Endless Night by Agatha Christie

Endless Night

Review of the novel Endless Night by Agatha Christie.

Published by Harper Collins in 30^th October 1967.

Cost: 60p [£7.99]

ISBN N/A (Paperback Edition - 191 pages)

I read this novel some time ago and returned to read it again as it was on the recommended reading list for a conference at Exeter University titled: Agatha Christie: Hidden Horizons.

The title of the book is taken from a William Blake poem: Auguries of Innocence, Lines 119 – 124

Every Night and every Morn

Some to Misery are born.

Every Morn and every Night

Some are born to Sweet Delight,

Some are born to Sweet Delight,

Some are born to Endless Night.

The poem begins with a rhyme that suggests how children might see the world, then illustrates how human cruelty towards nature has consequences that although they may not be seen immediately, they will nevertheless prove catastrophic.

The story is narrated by a young and ambitious Michael Rogers, who falls in love with Ellie (Fenella) Guteman, the first time he sets eyes on her in the mysterious yet scenic 'Gipsy's Acre', complete with its sea-view and dark fir trees. Before long, he has both the house and the woman, however, rumours spread of a curse hanging over the property. Not heeding the locals' warnings, the couple take up residence at 'Gipsy's Acre', which results in a devastating tragedy.

The story has a plot that Christie has used in other stories (e.g. The Case of the Caretaker) to great effect, however, she was aged 77 when she wrote this story and the young couple are in their early twenties, I am not convinced that the early part of the story, prior to their marriage, flows smoothly. The story has a lot of conversational episodes and the young couple argue and it is not enjoyable to read. However, once Michael and Ellie are on their honeymoon, the writing style of Christie become fluent and enjoyable - although the story gets darker. Ellie is judged to be one of the wealthiest women in the world, and Christie convinces the reader that the desire for control of the money is not of interest to Michael, but Ellie’s relatives believe otherwise and it's this conflict that the story revolves around; is Christie telling the truth or is she deceiving her reader.

It is impossible to say much about the story without giving away vital secrets, but for much of the story we are led to believe that the relationship between the young couple is that of sheer unadulterated romance, but the reader is mistaken, for the horrific suspense at the end of the story is perhaps the most devastating that Christie has ever brought off. Six pages from the end of the book, Michael explains his actions and sets about writing a statement for the police. It’s a masterpiece by Christie that has the reader believing in romance of a young couple that have the rest of their lives ahead of them. I have enjoyed reading the story again; it’s a true Agatha Christie 'whodunit'. Rating: 5 stars

Dr James Sheppard

23rd April 2015

The International Agatha Christie Festival 2015

The International Agatha Christie Festival 2015 

Friday 11^th September to Saturday 19^th September

The festival programme is being organised by Dr Anna Farthing, who co-ordinates the programme for the festival on a part-time basis, out of the Grand Hotel in Torquay. The Board in charge of the Festival comprises of Mathew Prichard, Agatha Christie Ltd, Harper Collins, Torbay Council, English Riviera Tourism Company, a Financial Director and a Lawyer. This year's Festival has been tasked to encourage economic growth and tourism in Torbay.

The Theme of the Festival is: Agatha Christie - Life, Literature and Legacy, which would be explored via Creative Writing, Literature, Theatre, Film & Radio, Archive Heritage with a tie-in with the RNIB, Children and Family events, Food and Garden events and a celebration of what would have been Agatha's 125th Birthday.

The full programme can be found on The International Agatha Christie Festival website http://www.agathachristiefestival.com/ 

There will be a Murder Mystery on the Paignton Steam Railway  http://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/.../murder-mystery... and Burgh Island Hotel at planning to have their usual Agatha Christie lunch. Tuesday 15th September £68

Festival tickets will be available via the Eventbrite the on-line booking system, it's a bit long-winded as you are only able to purchases one event ticket at a time, but straight forward. 

