She may be loudly reviled by some for her views on transgender issues and women’s rights, but that hasn’t stopped thousands hailing the opening line of JK Rowling’s first Harry Potter novel as one of the greatest ever.

The opening words to Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone have been voted among the most memorable and captivating opening lines from the world of literature by Amazon readers.

Setting the scene for the story of the orphan wizard, Rowling writes: “Mr and Mrs Dursley of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.”

The line came fifth in a poll of British readers by the online books retail giant, with 22 per cent of those taking part choosing it as their favourite.

Continue here: The Telegraph