Book Reviews: The Mystery of Mrs. Christie; Miss Austen
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict (Sourcebooks Landmark, 2021)
Historical novelist Marie Benedict tackles a nearly century-old mystery: Why did Agatha Christie suddenly vanish for 11 days in the winter of 1926, and where did she go? Christie herself never revealed the answers to these questions, so the subject is fertile ground for speculation.
The strength of Benedict’s book is her structure. She alternates chapters between Agatha in the past (first person) and Agatha’s husband, Archie (third person) in the present, allowing her to cover both the history that led to the disappearance, and the reactions of everyone involved as the disappearance stretches on. As Agatha’s narrative catches up to the present, Benedict eventually presents us with an unusual confrontation and an explanation that’s really ingenious. Based on all she’s shared with us about Agatha’s history and values—and apparently she did her research carefully—her theory about the disappearance makes perfect sense.
But with all this going for the book, I wish the author’s style were stronger. She parcels out information in an awkward manner, telling us first that young Agatha’s going husband-hunting and then that, oh, by the way, she’s already engaged. She has an unfortunate habit of repeating herself, so that, for instance, Agatha tells us on one page that Archie’s eyes are an “intense blue” and then “discover[s]” eight pages later that his eyes are “a remarkable bright-blue shade.” At one point, Benedict identifies the same person twice in one sentence.
On top of all that, the prose is unremarkable, Archie’s part of the action is pretty static, and the characters are flat. (That last part, honestly, is perhaps not so inappropriate, considering it’s Agatha Christie were dealing with. Her plotting was second to none, but she had that awful habit of shoving facts and observations about a character in our faces instead of letting them develop organically, e.g., “That woman is a Bright Young Thing. She will now act like a Bright Young Thing. Because that is what Bright Young Things do.” And on, and on. But I digress.)
This is a story worth telling, but I can’t help wishing it were better told. It might be worth picking up if you’re looking for a light read with a moderate amount of suspense, but not if you’re looking for really strong storytelling and beautiful prose.
Miss Austen by Gill Hornby (Flatiron Books, 2020)
If you are looking for beautiful prose, I can wholeheartedly recommend this novel, which focuses on the later years of Jane Austen’s beloved sister, Cassandra. In this scenario, Cassandra arrives at the vicarage in Kintbury to stay with an old friend’s family. Ostensibly she wants to help the old friend’s daughter, who is preparing to move after her father’s death. But Cassandra has a secret mission. She’s searching for a stash of letters written long ago by Jane—letters that may contain secrets that need to be hidden.
That sounds as if it’s going to lead to something juicy. The great achievement of this novel is that it leads in other, unexpected directions. Somewhat like Jane Austen herself, Gill Hornby understands the things that matter most deeply to us, and that need to be kept private, are the things that take place solely within our minds and hearts. She also demonstrates an understanding that a person, single or married, can be truly satisfied with her life and yet sometimes experience longing and pain over what can never be. Her characters are rich in relationships—and, in Jane’s case, extraordinarily gifted—but still face very real struggles of all kinds, from emotional to financial.
Writing a story involving Jane Austen in any way must be one of the most difficult tasks a writer can set herself, but Hornby rises to the challenge with sensitivity, wit, and grace. I loved the originality and realism with which she tackled Cassandra’s and Jane’s lives, and the nuance she brought to their story. Miss Austen is one of the best novels I’ve read so far this year.
Book Links
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie at Amazon
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie at Bookshop
Miss Austen at Amazon
Miss Austen at Bookshop
Other Links
I got to talk about my book Dorothy and Jack on The Dorothy L. Sayers Podcast with Lindsey Anne Scholl! Here’s part one of the interview, and I’ll share the link to part two when it’s out.
And speaking of podcasts, many thanks to Michael Jensen and Megan Powell du Toit of the Australian podcast With All Due Respect for saying lots of lovely things about my book! You can hear the episode here.