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Agatha Christie: A Biography
Traces the life of the popular British mystery writer, discusses her famous disappearance, and attempts to depict her complex personality
393 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 18, 2020
I have abandoned this book after 180 pages. It's so detailed that I've lost interest.
December 16, 2012
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. I'm so disappointed. The only authorized biography of Agatha Christie is a snoozer. So dull and so disappointing. I adore Agatha Christie and was excited to finally read her biography, my excitement was dulled almost immediately.
Janet Morgan was given full access to Christie's notes, diaries, pictures, etc. And from those, and interviews with people who knew her, she composed a very dull accounting of Christie's life. There was entirely too much detail about unnecessary things and it overshadowed the parts of Christie's life that was interesting.
Christie kind of fell into writing, starting out first writing sonnets and poetry. It wasn't until she was about 20 that she began writing stories. There was never an explanation, perhaps Christie herself didn't know, where her ideas for murder came from. She did study pharmacy extensively so her knowledge of poisons and such certainly contributed to her murders. The interesting part of Christie's life as an author was that while she enjoyed researching and developing story lines she thought the actual process of writing was all tedious and quite a chore. She also was not well educated in grammar and spelling and it seems a lot of editing had to happen in those two areas before the book could go to print. As she grew older it seems that maybe she began to enjoy the actual writing as well. She constantly was tinkering around with plots and characters and kept notebooks and scratch pads full of notes to jog her memory. Some of her characters created she didn't actually use until years after she thought of them. One thing, there were actually several, that annoyed Christie was the revelation that she was also the very popular author, Mary Westmacott. She wanted it to remain a secret pen name in which nobody ever knew it was also the very popular suspense author, Agatha Christie. But alas, she was "outed" rather early on in Westmacott's career and it bugged her until the day she died.
It's so unfortunate that Morgan's biography of Agatha Christie is so boring, so dull. I literally fell asleep several times while reading it. Christie's life wasn't that dull but Morgan certainly made it seem so.
Janet Morgan was given full access to Christie's notes, diaries, pictures, etc. And from those, and interviews with people who knew her, she composed a very dull accounting of Christie's life. There was entirely too much detail about unnecessary things and it overshadowed the parts of Christie's life that was interesting.
Christie kind of fell into writing, starting out first writing sonnets and poetry. It wasn't until she was about 20 that she began writing stories. There was never an explanation, perhaps Christie herself didn't know, where her ideas for murder came from. She did study pharmacy extensively so her knowledge of poisons and such certainly contributed to her murders. The interesting part of Christie's life as an author was that while she enjoyed researching and developing story lines she thought the actual process of writing was all tedious and quite a chore. She also was not well educated in grammar and spelling and it seems a lot of editing had to happen in those two areas before the book could go to print. As she grew older it seems that maybe she began to enjoy the actual writing as well. She constantly was tinkering around with plots and characters and kept notebooks and scratch pads full of notes to jog her memory. Some of her characters created she didn't actually use until years after she thought of them. One thing, there were actually several, that annoyed Christie was the revelation that she was also the very popular author, Mary Westmacott. She wanted it to remain a secret pen name in which nobody ever knew it was also the very popular suspense author, Agatha Christie. But alas, she was "outed" rather early on in Westmacott's career and it bugged her until the day she died.
It's so unfortunate that Morgan's biography of Agatha Christie is so boring, so dull. I literally fell asleep several times while reading it. Christie's life wasn't that dull but Morgan certainly made it seem so.
July 7, 2018
While Agatha Christie was obviously a super famous and successful mystery writer, the most interesting thing about her from a biographical perspective is the fact that she lived from 1890-1976. The descriptions of Agatha's early life -- growing up in a large house with servants, walking everywhere, being trained in lady-like subjects like music and painting -- are almost indistinguishable from a Jane Austen novel. Then there's a great stretch where Agatha and her first husband, Archie, go on a tour of the British Empire for his work, visiting locales like Burma, Rhodesia, and Ceylon. Later, after her divorce, she can just waltz into Cairo as a British subject and live like she never left home. The World Wars seem to change everything, and by the time of Agatha's death, she's inhabiting a world that feels much more like our own. It's an extraordinary stretch of history to have lived through, and I really enjoyed that aspect of the book.
