Scan barcode
A review by amandasbookreview
The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
“In all the years since Agatha Christie disappeared, amid all the conjecture about her state of mind, and her activities, and her motives, not a single person has ever come to me for answers…”
THE CHRISTIE AFFAIR
Thank you, Nina de Gramont, NetGalley, and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book. It was released on February 1st, 2022.
When I first saw the cover of The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont, I had to have it. The cover just screams 1920s glamor. Then I read the synopsis and I have even more desperate to get my hands on this book. In the year 1926, Archie Christie has told his wife, Agatha that he wants a divorce. He has been having an affair with Nan O’Dea. Upon hearing this news, Agatha is distraught. On December 3rd, 1926, Agatha Christie disappears for 11 days. The police are called out in full force, searching everywhere, and even dredging up lakes. When she turns up the only explanation she gives is “I can’t remember.” But everyone has their secrets, including Agatha and Nan.
Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, rape, birth trauma
What was I expecting? It has been almost 100 years since the 11-day disappearance of Agatha Christie, and Agatha nor the family ever discussed the matter. It has always been an intriguing moment, especially since Agatha Christie is legendary for her mystery books. I was intrigued that this book would cover the disappearance from the perspective of the mistress, who in real life is named Nancy Neele. I assumed there would be a little mystery inside the mysterious disappearance, maybe even some inspired by her works. To be fair, there is a little mystery but it comes 250 pages too late. The book starts strong and then it drags. It becomes the Nan Show and Agatha disappears just like in reality. When Nan’s true intentions come to light, I just didn’t care anymore.
Even so, the whole plot becomes so far-fetched. This is supposed to be historical fiction about a prominent woman who accomplished so much in her time, but it ends up completely erasing her. I can’t imagine that the Christie estate or even the family of Nancy Neele are pleased with how their family members were portrayed in this book. However, it was heartbreaking to see the treatment of women who found themselves pregnant and sent to the convent where their babies are stripped away from them.
Then there are the time-jumps and point-of-view changes. It will just switch without warning, giving rough transitions and slowing the pace. In fact, some transitions did not make sense to me, I would have to go back and reread to figure out why it switched or if I missed something. Needless to say, I was so disappointed in this book that was one of my most anticipated reads for this year. I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, rape, birth trauma
What was I expecting? It has been almost 100 years since the 11-day disappearance of Agatha Christie, and Agatha nor the family ever discussed the matter. It has always been an intriguing moment, especially since Agatha Christie is legendary for her mystery books. I was intrigued that this book would cover the disappearance from the perspective of the mistress, who in real life is named Nancy Neele. I assumed there would be a little mystery inside the mysterious disappearance, maybe even some inspired by her works. To be fair, there is a little mystery but it comes 250 pages too late. The book starts strong and then it drags. It becomes the Nan Show and Agatha disappears just like in reality. When Nan’s true intentions come to light, I just didn’t care anymore.
Even so, the whole plot becomes so far-fetched. This is supposed to be historical fiction about a prominent woman who accomplished so much in her time, but it ends up completely erasing her. I can’t imagine that the Christie estate or even the family of Nancy Neele are pleased with how their family members were portrayed in this book. However, it was heartbreaking to see the treatment of women who found themselves pregnant and sent to the convent where their babies are stripped away from them.
Then there are the time-jumps and point-of-view changes. It will just switch without warning, giving rough transitions and slowing the pace. In fact, some transitions did not make sense to me, I would have to go back and reread to figure out why it switched or if I missed something. Needless to say, I was so disappointed in this book that was one of my most anticipated reads for this year. I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Kidnapping