There is so much in what you say, Laura, on the begrudgers of Christie's success: misogyny, other crime writers being patronising (& envious), a clubbish mentality (she's not one of us) and academic sneering. You have done a great job of giving Agatha her due, so well done. Hope you're having a very happy birthday.
This birthday treat is for your readers, when birthdays should be the other way round. But we accept with gratitude, given the sea of attitude that surrounds us. In my mind, critics and merch creators alike miss the point. They miss the spare staging, the geometry that compels as it does in any artistic first sketch, in which all that needs to be said is said. That first impression, that isn't ruined by excessive description.
But you, unlike them, get it.
Thank you, Laura, for this gift. Wishing you the happiest day!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, Laura! And what old curmudgeons, pulling Agatha down! I agree that there is more than a hint of misogyny at play there, as well as professional jealousy. As I've stated before, I don't read crime fiction (though enjoy watching it) but your study here reminds me of Daphne du Maurier, who is one of my favourite 20th century novelists. Her works were also often derided by critics, seen as "populist" rather than as part of the literary canon. But her books are also dark, mysterious, plot heavy masterpieces (IMHO, anyway!)
As a random addition, have you seen the new crime drama The Residence on Netflix? Just watched it and thought it was an unusual and entertaining watch!
Thanks so much Kate - the du Maurier analogy is very apt. I remember finding a lovely letter from Daphne to Agatha, about how she had wanted to see if she could write a novel without naming her heroine... I too think she is a tremendous and effective writer. Love her short stories.
Don't have Netflix at the moment, you may have tempted me into one of my occasional sign-ups....
Happy birthday, Laura! I hope you & your mother both enjoy your birthday celebrations at Ham House and that the sun shines for you and that the wind has gone. How generous to write us a post on your special day, rather than taking the whole day for yourself. And another good piece on Agatha too. Thank you.
Thanks so much Sue! It was, as they used to say, one I prepared earlier... Ham House was a highly-recommended delight and the weather came good, so an exceptionally nice day.
Always enjoy your writings about Christie, and I always learn more. Disappointed in Ruth Rendell though - had no idea she was AA (anti-Agatha), shame as I love her writing as Barbara Vine.
Happy Belated Birthday, Laura. And thank you for your Agatha gift to us! I LOVE her, and really appreciate your going to battle on her behalf! + Really like the statue and news of the new centre!
Oh thank you Victoria! I’m so delighted that you enjoy my Agatha posts - she really is my favourite subject to write about… Can’t wait to see the statue in real life. I think it’s lovely.
Happy birthday, Laura and congratulations on such a splendidly rich essay. I think the world owes you a debt of gratitude for your role in revising Christie's reputation. The sight of so many writers queuing up to disparage her work in previous years is deeply unedifying. I particularly admire how you have maintained a positive yet nuanced view of her work against such a barrage of hostillity.
It's also great to see the photo of her statue in Torquay, a town I have known all my adult life.
Waking up to this comment was a wonderful thing! Thank you Jeffrey - you are truly generous and what you say is GREATLY appreciated. I really like that statue! She looks so at home - as indeed she is.
No generosity needed on my part – just honest gratitude for the way you have opened up new vistas in the familiar landscape of English writing by giving Christie her proper place there.
This is such an excellent piece. As a Christie fan, I am uninterested in whether she is in or out of fashion; to me, she is a legend of crime writing, and you do a wonderful job of being an Agatha Advocate for sure!
I'm so glad that she's been reassessed - and well done for your part in it! And I'm always interested in what people's first Christie was. Mine was Destination Unknown which was a bit of a random way to start but I was hooked from then on.
Thank you Harriet. That IS random! - although I rather love that book... Yes, the first AC is an interesting question. I also remember reading Evil Under the Sun pretty early on which I think was very formative, really pure strong Christie.
There is so much in what you say, Laura, on the begrudgers of Christie's success: misogyny, other crime writers being patronising (& envious), a clubbish mentality (she's not one of us) and academic sneering. You have done a great job of giving Agatha her due, so well done. Hope you're having a very happy birthday.
That's so lovely Ann - and very much appreciated. As you know she is close to my heart, I simply can't imagine life without her, like no Beatles!!!!
Had a lovely day thank you x
This birthday treat is for your readers, when birthdays should be the other way round. But we accept with gratitude, given the sea of attitude that surrounds us. In my mind, critics and merch creators alike miss the point. They miss the spare staging, the geometry that compels as it does in any artistic first sketch, in which all that needs to be said is said. That first impression, that isn't ruined by excessive description.
