Addiction
This post delves into the topic of addiction in fiction.
The Queen of Mystery Agatha Christie has used addiction in quite a few stories including the famed The Horses of Diomedes.
Some of the other books that explore the concept of addiction are The Victory Ball Affair, The Capture of Cerberus. These two stories deal with plain drug addiction.
In Curtain, she writes about addiction to power and blood in the character of X.
In some stories like Herb of Death, (spoiler alert!) addiction to a young ward results in murder.
In stories such as After the Funeral and Pocket Full to Rye, an obsession for money turns into an addiction to the idea of getting at money. And this leads to gruesome murders and deception. It also can be seen in Mysterious Affair at Styles.
Allied to this, the story that best matches the masterful writing of Agatha Christie in the theme of addiction is Amanda Prowse‘s Food of Love.
This is an emotional roller coaster as far as the story is concerned. It’s basic story is how the lives of a family of four is turned on its head when the younger child is discovered to have an eating and body image disorder.
The descriptions are simply brilliant.
Whether it’s the emotions of helpless parents, the sibling who is scared, and resentful and just confused or the child herself trying to battle her demons, peer pressure and hide her condition- they were authentic and scarily real.
The descriptions of the clinics and interactions with doctors were limited but they serve their purpose well.
And of course, the way ordinary lives get devastated is what I felt was most powerful. Because it can happen to anyone, any family and leave its scars forever. A frightening reminder of the scary times children and teens go through in this age.
I loved the book. While reading I was constantly teetering between I can’t read: take this anymore and I need to see how it ends. The best sort of riveting book, in my opinion. Do give it a shot and let me know what you think.
Also, what book comes to your mind when you think of addiction? Also, which one of Agatha Christie is your favorite?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
