal manuals to support completion of these tasks.

Key requirements for this role, skills and qualifications:

  • NVQ Level 2 / BTEC in Engineering or equivalent.
  • 3 years’ experience in mechanical engineering.
  • 3 years’ experience of working in manufacturing environments.
  • Experience of repairing and maintaining motors, instruments, pumps, valves, gearboxes, and filling lines, etc.
  • Broad knowledge of pneumatic, air logic, pressure and hydraulic systems.
  • Willingness to gain skills in electrical fault-finding and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers).
  • Ability to read, interpret and understand technical documents and drawings.
  • Good understanding of Safe Systems of Work, proficient with Permit to Work, risk assessment and method statements Sound analysis and decision-making skills.
  • An open-minded, flexible attitude to meet the requirements of the business.
  • Able to communicate effectively.
  • Must have a willingness to develop people in increasing their skills on the plant.
  • Must be able to deal with people from other teams within the organisation and with people from external organisations.
  • Self-Management e.g., time management and personal development.

The working hours for this role are from Monday 8.00am to 4.30pm, Tuesday to Thursday 7.45am to 4.30pm and Friday 7.45am to 2.30pm.

Holidays 26 days plus bank holiday.

This role offers free parking on-site and other company benefits.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
General Farm Worker / Spray Operator
Sector: Environment and Agriculture
Salary: £11.44 - £13.70 per hour
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913620
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with an organisation based in the Sudbury area — actively seeking a General Farm Worker / Spray Operator to join their team.

You will assist with various tasks related to crop production, including spraying and applying herbicides to a high standard while ensuring all chemicals are used safely and correctly. Your duties will also include the timely and accurate transportation of fruit, other products, and machinery between locations. Additionally, you will be responsible for mowing, shredding, and performing other general tasks within your capability.

You will need to effectively communicate with other team members and ensure they comply with all relevant legislation, company policy and procedures.

Qualifications or desired skills:

  • Driving Licence (Essential).
  • Spray Qualifications - PA1 and PA2 (Desirable).
  • Good understanding of English.
  • Professional attitude and approach to work.
  • Excellent attention to detail.

Additional information:

  • This is a permanent role. The workload and tasks will vary depending on the time of season.
  • The contracted minimum hours will be 40 hours per week, with overtime after 48 hours and up to 60 hours in a week. Overtime is calculated at a time and a quarter.
  • You will be required to be flexible with working hours and with weekend work when required.
  • This role offers 28 days holiday pro-rata.
  • The position will be hourly paid. Competitive pay dependent on qualifications and experience.
  • On-site accommodation is available if required.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
1st / 2nd Line Support Engineer
Sector: Information Technology
Salary: £24,000 - £32,000 per annum
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913616
About the role

Just Recruitment seeks a 1st / 2nd Line Systems Engineer for a dynamic business based on the outskirts of Ipswich.

Due to the company’s location and the role requirements, you will need access to your own vehicle.

The company provides business managed IT and consultancy to clients across East Anglia and London with IT, voice, connectivity, mobile and security solutions, and services.

You will be a solid team player with outstanding technical skills, dedicated to delivering customer service excellence with a genuine drive to move forward in your career.

The position is varied, and you will be working with clients operating in many different sectors of business and industry ranging from care to law firms.

The role is a blend of PSA, RMM and telephone-based remote support delivered from the company’s office — a good telephone manner is essential!

You must be able to demonstrate your ability to take ownership of issues and see them through to a successful resolution in the most efficient, effective, communicative, and timely manner for the client.

You will have skills in the following areas:

  • Microsoft 365 and its offerings such as Exchange, SharePoint, Azure AD and Endpoint Manager. You will be required to configure and maintain Microsoft 365 Tenants.
  • Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, Word, Excel, etc).
  • You will be proficient in installations and setup of Windows 10/11 and Mobile Devices.
  • You will install and configure appropriate software for end users.
  • Diagnosing and troubleshooting IT issues. For example, in Exchange troubleshooting mail flow, configuration, and client issues.
  • You will be familiar with tools used to diagnose IT issues. For example, you will know how to utilise Event Viewer and Command Prompt.
  • Cyber security awareness is a must, and you will develop knowledge of antivirus protections and best security practices.

Benefits:

  • Company events
  • Company pension
  • On-site parking
  • Private Health care
  • Private Dental care
  • 25 Days Holiday Plus Public Holidays
  • Car Allowance
  • Phone Allowance
  • Commission
  • Cycle to work scheme

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Works Coordinator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913614
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, based on the outskirts of Colchester – looking to recruit a Works Coordinator, to join its vibrant and busy team.

The key purpose of this role is to liaise with all business departments to ensure that all works required on-site are completed within agreed time frames — using all available business resources effectively.

Key duties include:

  • Taking responsibility for agreeing timeframes and resources required — delivering the projects effectively and on time.
  • Taking responsibility for the day-to-day scheduling of all projects via business teams, and via external agencies and other suppliers as and when required.
  • Liaising with the Team Manager and Projects Manager to ensure that work carried out is in accordance with agreed time frames, deadlines are achievable and that all items are sourced in good time in order to deliver.
  • Negotiating with the wider business teams, to ensure receipt of detailed briefs to the Production Manager, providing concise brief to the Team Manager and enabling each Department Manager to brief their teams effectively.
  • Negotiating timeframes with wider business teams and ensuring a flexible approach is taken to scheduling and delivering all projects.
  • Arranging any external resource, and external requirements for goods to be delivered to the site, courier services, accommodation and additional equipment as required.
  • To promote the business in a professional manner at all times.