Unfortunately, most other parts of the biography were not nearly so compelling. It's a lot more enjoyable to read Agatha's novels than it is to read about her process of writing them. And a ton of time was spent on her various financial troubles and constant bickering with her publishers. It's not a bad read overall, but the best parts were too few and far between.
Unfortunately, most other parts of the biography were not nearly so compelling. It's a lot more enjoyable to read Agatha's novels than it is to read about her process of writing them. And a ton of time was spent on her various financial troubles and constant bickering with her publishers. It's not a bad read overall, but the best parts were too few and far between.
January 29, 2008
I read this biography years ago. The book that is shown is a new edition of that book. This was an incredibly well researched book that tells the story of one of the most layered personalities that I have ever read. She went "missing" for almost two weeks sometime in the nineteen twenties, and to this day no one really knows what happened to her. It was suspected initially that she must have been kidnapped and feared dead. Her auto was found abandonded severall miles from her home. All these years later, the world still does not know the circumstances of her disappearance or even where she was during that time. Her second and very happy marriage was to Max Mallowan, an archaeologist. Ms. Christie, beginning in the ninetween thirties, spent many years living in Syria and Iraq helping him with his digs while continuing to write her books. She loved his work, the people, and the land. She felt very much at home in Baghdad, where they lived during these yeears. Her play, The Mousetrap, is one of the longest running theatrical productions in England and America. This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it.
January 18, 2023
An authorised biography from the 1980s produced with the help of Christie's family while daughter Rosalind was still alive, including access to Christie's letters and papers. No sensationalism, but a lot about her working relationships, especially with her literary agents in the UK and USA. The British agent in particular sounds like an absolute hero, protecting her from nastiness and gently encouraging her whenever required, as well as sending all sorts of things when she was excavating with Max in the Middle East.
I was afraid there would be a lot of overlap with Christie's autobiography, but (bearing in mind it's at least 10 years since I read that) I don't think there is, except in the account of her childhood where the autobiography was of necessity Janet Morgan's main source. There's perhaps more about plays and less about novel-writing than one might like, but still recommended for Christie fans.
I was afraid there would be a lot of overlap with Christie's autobiography, but (bearing in mind it's at least 10 years since I read that) I don't think there is, except in the account of her childhood where the autobiography was of necessity Janet Morgan's main source. There's perhaps more about plays and less about novel-writing than one might like, but still recommended for Christie fans.
February 22, 2021
Since this was the first authorized biography written about Agatha Christie, in which her daughter, Rosalind Hicks, in 1980 chose Janet Morgan to write, I knew I would have to eventually read this.
Perversely, I find myself sometimes entertained to discover that many reviewers find books I like quite dull. Such was the case with this book. I can respect the views that there was a lot of information packed in here. But this is a resource that many subsequent biographers, and Christie aficionados, have refered to: which includes letters, papers, and a multitude of accounts in order to give the most robust account of Christie's life, up to the point of its publication.
I especially enjoyed reading about Christie's early life. Typically, the subject's childhood can be a chore to get through, but I can't seem to get enough reading about Christie's youth. It was such a different time and place, almost magical.
Still, the fact that this was authorized by her daughter, while Rosalind was still very much alive, made it is difficult in places not to feel Morgan was being more respectful of (perceived) truths than she may have been had it been written later on. This is particularly obvious when recounting Christie's actions and motives during her mysterious 1926 disappearance and memory loss.
I think it is important to read various sources to get a clearer picture of Christie. I wasn't aware of her opinions on the Margaret Rutherford Miss Marple adaptations, so that was enlightening. And I know one must try to remain objective when reading about a beloved author that is a product of one's time and may hold politically incorrect views; including sexist comments which completely miss the point that not all women were as financially well-off and able to enjoy the pleasures Christie purports they are renouncing, such as in the following statement:
"Asked about the cause of women's increasingly active role, Agatha attributed it to 'the foolishness of women in relinquishing their position of privilege obtained after many centuries of civilisation. Primitive women toil incessantly. We seem determined to return to that state voluntarily-or by listening to persuasion, and therefore forfeiting the joys of leisure and creative thought and the perfecting of home conditions' "(page 350, hardcover).
