The Expression Hub

Author: Agatha Christie

Genre: Mystery, Crime fiction

” Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; truth isn’t.”

Mark Twain

One must try to keep their flights of imagination open. After all inspiration strikes anytime anywhere. The best way to keep your imagination wide open is to read a book., Reading books not only stimulates your imagination but has multiple benefits as studies have shown. And who knows one might have his/ her name in the best sellers’ list soon. So what are you waiting for? Dig into a book and keep your flights of imagination open .

If you are not able to make a choice, maybe my pick will help you . So, presenting to you my latest pick in books- Sad Cypress.

About the book: Sad Cypress is a novel written by one of the famous mystery writers Agatha Christie. She is the author who gave us memorable characters like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. The good news is that this book is a Hercule Poirot novel.

The book revolves around Eleanor Carlisle. She is the niece of Mrs. Welman. Mrs. Welman is a wealthy lady who dies due to a paralytic stroke. This makes Elinor Carlisle a rich lady as she inherits her aunt’s fortune. She makes a provision of 2000 pounds to Mary Gerrard. Mary Gerrard is the daughter of of a lodge keeper who is liked and supported by Elinor’s late aunt. But Mary dies of morphine poisoning at an impromptu lunch hosted by Eleanor. Eleanor is accused of killing Mary as she viewed her as a rival in love. But is Eleanor really guilty of the crime? Who is the perpetrator of the crime? What is the motive? Read the book to find out.

Analysis: The book is a take on what complications can emerge in case of money matters. Mrs. Welman wishes to make a will but is unable to do so due to her paralytic stroke. After her death, her niece inherits the fortune. But this causes a rift between her and her fiancee. Added to her woes is the charge of murder of Mary Gerrard. But Eleanor faces it all. This is despite the fact that she makes an arrangement for Mary which was a huge amount. Through her character, the author has shown the trials one has to face upon inheriting a large amount . The author also highlights how relationships can be built and ruined . The most important fact emphasized by the author is that no matter how much you try to conceal a crime, the truth has to come out. Even though the truth may be strange, but it still remains the truth no matter what happens.

The positives of the book: 1. The gripping plot. You are excited to know what will happen next. 2. The thorough investigation carried out by Hercule Poirot. It is through his investigations that the real criminal is brought to the book. The negatives-1. The plot can be a bit confusing. You might not be able to relate to the direction of the story sometimes. This is the problem I faced while reading. But this shouldn’t be a great issue if you have great comprehension skills and can comprehend the story on your very first reading. 2. The character of Roddy. He is a person who is shown to be in love with the protagonist. But then his preference changes to Mary. This is a big no no according to me. A man should be loyal especially if he is engaged to his future wife. So, the character was a big put off for me. I love my male characters to be loyal to the core.

Overall Verdict: The book is an interesting read. But you might need to read it more than once to understand the plot in a better way. The plot is gripping which is a huge plus point. Also, the fact that it has been written by the greatest mystery writer makes it worth a read. So, if you are a fan of thriller then this novel is worth a shot.

Rating: ***and 1/2 stars

” A thriller becomes great when it carries a feeling of reality and truth.”

David Morrell

Que: From where has the novel derived its title?

a. A song from Shakespeare’s play

b. A cafe at Britain

c. A movie with the same name

d. An art painting of the same name