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A review by dragoninwinterfell
The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
If this book had nothing to do with Agatha Christie, The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont would have been far better.
First, I like that the main perspective is from Nancy Neele. That gave this novel a unique view in comparison to other books that tackle the "mystery" of what happened during the nearly two weeks when Agatha Christie went missing. I liked how Nan is given more depth than just being the other woman. She's given a very interesting backstory as the narrative shifts back and forth between the present where she is pursuing a married man who is leaving his wife for her and her past as an impoverished young woman.
But again, the problem comes from the connection to Agatha Christie. If this was a novel that didn't try to draw connections to historical figures, it would have been far better. The weakest parts were those involving Agatha while the strongest were the completely fictionalized aspects with Nan's story. Nina de Gramont should have trusted that her own story and message could have stood on its own without trying to bring in historical figures.
First, I like that the main perspective is from Nancy Neele. That gave this novel a unique view in comparison to other books that tackle the "mystery" of what happened during the nearly two weeks when Agatha Christie went missing. I liked how Nan is given more depth than just being the other woman. She's given a very interesting backstory as the narrative shifts back and forth between the present where she is pursuing a married man who is leaving his wife for her and her past as an impoverished young woman.
But again, the problem comes from the connection to Agatha Christie. If this was a novel that didn't try to draw connections to historical figures, it would have been far better. The weakest parts were those involving Agatha while the strongest were the completely fictionalized aspects with Nan's story. Nina de Gramont should have trusted that her own story and message could have stood on its own without trying to bring in historical figures.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Misogyny, Rape, Violence