In sum, I found this to be an invaluable, highly readable resource, which is highly recommended for Christie enthusiasts.
Perversely, I find myself sometimes entertained to discover that many reviewers find books I like quite dull. Such was the case with this book. I can respect the views that there was a lot of information packed in here. But this is a resource that many subsequent biographers, and Christie aficionados, have refered to: which includes letters, papers, and a multitude of accounts in order to give the most robust account of Christie's life, up to the point of its publication.
I especially enjoyed reading about Christie's early life. Typically, the subject's childhood can be a chore to get through, but I can't seem to get enough reading about Christie's youth. It was such a different time and place, almost magical.
Still, the fact that this was authorized by her daughter, while Rosalind was still very much alive, made it is difficult in places not to feel Morgan was being more respectful of (perceived) truths than she may have been had it been written later on. This is particularly obvious when recounting Christie's actions and motives during her mysterious 1926 disappearance and memory loss.
I think it is important to read various sources to get a clearer picture of Christie. I wasn't aware of her opinions on the Margaret Rutherford Miss Marple adaptations, so that was enlightening. And I know one must try to remain objective when reading about a beloved author that is a product of one's time and may hold politically incorrect views; including sexist comments which completely miss the point that not all women were as financially well-off and able to enjoy the pleasures Christie purports they are renouncing, such as in the following statement:
"Asked about the cause of women's increasingly active role, Agatha attributed it to 'the foolishness of women in relinquishing their position of privilege obtained after many centuries of civilisation. Primitive women toil incessantly. We seem determined to return to that state voluntarily-or by listening to persuasion, and therefore forfeiting the joys of leisure and creative thought and the perfecting of home conditions' "(page 350, hardcover).
In sum, I found this to be an invaluable, highly readable resource, which is highly recommended for Christie enthusiasts.
January 2, 2021
There was information. It was readable. That is about all I can say. Christie's life is rendered unutterably tedious, illustrated with few quotes except one letter randomly in full. Repetitive in places. And NO FOOTNOTES. NO SOURCES. NO CITATIONS. Which, frankly, renders the whole thing a bit pointless.
November 2, 2020
Jsem moc ráda, že jsem si tento životopis přečetla, určitě jsem se dozvěděla spoustu zajímavých informací o Agatě a jejím díle. Ale autorka je šílená grafomanka! Místy je to opravdu hodně rozvleklé a spousta věcí se opakuje pořád dokola, hlavně v druhé polovině.
February 27, 2013
Excellent biography of Christie, though a bit heavy on her theatrical writings and a little light on her later years.
March 7, 2024
DISCLAIMER: I'm not a big fan of non-fiction and this is the first biography I've read in 29 years of my life. I would also like to mention that I'm a MASSIVE fan of Agatha Christie so I mean no disrespect to the Queen of Mystery with my review.
Man, this book was a task. This might be the most difficult book I've ever read. The pace was slow, the details were too many and almost vestigial in nature. The only reason why I powered through this book and have not rated it 1 star is coz of my undying love and respect for Agatha Christie. I almost did not finish this one.
Man, this book was a task. This might be the most difficult book I've ever read. The pace was slow, the details were too many and almost vestigial in nature. The only reason why I powered through this book and have not rated it 1 star is coz of my undying love and respect for Agatha Christie. I almost did not finish this one.
August 21, 2009
To anyone who is a fan of Agatha Christi this is a book you will want to read.
December 29, 2012
Great-now I have to go back and reread all the books Christie names as her favorites.
July 29, 2021
Good, but too much about A.C.'s taxes. I liked Agatha Christie's autobiography better, and I loved her book, "Come Tell Me How You Live.".
January 3, 2021
Nový rok som odštartovala netradičným čítaním a to Životopisu Agathy Christie. Jej život a tvorba ma vždy fascinovali, a tak som bola nadšená, keď som v edičnom pláne @slovart_vyd videla túto knihu.
