There’s an inherent danger of disappointment in revisiting things you once loved – by the same logic that tells us we can never stand int eh same river again, certain experiences can’t be expected to remain the same. We change, our ideas, standards and preferences change. Is it fair to expect books/an author who delighted us once to continue to do so throughout time?
Well, I’m delighted to say that in case of Agatha Christie the answer is a resounding yes. Sometimes classics are classics for a reason – it means they can withstand the test of time with grace and still maintain a certain appeal to a variety of audiences. I’ve not read Christie is ages, only watched various movie adaptations, and this collection was an absolute pleasure to spend time with. I’ve read a bunch of golden age mysteries and few and far in-between have the same effortless appeal, charm and timeless quality to them as Christie’s work. Sure, some of the language is dated – words like ejaculation have long been relegated to an entirely different level of meaning. Sure, some of the gender attitudes have changed since. But overall, these stories are remarkably free of the sort of patina that normally mars older works. These stories are still interesting and fun and the puzzles within them are still puzzling. This collection comprises stories of crimes of passion (or its opposite for that matter), but it’s all about love. There’s even a lovely excerpt from Christie’s biography at the end, where she wryly discusses the two misfire (albeit not lethally so) affairs of her youth. All in all, a very enjoyable read that only serves to prove Christie’s legendary status as the Master of Suspense. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
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