Book: The Christie Affair
Author: Nina de Gramont
Pages: 368
Read on: Kindle
Read in: ~4 hours
Plot Summary:
In 1926, Agatha Christie disappeared for 11 days. Only I know the truth of her disappearance.
I’m no Hercule Poirot.
I’m her husband’s mistress.Agatha Christie’s world is one of glamorous society parties, country house weekends, and growing literary fame.
Nan O’Dea’s world is something very different. Her attempts to escape a tough London upbringing during the Great War led to a life in Ireland marred by a hidden tragedy.
After fighting her way back to England, she’s set her sights on Agatha. Because Agatha Christie has something Nan wants. And it’s not just her husband.
Despite their differences, the two women will become the most unlikely of allies. And during the mysterious eleven days that Agatha goes missing, they will unravel a dark secret that only Nan holds the key to.
Things I Liked:
1. The world came to know about Agatha Christie's mysterious 11-day disappearance when the terrible book Gone Girl referenced that event as a plot inspiration. So, in 1926, for a period of 11 days, Dame Agatha went missing. When she was found, she claimed to not have any memory of what happened and stayed mum about her whereabouts for the rest of her life. The author has used this incident to weave a tale of intrigue and murder, which is so much better than Gone Girl! So, obviously, the premise and the execution of that premise is something this book gets snaps for.
2. The story is told from Nan O'Dea's perspective. Nan, a twenty-something secretary, is Agatha Christie's husband's mistress/ girlfriend. She tells the story of the days leading to and during Agatha's disappearance. Some of the events she claims to be a witness to, the rest she uses her imagination to fill in the blanks. Overall, the narrative flows smoothly and even the chapters that focus on Nan's backstory add to the overall plot and are nicely woven in.
3. The mystery that "only Nan holds the key to" is interesting and is loosely based on real events that took place in the years between WW1 and WW2. So, that was nicely done.
4. The treatment of the book is very inspired by quintessential Agatha Christie plots- a getaway, strangers in a hotel/ resort, a diverse cast of people- different ages, nationalities, a cop with sad backstory etc.- and, of course, murder. So, fans of Dame Christie will enjoy this story-within-a-story for sure!
5. The impact of World War 1 and its lingering, long-term effects on the survivors are very nicely brought out in this book. It is not only PTSD but also the essential death of joy and hope and a huge amount of survivor's guilt that a whole generation carried that was well conveyed in the book.
Things I Didn't Like:
1. Given Nan was the narrator and it was her story and her agenda that we were following, it was unfortunate that I never took to her. She remained unlikeable and slightly unhinged to me for the entirety of the book, which was even more reinforced by the final events of the book. The author has given her a moving and tragic backstory, but even that could not thaw the dislike that I felt for her. She seemed entitled, obsessive, deranged and cold. I guess, a lot of my dislike for Nan stems from my absolute adoration of Agatha Christie. So, to have a woman protagonist in this book, who wilfully decides to break Agatha's marriage because she believes that Agatha has something of hers, is not the most empathy and connect inducing route to take! I mean, was there anyone who was Team Nan in this book? Were we supposed to feel kindly towards Nan?! I hope not! I don't think I am the only one who felt this way, given most people who will pick up this book are Christie fans and they may not connect at all with Nan!
2. While the mystery that "Nan holds the key to" was interesting, it was so easy to guess and also very predictable! You immediately know who the two murdered guests are and also who the killers are! It is a little too easy! So, that bit was as fun as it could've been.
3. The ending makes very little sense! Don't want to spoil the book, but the decision taken by Agatha Christie regarding the hotel murders and the fate of the "thing" that Nan wants from her is just ridiculous! It would just not happen. It is not something any wife or mother would be okay with. And that is all I am saying on the subject.
Rating: 3.5/5
This is a quick, fluffy read. Go in with measured expectations. Read this book for the atmospheric setting and if you are fans of Agatha Christie!
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