Obálka knihy je veľmi pekne spracovaná a rovnako aj kvalitná pevná väzba, čo som u tohto vydavateľstva zvyknutá a čo u nich oceňujem. Autorka knihy Janet Morgan, po oslovení Agathinej rodiny s ponukou na spracovanie biografie, mapuje Agathin život od narodenia až po smrť. Kniha je spísaná na základe výpovedí rodiny-špeciálne jej dcéry, priateľov, či spolupracovníkov a zápiskov samotnej kráľovnej detektívok. Aj keď som sa na čítanie veľmi tešila, natrápila som pri ňom a neužívala som si ako zvyčajne. Je veľmi obsiahla a detailne spracovaná, prevedia nás jej vzdelaním, ale aj finančnými problémami a vzťahmi. Prvých 100 strán bolo pre mňa utópiou. Potom to už bolo o niečo prehľadnejšie a zaujimavejšie čítanie, ale stále som mala pocit, že čítam nejakú učebnicu a to mám životopisy veľmi rada. Prekvapivo, knihu pokazila autorka asi až prílišnou detailnosťou.
Kniha nie je vyslovene zlá, ale nie je z tých, ktoré prečítate na jeden šup. Ja som ju čítala pomerne dlho a ideálne je, ju prekladať čítaním niečoho iného, živšieho. Keď som ju čítala jeden deň dlhšie, prichytila som sa, že myslím úplne na niečo iné a nie na informácie obsiahnuté v texte. Na druhej strane som sa dozvedela aj pikošky z jej života a pozadie jej literárnych diel a života, ktorý bol prinajmenšom zaujímavý a jej cestovateľské skúsenosti mi vyrazili dych. Takže ak si myslíte, že o Agathe Christie viete všetko, siahnite po tejto knihe, ktorá vás vyvedie z omylu. 📖
3.5⭐/5⭐
Obálka knihy je veľmi pekne spracovaná a rovnako aj kvalitná pevná väzba, čo som u tohto vydavateľstva zvyknutá a čo u nich oceňujem. Autorka knihy Janet Morgan, po oslovení Agathinej rodiny s ponukou na spracovanie biografie, mapuje Agathin život od narodenia až po smrť. Kniha je spísaná na základe výpovedí rodiny-špeciálne jej dcéry, priateľov, či spolupracovníkov a zápiskov samotnej kráľovnej detektívok. Aj keď som sa na čítanie veľmi tešila, natrápila som pri ňom a neužívala som si ako zvyčajne. Je veľmi obsiahla a detailne spracovaná, prevedia nás jej vzdelaním, ale aj finančnými problémami a vzťahmi. Prvých 100 strán bolo pre mňa utópiou. Potom to už bolo o niečo prehľadnejšie a zaujimavejšie čítanie, ale stále som mala pocit, že čítam nejakú učebnicu a to mám životopisy veľmi rada. Prekvapivo, knihu pokazila autorka asi až prílišnou detailnosťou.
Kniha nie je vyslovene zlá, ale nie je z tých, ktoré prečítate na jeden šup. Ja som ju čítala pomerne dlho a ideálne je, ju prekladať čítaním niečoho iného, živšieho. Keď som ju čítala jeden deň dlhšie, prichytila som sa, že myslím úplne na niečo iné a nie na informácie obsiahnuté v texte. Na druhej strane som sa dozvedela aj pikošky z jej života a pozadie jej literárnych diel a života, ktorý bol prinajmenšom zaujímavý a jej cestovateľské skúsenosti mi vyrazili dych. Takže ak si myslíte, že o Agathe Christie viete všetko, siahnite po tejto knihe, ktorá vás vyvedie z omylu. 📖
3.5⭐/5⭐
February 25, 2022
What I loved about this book is how it gives more information, details about Christie's life and corrects certain data that AC herself had gotten muddled over. It throws light on the yoke of taxation that Christie had to bear for much of her life.
The book is also delightfully matter-of-fact, almost dispassionate. Janet Morgan tries neither to defend Christie nor accuse her. She isn't a fangirl, yet she appreciates Christie's craft and hard work.
Did the author unconsciously mirror the approach of Rosalind Hicks, Agatha Christie's daughter, who commissioned the work? It's delicious to speculate.
If you are a fan of Agatha Christie's mysteries and want a casual look into her life, then please read her own Autobiography first. It's a whimsical, comforting, wonderful read although not strictly autobiographical and definitely not 'complete & comprehensive'. Once you complete that, give this a quick read to fill in the blanks.