The Official Festival Programme (See the official website)

Date	Day	Activity	Time	Cost
		Viva! Vibrant images vibrant artists		£        -
		And Then There Was Art	10.00 - 4.30	£        -
11.09.15	Friday	Vintage Festival Launch Party	7.00 - 10.00	£   25.00
12.09.15	Saturday	Agatha Christie: Unfinished Portrait - A Life in Photographs		£        -
		Dan Metcalf and The Lottie Lipton Adventures	10.00 - 10.45	£     5.00
		Oddicombe Beach - Man Overboard Mystery	10.00 - 4.00	£     2.00
		John Curran Talk: Christie Through The Decades	11.00 - 12.00	£   10.00
		Ali Sparks: Car-Jacked	11.00 - 12.00	£     5.00
		Bonnie MacBird writes Sherlock Holmes	12.15 - 1.15	£     5.00
		Lunch and Listen with today's authors	1.30 - 2.00	£        -
		Heartbreak Productions presents Mr Stink by David Walliams	3.00 - 5.00	£   12.00
		Reading: Everything Stops for Tea	4.00 - 4.30	£        -
		John Curran's Mystery Film Night	7.30 - 9.30	£   10.00
		Lounging at The Grand	9.00 - 11.30	£        -
13.09.15	Sunday	Walk the Agatha Christie Mile: Frank Turner.	10.00 - 11.00
		Reading: Starter at 10	10.00 - 10.30	£        -
		Agatha Christie: Unfinished Portrait - A Life in Photographs
		Vintage Fair	11.00 - 4.30	£     5.00
		Agatha, Archie & The Grand Hotel	11.00 - 12.30	£   10.00
		Kate Adie on Agatha & the First World War	2.30 - 3.30	£   15.00
		Reading: Everything Stops for Tea	4.00 - 4.30	£        -
		Talking Books: A gala Event marking 80 years of service	7.30 - 9.00	£   15.00
		Lounging at The Grand	9.00 - 11.30	£        -
14.09.15	Monday	Reading: Starter at 10	10.00 - 10.30	£        -
		Agatha Christie: Unfinished Portrait - A Life in Photographs
		Walk the Agatha Christie Mile: Frank Turner.	10.00 - 12.30	£     5.00
		Garden Tour: Dispensing Murder with Ali Marshall the Head Gardener	10.45 - 11.45	£     6.00
		Sophie Hannah: A Game for all the family	11.00 - 12.00	£   10.00
		Kathryn Harkup: A is for Arsenic	12.15 - 1.00	£   10.00
		Murder, Margaret & Me	2.30 - 3.45	£   12.00
		Reading: Everything Stops for Tea	4.00 - 4.30	£        -
		Creative Writing Workshop	6.00 - 7.00	£        -
		MP Wright: Marple through music	5.00 - 6.00	£   10.00
		And Then There Were None	7.30 - 10.00	£
		Murder, Margaret & Me	7.30 - 8.45	£   12.00
		The Hollow, performed by Bijou Theatre Company	7.30 - 9.30	£   12.00
		Lounging at The Grand	9.00 - 11.30	£        -
15.09.15	Tuesday	Reading: Starter at 10	10.00 - 10.30
		Agatha Christie: Unfinished Portrait - A Life in Photographs		£        -
		Workshop for Writers	10.30 - 11.30	£        -
		Walk the Agatha Christie Mile: Frank Turner.	10.00 - 12.30	£     5.00
		Agatha Christie: Literary Daughter of South Devon	11.0 - 12.00	£   10.00
		125th Birthday: Garden Party Luncheon	12.30 - 3.00	£   30.00
		Reading: Everything Stops for Tea	4.00 - 4.30	£        -
		Agatha Christie and the BBC: Reaching New Audiences	6.00 - 8.00	£     8.00
		And Then There Were None	7.30 - 10.00	£
		The Hollow, performed by Bijou Theatre Company	7.30 - 9.30	£   12.00
		125th Birthday: Evening Celebration	9.00 - 10.00
		Lounging at The Grand	9.00 - 11.30	£        -
16.09.15	Wednesday	Reading: Starter at 10	10.00 - 10.30	£        -
		Agatha Christie: Unfinished Portrait - A Life in Photographs		£        -
		And Then There Were … How Many?	10.00 - 11.00	£   10.00
		Walk the Agatha Christie Mile: Frank Turner.	10.00 - 12.30	£     5.00
		Workshop for Writers	10.30 - 11.30	£        -
		Crème & Chatiments: The Delicious and Criminal Recipes of Agatha Christie	11.00 - 1.00	£   25.00
		Garden Tour: Dispensing Murder with Ali Marshall the Head Gardener	10.45 - 11.45	£     6.00
