A review by historic_chronicles
Death Comes as the End by Agatha Christie
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"'A trifle, a little, the likeness of a dream, and death comes as the end...'"
Renisenb has recently returned with her daughter to the family home belonging to her father, Imhotep, following the death of her husband. Aiming to resume the previous life she once lived alongside her brothers, their wives and children, her grandmother and various servants, Renisenb is relieved to be home while she grieves for the loss of her husband. However, when Imhotep returns from a business trip with a new concubine in tow, the beautiful yet ruthless Nofret, tensions rise within the household and death quickly descends upon the family.
For this month's #readchristie2023 the theme was "fall from a height".
This is a distinctly unique Christie novel in that it is the only work where Agatha Christie delved into historical fiction. Set in Thebes 2000BC, this novel came about through Christie having been challenged by Egyptologist Stephen Glanville to delve into the ancient history of Egypt. Christie, noted for her admiration of Egypt and ancient artefacts with her own husband being an archaeologist, was only too happy to oblige.
Christie's knowledge and appreciation of ancient history is clear to see throughout the novel and I found this a perfect choice for this month's reading challenge. The setting of the home against the west bank of the River Nile with its evocation of the heat made this a light read for later summer nights.
The build up in tension (and body count) gave way for high drama and a fun read, however I did find the characters inauthentic to their time period. With dialogue, actions and an inner monologue, I often felt that this same storyline could have been set in a period that was present for Christie herself and very little would have changed.
Overall, while I applaud Christie's devotion to the challenge, I unfortunately found the translation of a historical murder mystery to be slightly lackluster, yet still an enjoyable read if not taken too seriously.
Renisenb has recently returned with her daughter to the family home belonging to her father, Imhotep, following the death of her husband. Aiming to resume the previous life she once lived alongside her brothers, their wives and children, her grandmother and various servants, Renisenb is relieved to be home while she grieves for the loss of her husband. However, when Imhotep returns from a business trip with a new concubine in tow, the beautiful yet ruthless Nofret, tensions rise within the household and death quickly descends upon the family.
For this month's #readchristie2023 the theme was "fall from a height".
This is a distinctly unique Christie novel in that it is the only work where Agatha Christie delved into historical fiction. Set in Thebes 2000BC, this novel came about through Christie having been challenged by Egyptologist Stephen Glanville to delve into the ancient history of Egypt. Christie, noted for her admiration of Egypt and ancient artefacts with her own husband being an archaeologist, was only too happy to oblige.
Christie's knowledge and appreciation of ancient history is clear to see throughout the novel and I found this a perfect choice for this month's reading challenge. The setting of the home against the west bank of the River Nile with its evocation of the heat made this a light read for later summer nights.
The build up in tension (and body count) gave way for high drama and a fun read, however I did find the characters inauthentic to their time period. With dialogue, actions and an inner monologue, I often felt that this same storyline could have been set in a period that was present for Christie herself and very little would have changed.
Overall, while I applaud Christie's devotion to the challenge, I unfortunately found the translation of a historical murder mystery to be slightly lackluster, yet still an enjoyable read if not taken too seriously.