If you are a budding Agatha Christie enthusiast—a 'crazy Christie lady' if you will—then you might have given this a wide berth because authorized biographies aren't the most exciting. I'd say finish Laura Thompson's 'Agatha Christie: An English Mystery' first (good read, though a bit speculative) and Jared Cade's 'Agatha Christie and the Eleven Missing Days' (scandalous and sad, but again, a good read) before you circle around to this.
The book is also delightfully matter-of-fact, almost dispassionate. Janet Morgan tries neither to defend Christie nor accuse her. She isn't a fangirl, yet she appreciates Christie's craft and hard work.
Did the author unconsciously mirror the approach of Rosalind Hicks, Agatha Christie's daughter, who commissioned the work? It's delicious to speculate.
If you are a fan of Agatha Christie's mysteries and want a casual look into her life, then please read her own Autobiography first. It's a whimsical, comforting, wonderful read although not strictly autobiographical and definitely not 'complete & comprehensive'. Once you complete that, give this a quick read to fill in the blanks.
If you are a budding Agatha Christie enthusiast—a 'crazy Christie lady' if you will—then you might have given this a wide berth because authorized biographies aren't the most exciting. I'd say finish Laura Thompson's 'Agatha Christie: An English Mystery' first (good read, though a bit speculative) and Jared Cade's 'Agatha Christie and the Eleven Missing Days' (scandalous and sad, but again, a good read) before you circle around to this.
January 1, 2025
A wonderful biography about a woman who not only was a great author who continues to reach audiences across the world, but also about a woman who seemed like she would have been someone worth knowing. A kind person, a good listener, and good friend… with a sense of humor and a curiosity that would have made her such an interesting person to know, especially if you became a part of her close circle of family and friends.
Although this is the only biography approved by Agatha’s protective daughter (Agatha’s husband, Max, had already passed), it’s not a mere hagiography. It touched on times when Agatha would be sensitive and when she would be querulous over book covers and blurbs. It showed how much random non-literary work those who managed her publishing had to do to keep their star author happy. And it touched on Agatha’s famous disappearance without being overly dramatic. Much preferred this to Lucy Worsley’s biography, which had too much of the author’s own opinions to my liking.
While this book does offer critiques of Christie’s writing, I never felt like the author was intruding into Agatha’s story in a way that was annoying or distracting. I could see myself reading this book again, and I am glad that I read it before reading Christie’s own autobiography. It will help fill in the blanks that are inevitably present when one presents a picture of oneself.
Although this is the only biography approved by Agatha’s protective daughter (Agatha’s husband, Max, had already passed), it’s not a mere hagiography. It touched on times when Agatha would be sensitive and when she would be querulous over book covers and blurbs. It showed how much random non-literary work those who managed her publishing had to do to keep their star author happy. And it touched on Agatha’s famous disappearance without being overly dramatic. Much preferred this to Lucy Worsley’s biography, which had too much of the author’s own opinions to my liking.
While this book does offer critiques of Christie’s writing, I never felt like the author was intruding into Agatha’s story in a way that was annoying or distracting. I could see myself reading this book again, and I am glad that I read it before reading Christie’s own autobiography. It will help fill in the blanks that are inevitably present when one presents a picture of oneself.
February 1, 2021
Brilliantly written!! Janet Morgan's respect & recognition for Christie's genius and privacy are evident throughout this book. She interweaves Christie's private and public lives, skilfully maintaining a wonderful balance between the two. I love how she offers insights into Christie's thought processes while approaching a novel; her continuous flow of ideas that she jotted hither tither; the inspiration she derived from friends, family, random strangers and pretty much everything she experienced; her love for theatre; and her willingness to reveal herself through her writing while zealously guarding her privacy in real life. This is the Christie I love and adore. The one I imagined in my head. The one that infuses my heart with joy and warmth every time I pick up one of her books. The only thing I feel badly about is how Christie grew to despise Poirot whom I absolutely adore :) This is in my opinion the perfect primer before I read Christie's autobiography.
I have all the Christie books and have decided to re-read them in publication order all through this year :) What a fantastic experience that will be!
I have all the Christie books and have decided to re-read them in publication order all through this year :) What a fantastic experience that will be!
