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A review by megelizabeth
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
"There was something magical about an island - the mere word suggested fantasy. You lost touch with the world - an island was a world of its own. A world, perhaps, from which you might never return."
As a mystery, this is very solid, with a strong atmosphere and sense of place, an intriguing cast of characters, and great building of tension and suspense. I had various theories throughout, none of which were quite right, and felt satisfied, if not entirely shocked, with the ending. This book does some really interesting things, and I can definitely see why it has remained so popular and has influenced so much other work.
In talking about this book, I don't think you can ignore its racist history. Although I read a version with these traces removed, and I wouldn't have known had I not been prompted by other reviews to do some research, I do still feel uncomfortable with regard to the wider context of the book, and it's difficult to entirely separate the newer, revised editions from the original. I really would urge anybody who isn't aware to educate themselves accordingly, as plot-wise this is a great book, and I'm glad that I've now read it, but that doesn't mean we should discount its history.
As a mystery, this is very solid, with a strong atmosphere and sense of place, an intriguing cast of characters, and great building of tension and suspense. I had various theories throughout, none of which were quite right, and felt satisfied, if not entirely shocked, with the ending. This book does some really interesting things, and I can definitely see why it has remained so popular and has influenced so much other work.
In talking about this book, I don't think you can ignore its racist history. Although I read a version with these traces removed, and I wouldn't have known had I not been prompted by other reviews to do some research, I do still feel uncomfortable with regard to the wider context of the book, and it's difficult to entirely separate the newer, revised editions from the original. I really would urge anybody who isn't aware to educate themselves accordingly, as plot-wise this is a great book, and I'm glad that I've now read it, but that doesn't mean we should discount its history.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Suicide
Moderate: Misogyny, Child death, and Racism
Minor: Alcoholism