But you, unlike them, get it.
Thank you, Laura, for this gift. Wishing you the happiest day!
How kind Maria - thank you. Wonderful comment to get from one who truly 'gets' Agatha!!!
Happy Easter to you x
Very best wishes to you , Laura. Enjoy the respite! Some glorious weather here; hopefully there too! Xx
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, Laura! And what old curmudgeons, pulling Agatha down! I agree that there is more than a hint of misogyny at play there, as well as professional jealousy. As I've stated before, I don't read crime fiction (though enjoy watching it) but your study here reminds me of Daphne du Maurier, who is one of my favourite 20th century novelists. Her works were also often derided by critics, seen as "populist" rather than as part of the literary canon. But her books are also dark, mysterious, plot heavy masterpieces (IMHO, anyway!)
As a random addition, have you seen the new crime drama The Residence on Netflix? Just watched it and thought it was an unusual and entertaining watch!
Thanks so much Kate - the du Maurier analogy is very apt. I remember finding a lovely letter from Daphne to Agatha, about how she had wanted to see if she could write a novel without naming her heroine... I too think she is a tremendous and effective writer. Love her short stories.
Don't have Netflix at the moment, you may have tempted me into one of my occasional sign-ups....
Happy birthday, Laura! I hope you & your mother both enjoy your birthday celebrations at Ham House and that the sun shines for you and that the wind has gone. How generous to write us a post on your special day, rather than taking the whole day for yourself. And another good piece on Agatha too. Thank you.
Thanks so much Sue! It was, as they used to say, one I prepared earlier... Ham House was a highly-recommended delight and the weather came good, so an exceptionally nice day.
Excellent, Laura! I am ons of those detractors, but I agree with every point you make!
Neil, thank you so much! I am a devoted fan of yours...
Happy birthday Laura.
Thank you Gina
Happy birthday!
Thank you so much
Happy birthday!
Thank you
Always enjoy your writings about Christie, and I always learn more. Disappointed in Ruth Rendell though - had no idea she was AA (anti-Agatha), shame as I love her writing as Barbara Vine.
Thank you - I love her too! But she definitely saw Agatha through a different lens….
Happy Belated Birthday, Laura. And thank you for your Agatha gift to us! I LOVE her, and really appreciate your going to battle on her behalf! + Really like the statue and news of the new centre!
Oh thank you Victoria! I’m so delighted that you enjoy my Agatha posts - she really is my favourite subject to write about… Can’t wait to see the statue in real life. I think it’s lovely.
Happy birthday, Laura and congratulations on such a splendidly rich essay. I think the world owes you a debt of gratitude for your role in revising Christie's reputation. The sight of so many writers queuing up to disparage her work in previous years is deeply unedifying. I particularly admire how you have maintained a positive yet nuanced view of her work against such a barrage of hostillity.
It's also great to see the photo of her statue in Torquay, a town I have known all my adult life.
Waking up to this comment was a wonderful thing! Thank you Jeffrey - you are truly generous and what you say is GREATLY appreciated. I really like that statue! She looks so at home - as indeed she is.
No generosity needed on my part – just honest gratitude for the way you have opened up new vistas in the familiar landscape of English writing by giving Christie her proper place there.
Great piece. Her critics must have been wildly jealous of her!
Hope you had a wonderful birthday at Ham House. Must visit next time I'm in the UK x
Jealous indeed…. the WORST. Absolute heaven at Ham House, such an atmosphere! x
This is such an excellent piece. As a Christie fan, I am uninterested in whether she is in or out of fashion; to me, she is a legend of crime writing, and you do a wonderful job of being an Agatha Advocate for sure!
Really kind of you Jon - thank you so much. I couldn’t agree with you more about fashion. Utterly absurd!
Another great post! Happy belated birthday - hope you had a great day.
Thanks so much Amy - lovely to hear - and yes, a great day!
Oops - 2 greats in 2 short sentences!
A beautiful love letter 💌. Happy birthday 🎂 Laura x
Thank you so much Rob - I appreciate it x
I'm so glad that she's been reassessed - and well done for your part in it! And I'm always interested in what people's first Christie was. Mine was Destination Unknown which was a bit of a random way to start but I was hooked from then on.
Thank you Harriet. That IS random! - although I rather love that book... Yes, the first AC is an interesting question. I also remember reading Evil Under the Sun pretty early on which I think was very formative, really pure strong Christie.