July 12, 2018
As a Agatha Christie fan and life long reader of all of her works, I approach each book about her with trepidation as many authors take liberties about her writing and her life. Not the case here as this is the "definitive" Agatha Christie Biography. The author was granted full access to her papers, her work and her life by the family and publishers. I was pleased to see that this book encompasses her entire body of work as well as the differing timelines of her life.
Agatha Christie is the world's greatest author and that is why her work endures today. This biography stands alone as the author presents the real Christie to her readers. The Christie who brilliantly created so many time honored charcters , plays, movies and inspired millions to read her books. A excellent read for all Christie fans. Very well done to the author. I highly recommend this book for every Agatha Christie fan across the globe.
Agatha Christie is the world's greatest author and that is why her work endures today. This biography stands alone as the author presents the real Christie to her readers. The Christie who brilliantly created so many time honored charcters , plays, movies and inspired millions to read her books. A excellent read for all Christie fans. Very well done to the author. I highly recommend this book for every Agatha Christie fan across the globe.
December 27, 2020
I was very exited about this book since I just read Agatha Christie biography by National Geographic and it was delicious. Agatha Christie travel alone to the east, work as an archeologist many years, and did surf, her life was very different to the almost victorian house wife that they always make her look. With that say this biography by Jane Morgan is a bit boring, too many details told in a very dull way. In defense of the author it may be because Agatha Christie’s daughter gave permission to this book a bit against her will, she did it because she wanted to clear up her mother name in the face of speculations about her disappearance episode. So maybe the author was left no choice but to explain everything in a very administrative way.
There is a moment where Agatha travel with her mother to Egypt that is described in both National Geographic biography and on this one . Is a good example of how the same moment in time, being given the same information, can lead to a very different pice of writing, on the National Geographic biography is emotional, touching and even have some “truths about live moments” , on the biography by Jane Morgan this episode is a bit dull and boring.
There is a moment where Agatha travel with her mother to Egypt that is described in both National Geographic biography and on this one . Is a good example of how the same moment in time, being given the same information, can lead to a very different pice of writing, on the National Geographic biography is emotional, touching and even have some “truths about live moments” , on the biography by Jane Morgan this episode is a bit dull and boring.
December 17, 2023
A very good biography,complete,incisive and fair,written with the cooperation of the family but free from their interference.It is long ,which has caused some reviewers on this site to give up, but full of interest to eager fans,although perhaps that group is shrinking with the passage of time for it shows a world rapidly fading as modern tastes change.Nevertheless I enjoyed it especially the period of her strange disappearance for 10 days in 1926.This event is covered in detail and a reasonable explanation given.I skimmed the last quarter which covers her writings after 1945 as I haven’t read many of the books but again for enthusiasts it’ll be interesting.I enjoyed the sections dealing with her first marriage and the divorce,her disappearance,her archaeological adventures and second marriage to Max Mallowans,the writing of her classic stories,her financial problems with US earnings and her relationship with those wanting to film her books.So a good book for serious readers.
March 6, 2021
Agatha Christie é uma das minhas autoras preferidas, então sentia a necessidade de tentar conhecê-la melhor, não só como autora, mas também em sua vida pessoal.
Pensei muito em qual nota dar para o livro, apesar de um conteúdo muito bom, senti que a autora peca muito em como contar essa história. As vezes, mesmo em contextos interessantes, o texto é enfadonho, cheio de trechos e citações, uma atrás da outra, como se fosse um trabalho acadêmico.
Do meio pro final, é perceptível a melhora na condução do texto. Até mesmo porque parece que depois de chegar nos ano 50, a autora começa a explorar fatos da vida de Agatha que inspiraram seus contos e livros. É somente por essa segunda parte do livro que decidi aumentar pra 4 estrelas.
Foi um prazer conhecer Agatha Christie, e entender um pouco como sua mente funcionava, e como ela era influenciada pelos seus amigos, marido, teatro e viagens.
Pensei muito em qual nota dar para o livro, apesar de um conteúdo muito bom, senti que a autora peca muito em como contar essa história. As vezes, mesmo em contextos interessantes, o texto é enfadonho, cheio de trechos e citações, uma atrás da outra, como se fosse um trabalho acadêmico.
