HOOK, LINE AND SINKER

LAST year we showcased the gripping intros of 10 iconic non-fiction adventure books so this year we’re quoting the gripping opening paragraphs of 10 iconic fiction adventure books, so without further ado...

The Swiss Family Robinson JOHANN DAVID WYSS

“For many days we had been tempest-tossed. Six times had the darkness closed over a wild and terrific scene, and returning light had often brought but renewed distress, for the raging storm had increased in fury until on the seventh day all hope was lost. We were driven completely out of our course; no conjecture could be formed as to our whereabouts. The crew had lost heart, and were utterly exhausted by incessant labour. The riven masts had gone by the board, leaks had been sprung