When I was a teenager—probably around 14—I remember a summer that mostly involved sitting in a beach chair by the lake in my backyard, reading Agatha Christie novels and taking a swim or a sail every now and then. I had a great tan that summer, and I remember the satisfaction of finishing one mystery and picking up the next one immediately.I've been telling my 13-year-old daughter about that idyllic Agatha Christie summer, so I picked up Murder on the Orient Express to see if the mystery still satisfied me. There was my old friend with the awkward name, Hercule Poirot, given the task of finding a murderer. (I read the books before I took
French, so I can only imagine how I pronounced that name in my head.) And the mystery unfolded with layer after layer of lies and deceit, mixed with coincidences—or not. Of course I didn't have any recollection of how the whole thing turned out, since my last reading was 30 years ago. That was a nice surprise.So am I going to go on another Agatha Christie reading spree? Nah. I might pick up another couple sometime when I need a break between heavy reading, but that's probably about it. But I do think I'll encourage my daughter to give Christie a try this summer. Too bad we don't live on a lake.
I told someone else that I plan to go on an Agatha Christie re-read binge someday when I'm really old and have forgotten all of the characters and plots and endings. I, too, have fond memories of reading mystery after mystery when I was a teen and young adult.
ReplyDeleteNot much words to describe the sheer brilliance of Christie. Not to mention her creation "Poirot" ! Of all the "Poirot" editions this is one which kept me away from my 'general' studies,character presentation,plot sequence,choice of words,superiority of the protagonist,all these nano marvels add to the supremacy and universality of this novel,and this happens to be one of her best ! And do not forget to brush up on your French,you will be needing it,piecemeal. Bonne lecture !
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