Do meio pro final, é perceptível a melhora na condução do texto. Até mesmo porque parece que depois de chegar nos ano 50, a autora começa a explorar fatos da vida de Agatha que inspiraram seus contos e livros. É somente por essa segunda parte do livro que decidi aumentar pra 4 estrelas.
Foi um prazer conhecer Agatha Christie, e entender um pouco como sua mente funcionava, e como ela era influenciada pelos seus amigos, marido, teatro e viagens.
May 13, 2022
Na jednej strane si vravim "konecne". Citat jednu knihu mesiac je pre mna nezvycajne a aj unavne. Na druhej strane mat mesiac za partacku Agatu je uzasny zazitok. Miestami mi vsak vadila snaha autorky vysvetlit a ospravedlnit mnohe Agatine chyby a omyly, cim vznika dojem bezchybnosti. Pripustit sem tam, ze Agata bola proste clovek ako kazdy, by jej hadam na jej legendarnosti neubralo. Neuveritelny je z mojho dnesneho pohladu zivot "smotanky" pred 100 rokmi na anglickom vidieku, resp. to, akym sposobom (cestovanie, nakupovanie, dane, dlhy...) Agata aj neskor zila. Na druhej strane ma tato kniha utvrdzuje, ze treba Agatu citat vzdy zas a znova.
March 17, 2025
Interesting at first with a lot of details and anecdotes, but by a little more than half-way through becomes a delving into the business of publishing, legal taxation of non-resident authors, and the difficulties of theater punctuated by lists of people, places, and dishes eaten. Good for getting the whole of Agatha Christie the author, not so good for a story of the life of Agatha Christie (not intended by the author).
June 28, 2020
A full and compelling account
This is a detailed history of the development of the most popular crime writer of her time. It gives insight into her personality and times and the growth of her different novels. A fascinating read and a must for any Christie fan.
This is a detailed history of the development of the most popular crime writer of her time. It gives insight into her personality and times and the growth of her different novels. A fascinating read and a must for any Christie fan.
March 14, 2018
This is a very readable biography well set out and emphasising Christie's desire for privacy.
May 21, 2021
Very good book.
October 24, 2021
Very interesting concerning author’s explanation (vision) on the background of Orient-Express.
September 8, 2024
I can already tell that my copy of this book is going straight into the trash as soon as I'm finished. Not because the story is bad. It isn't. No, because halfway through the spine busted, three-quarters through it broke again, and nearly done it suffered catastrophic spinal failure. Normally, I just superglue and tape them back together, but this one reeks of mold, despite spending a week drying out in my Questionable Quality book holding pen. It's just too badly damaged to keep.
Although, I'm not quite sure I would keep it even if it hadn't literally fallen apart. Once you've read a biography, do you ever want to reread it again? Particularly when it is a famous person, and you can easily find another book that tells the same events from a different perspective?
Anyways, I gave this an extra star for all the book mentions sprinkled throughout, although by rights that should have downgraded it a star. I had finally pruned my swollen TBR list, and it's bloated again. Not only are there a few Christie's that I've somehow managed to miss, a lot of the books she read sounded like ones I would enjoy. So far, they are a better match for my taste in literature than Goodreads' recommendations! The automated ones, that is. The human ones tend to be spot-on, or at least they kindle my interest in other books, which is just as great.
Although, I'm not quite sure I would keep it even if it hadn't literally fallen apart. Once you've read a biography, do you ever want to reread it again? Particularly when it is a famous person, and you can easily find another book that tells the same events from a different perspective?
Anyways, I gave this an extra star for all the book mentions sprinkled throughout, although by rights that should have downgraded it a star. I had finally pruned my swollen TBR list, and it's bloated again. Not only are there a few Christie's that I've somehow managed to miss, a lot of the books she read sounded like ones I would enjoy. So far, they are a better match for my taste in literature than Goodreads' recommendations! The automated ones, that is. The human ones tend to be spot-on, or at least they kindle my interest in other books, which is just as great.
December 18, 2025
Very interesting.
May 8, 2017
Interesting, but sometimes veered a little on the over-explain-y side. But on the whole I enjoyed it, and it was nice to find out more about Agatha
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