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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
this was rather disappointing. i didn't have any clear expectations, i didn't anticipate a certain type of story, what i had was a bit of an abstract idea of what this book would be like; a thrilling story full of mystery and intrigue where you have a lot of things you need to figure out. i expected to be sort of like typical spy stories, but with christie's traditional style, which means that there would be many unexpected twists that follow a certain pattern. although i hadn't expected any of the twists, they weren't shocking or surprising as they usually are.
the character writing was also quite bad. the characters were just vague ideas of people; you didn't get much detail about them, which makes sense in this type of story because it's probably done to create intrigue, but it didn't really do that here. i suppose it's because the characters themselves are just not that interesting, and i usually find her cast to be unusual and intriguing (because she places very different people together in complicated situations like murders).
the descriptions were nice, at best. they weren't that vivid but i could imagine the characters and the setting quite well. i do like the many different places that the characters visited here; the scenery was incredibly enjoyable to imagine.
the last thing that i want to comment on is the racism. usually, older books would have a few racist comments that are made in passing, which, although they are awful, make sense considering the history. here, however, they weren't just a few comments, and there were some moments that i found simply uncomfortable because of the racism.
overall, this was a dissatisfying read because i expected more weird and interesting twists and elements that would make the story exciting. i think that it started off pretty decently, got rather boring in the middle and had the ending a bit rushed. i wouldn't really recommend this book to others; i think that christie has written better than this.
the character writing was also quite bad. the characters were just vague ideas of people; you didn't get much detail about them, which makes sense in this type of story because it's probably done to create intrigue, but it didn't really do that here. i suppose it's because the characters themselves are just not that interesting, and i usually find her cast to be unusual and intriguing (because she places very different people together in complicated situations like murders).
the descriptions were nice, at best. they weren't that vivid but i could imagine the characters and the setting quite well. i do like the many different places that the characters visited here; the scenery was incredibly enjoyable to imagine.
the last thing that i want to comment on is the racism. usually, older books would have a few racist comments that are made in passing, which, although they are awful, make sense considering the history. here, however, they weren't just a few comments, and there were some moments that i found simply uncomfortable because of the racism.
overall, this was a dissatisfying read because i expected more weird and interesting twists and elements that would make the story exciting. i think that it started off pretty decently, got rather boring in the middle and had the ending a bit rushed. i wouldn't really recommend this book to others; i think that christie has written better than this.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is my first time reading this novel. I’m not usually into spy stories, but I picked it as my book club’s monthly read, and I’m glad I did! I enjoyed it. Christie has a fantastic imagination, and the detail she provides about the characters and settings is brilliant. Even though not much action occurs most of the time, you never really notice it because you’re eager to discover what happens next. I found the ending disappointing; I expected high drama, but it felt very matter-of-fact. Nonetheless, it’s an excellent read.
A typical Agatha mystery: good and full of twists and turns. This one is a lot of identity switching. You don't know who is really who and what side he/she is on.
Destino desconocido, (Destination unknown) 1955
Agatha Christie
@editorialmolino
Agatha Christie
@editorialmolino
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
As an ardent fan of AC, I’d be almost at a lost to pick my fave of hers when asked for a recommendation, simply because she has such an admirable body of work that it’s hard to go wrong with any of her titles. Though my fave of hers are usually her murder mystery or crime as opposed to her espionage or state secrets, I’d still enjoy her works regardless. The writing is simply exquisite!
After reading Passenger to Frankfurt however, I became more cautious. My lack of interest in the story produced a vehement denial that there was amongst AC’s books that simply was not my cup of tea. Since then I dreaded reading her standalones, especially when no mystery/murder was involved, only big brother type of espionage nonsense.
Regretfully, Destination Unknown ranked No. 2, closely behind Passenger to Frankfurt in terms of the least interesting AC. Don’t get me wrong, the stories could still appeal to readers who enjoy espionage and thrillers but as fans of AC who have loved her for her signature crime fiction, these two lacked the same intense arc you’d get with her more famous whodunits.
When many scientists and brainiacs in various parts of the world simply vanished, it raised alarm for the people who care about the impacts of the inventions of these scientists. A member of concerned government official decided to track the wife of a missing scientist to find clues as to his whereabouts. However, a freak accident caused the plane that the wife was on to crash and curbed all further activities. The official used this setback as an opportunity to employ a woman who had similar features as the wife to act as a spy on their behalf.
The blurb itself was interesting but I couldn’t get into the story. Many parts of the story involved the lady sleeping due to her mental health, as well as the conditions she was in. I wished there was more to the characters to compensate for the lack of thrilling plot, but I was left disappointed right towards the end.
Now if you ask for AC recs, I know which ones to name for readers to avoid!
I like Hillary Craven (or is it with one "L"? Not sure, as I listened to this book) and I like it when Agatha delves into the spy genre.
A quick and fun read that feels a little Ayn Rand, a little James Bond, and little Agatha all rolled into one.
A quick and fun read that feels a little Ayn Rand, a little James Bond, and little Agatha all rolled into one.
I really enjoyed this book and its many twists and turns. I never knew what to expect. It isn't exactly the murder mystery that Agatha Christie usually supplies, but I loved it all the same. People in disguise, rich madmen, and the young scientists of the world, all together in this book. I loved the ending the most!
Pretty good little spy novel, although some of the twists were a little far fetched, even for me who easily suspends their expectations of realism.
Still, an interesting peek into 1950's spying. Enjoyable, but forgettable among AC's greater works. Was a great pallette cleanser and change of pace book.
3.85 STARS
Still, an interesting peek into 1950's spying. Enjoyable, but forgettable among AC's greater works. Was a great pallette cleanser and change of pace book.
3.85 STARS