The opening line of a book needs to catch a reader's attention. It's vital. The author wants you to feel compelled to read on, interested in what happens next and even surprised.
But we love it when writers choose to make that crucially important opening line funny – and what a feat when they have only a few words to play with. In fact, you have to be something of a literary great to get it right.
There aren't many genuinely funny opening lines, but we've done the hard work for you, selecting 32 of the most humorous, bizarre and mirth-filled opening lines of books from literary history. Not only do we hope that these lines will brighten up your day, they might compel you to pick up some of these literary masterpieces, too.
The funniest lines in books
- Enjoyed these opening lines? Read our guide to literature's greatest opening paragraphs.
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