Key requirements for this role include:

  • Highly organised
  • Highly literate in IT — knowledge of Dropbox
  • Good geographical knowledge of the UK
  • Previous experience of coordinating jobs/work across a business
  • Calm demeanor
  • Ability to multi-task

The working hours for this role are 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Free parking is available on-site.

This role offers 20 days holiday, plus bank holidays and extensive company benefits.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
CNC Turner – Setter / Operator
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £37,173 - £44,607 per annum
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913615
About the role

Just Recruitment is looking for an experienced CNC Turner – Setter/Operator to join a dynamic and growing company’s team in Braintree.

You will work with Wickman CNC and BSA lathes, programming, setting, and operating 3-axis CNC Six Spindle and Cam Six Spindle Lathes to produce high-precision components.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Programming, setting, and operating Wickman CNC and BSA Cam lathe machines
  • Working with tight tolerances and high-spec materials
  • Ensuring all parts meet strict quality and performance standards
  • Reading and interpreting engineering drawings
  • Collaborating with engineers and quality inspectors to maintain precision and efficiency
  • Maintaining machines and ensuring a safe and clean working environment

Required skills include:

  • Proven experience as CNC Turner – Setter/Operator
  • Strong knowledge of 3-axis, CNC, Cam lathe, advantageous but not essential
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • High attention to detail and commitment to quality

We will consider skills transfer from grinding or milling to CNC turning.

You will be required to work on a rotating early and late shift:

Earlies:

  • Monday to Thursday,06.00 to 14.30
  • Friday, 06.00 to 13.30 (39 per week)

Lates:

  • Monday to Thursday,14.00 to 22.30
  • Friday, 13.00 to 20.30 (39 hours per week).

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
CNC Machine Setter Operator (Late Shift)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £35,360 - £37,440 per annum
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913612
About the role

A leading UK Supplier of premium building products, systems and solutions is recruiting for a CNC Machine Setter Operator to work on a permanent late shift.

Due to continued growth, the company is investing heavily in its people, machinery, and manufacturing site.

Late shift hours are:

Monday to Thursday, 2pm to 11pm = 36 hrs. (paid 0.5 hour lunch)
Friday, 2pm to 6pm = 4 hours
Total = 40 hours

Key requirements include:

  • Proven experience as a CNC Machine Setter Operator/Programmer
  • Working knowledge of diverse high-speed machinery and measurement tools
  • Previous setting/programming knowledge of CNC multi-spindle machines preferred
  • Previous Mazak CNC machine experience is advantageous
  • Ability to adapt to change
  • Tool setting
  • Part inspection

Role will involve:

  • Set up machines (calibration, cleaning, etc.) to start a production cycle
  • Produce components in accordance with layouts, drawings, sketches, production orders or verbal instructions, working to the stated limits of tolerance
  • Control and adjust machine settings (e.g., speed)
  • Feed raw material or parts to semi-automated machines
  • Inspect parts with precision and measuring tools
  • Test operation of machines periodically
  • Fix issues that might occur during the shift
  • Check output to spot any machine-related mistakes or flaws
  • Keep records of approved and defective units or final products
  • Maintain activity logs
  • Use of cranes and forklifts

Excellent benefits include:

  • Holidays: 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
  • Salary Sacrifice Pension
  • Scheme Cycle 2 Work Scheme
  • Quarterly Employee Recognition Scheme
  • Benefits Hub (Discounts, Rewards and Perks on 1,000s of brands)
  • Health and Wellbeing Employee Assistance Platform
  • Free Parking

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Fitter/Labourer
Sector: Property and Construction
Location: Sheffield
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913426
About the role

Just Recruitment seeks a Sheffield-based Fitter/Labourer for a nationwide manufacturing-based construction company known for high-quality solutions and excellent customer service. With extensive industry experience, they prioritise delivering top-quality products to clients.

This role involves travelling to sites to support the Team Leaders and will involve a lot of heavy work such as digging, lifting and manual labour.

Role requirements:

  • Willing to work long hours
  • Physical able and willing to do manual labour
  • CSCS card would be preferable
  • Manual labour experience is preferable
  • Driving licence is essential
  • Happy to stay away from home as required

Benefits include:

  • Competitive salary basic salary plus overtime
  • 20 days holiday plus bank holidays
  • Lots of progression is available as this company likes to promote within
  • Opportunity to be put through training courses

This is an excellent opportunity to join a vibrant company on a full-time, permanent basis.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Finance Manager
Sector: Accountancy, Banking and Finance
Location: Witham
Role: Part Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913607
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a Witham-based manufacturer seeking to recruit a part-time Finance Manager.

The role is three days a week, including Friday (preferably Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).

Responsibilities include managing financial accounting, monitoring/reporting systems, budgets, and preparing forecasts.

Key duties include:

  • Analyse financial reports and present findings to the board.
  • Supervise financial reporting and budgets.
  • Review company financial reports and seek ways to reduce costs.
  • Analyse market trends to maximise profits and find expansion opportunities.
  • Identify risks, propose solutions and manage stakeholder expectations.
  • Research and report on business performance influences.
  • Prepare and present statutory accounts to the Trial Balance Level.
  • Prepare all payroll, VAT and HMRC returns as well as Weekly Cashflow Forecasts.
  • Manage the purchase and sales ledger.
  • Responsibility for accounts receivable and payable ledgers.
  • Prepare monthly accruals, prepayments and accounting entries.

Qualities and skills required:

  • Strong leadership skills to motivate and manage teams effectively.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey complex financial information to financial experts and other interested parties.
  • Good problem-solving skills to identify potential financial issues and develop effective solutions to address them.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to handle changing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong ethics and integrity to maintain high standards of financial responsibility and accountability.

Qualifications required:

The ability to use main accounting and office software packages competently such as- Sage, Paperless, Microsoft Excel, Access and Word.
AAT Level 4.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more