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A review by readingisadoingword
The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This book was not exactly what I had expected.
By using Agatha Christie in the title and alluding to her infamous disappearance, I expected a fictionalised version of what happened to Agatha during this time. What I got however was the story of Nan O'Dea.
Nan's story was one of hard times, unfortunate circumstances and the suffocating judgment of women's conduct in the inter-war years. A "star-crossed" love affair and her sweetheart's illness change the course of her life, leaving her with a deep grief and an all encompassing obsession.
Nan's story was engaging and heart wrenching and would have stood on its own two feet without the inclusion of Agatha Christie.
Christie's disappearance feels somewhat shoe-horned in, as does the very briefly skimmed over murder mystery.
I think this is what didn't sit well with me - there was no need for Nan's story to be told through this medium.
I did like the relationships in the book: the friendships between the different women, the somewhat unsentimental view of marriage and the not so happy every after ending.
The narrative style was unsettling . The story is told through Nan's voice as if she were an omniscient narrator, whereas she recognises herself that she isn't. Her asides throughout drew me out of the story somewhat and it was occasionally hard to keep track.
The ultimate question surrounding Teddy remains essentially unanswered and I wasn't a fan of that ambiguity. I felt the reader needed a definite resolution to know whether Nan's ploys and sacrifices had been worth it.
So if you want a story about how young, pregnant, unmarried women were treated in the inter war years (in Ireland in particular) and the lengths they may go to for revenge and resolution, than this the book for you.
If you want a story about Agatha Christie and her disappearance then ... not so much.
I received this as an ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
By using Agatha Christie in the title and alluding to her infamous disappearance, I expected a fictionalised version of what happened to Agatha during this time. What I got however was the story of Nan O'Dea.
Nan's story was one of hard times, unfortunate circumstances and the suffocating judgment of women's conduct in the inter-war years. A "star-crossed" love affair and her sweetheart's illness change the course of her life, leaving her with a deep grief and an all encompassing obsession.
Nan's story was engaging and heart wrenching and would have stood on its own two feet without the inclusion of Agatha Christie.
Christie's disappearance feels somewhat shoe-horned in, as does the very briefly skimmed over murder mystery.
I think this is what didn't sit well with me - there was no need for Nan's story to be told through this medium.
I did like the relationships in the book: the friendships between the different women, the somewhat unsentimental view of marriage and the not so happy every after ending.
The narrative style was unsettling . The story is told through Nan's voice as if she were an omniscient narrator, whereas she recognises herself that she isn't. Her asides throughout drew me out of the story somewhat and it was occasionally hard to keep track.
The ultimate question surrounding Teddy remains essentially unanswered and I wasn't a fan of that ambiguity. I felt the reader needed a definite resolution to know whether Nan's ploys and sacrifices had been worth it.
So if you want a story about how young, pregnant, unmarried women were treated in the inter war years (in Ireland in particular) and the lengths they may go to for revenge and resolution, than this the book for you.
If you want a story about Agatha Christie and her disappearance then ... not so much.
I received this as an ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Sexual assault