		Martin Edwards: The Golden Age of Murder	12.00 - 1.00	£     8.00
		The Imperial Terrace: Afternoon Tea & Jazz	2.00 - 4.00	£   16.95
		David Brawn: Publishing Christie and Poirot Little Grey Cells	2.30 - 3.30	£     8.00
		And Then There Were None	2.30 - 5.00	£   12.00
		Reading: Everything Stops for Tea	4.00 - 4.30	£        -
		British Library: Publishing Golden Age Detective Fiction	5.00 - 6.00	£   10.00
		Twilight Tours and Readings of Editions	6.00 - 9.00
		The Hollow, performed by Bijou Theatre Company	7.30 - 9.30	£   12.00
		And Then There Were None	7.30 - 10.00	£
		Nigel Wollen: Wills and Codicils	7.30 - 9.00	£   10.00
		Lounging at The Grand	9.00 - 11.30	£        -
17.09.15	Thursday	Reading: Starter at 10	10.00 - 10.30	£        -
		Agatha Christie: Unfinished Portrait - A Life in Photographs		£        -
		Walk the Agatha Christie Mile: Frank Turner.	10.00 - 12.30	£     5.00
		And Then There Was Art	10.00 - 4.30	£        -
		Workshop for Writers	10.30 - 11.30	£        -
		Garden Tour: Dispensing Murder with Ali Marshall the Head Gardener	10.45 - 11.45	£     6.00
		Crème & Chatiments: The Delicious and Criminal Recipes of Agatha Christie	11.00 - 1.00	£   25.00
		Les Petitis Meurtres D'Agatha Christie	1.00 - 12.30	£     7.00
		Sparkling Tea Dance	2.30 - 4.30	£   15.00
		Reading: Everything Stops for Tea	4.00 - 4.30	£        -
		Die Abenteuer G.m.b.H (1929): Tommy and Tuppence for the silent screen	5.00 - 7.00
		And Then There Were None	7.30 - 10.00	£
		Drama Workshop: Consonants! Speak your Christi Crisply Crispin …	7.30 - 9.00
		The Hollow, performed by Bijou Theatre Company	7.30 - 9.30	£   12.00
		John Curran's Literary Dinner	8.00 - 10.30
		Words for Voices	8.00 - 10.00	£   10.00
		Lounging at The Grand	9.00 - 11.30	£        -
18.09.15	Friday	Reading: Starter at 10	10.00 - 10.30	£        -
		Agatha Christie: Unfinished Portrait - A Life in Photographs		£        -
		Walk the Agatha Christie Mile: Frank Turner.	10.00 - 12.30	£     5.00
		Workshop for Writers	10.30 - 11.30	£        -
		Garden Tour: Dispensing Murder with Ali Marshall the Head Gardener	10.45 - 11.45	£     6.00
		Uncovered, The Art of Agatha Christie & Beyond with Tom Adams & John Curran	11.00 - 12.00	£   10.00
		Educational Afternoon at Torre Abbey with Dee	2.00 - 5.00	£        -
		Julius Green: Curtain Up	2.30 - 3.30	£   10.00
		Reading: Everything Stops for Tea	4.00 - 4.30	£        -
		Murder Mystery: A Dark Night at the Abbey	7.00 - 10.00	£   50.00
		And Then There Were None	7.30 - 10.00	£
		Lounging at The Grand	9.00 - 11.30	£        -
19.09.15	Saturday	Reading: Starter at 10	10.00 - 10.30	£        -
		Dan Metcalf reads The Lottie Lipton Adventures	10.00 - 12.00	£        -
		Following in her Footsteps: Meet the Killer Women	11.00 - 12.00	£   10.00
		Bludgeoned with a gun, poisoned with a pen	2.00 - 3.30	£     8.00
		And Then There Were None	2.30 - 5.00	£
		Reading: Everything Stops for Tea	4.00 - 4.30	£        -
		Britcrime: The world's first free on-line crime fiction festival	4.30 - 5.30	£   10.00
		The Greenway Ball	7.00 - 11.00	£  115.00
		Margaret Rutherford Plays Miss Marple In …	7.30 - 9.00	£   10.00
		And Then There Were None	7.30 - 10.00	£
		Lounging at The Grand	9.00 - 11.30	£        -
20.09.15	Sunday	Die Hards Brunch	11.00 - 1.00	£   17.00
		Agatha Christie: Unfinished Portrait - A Life in Photographs		£        -

The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Review of the novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens

Published by Chapman & Hall in 1870. (BBC Books 2012)

Cost: £7.99

ISBN 978-1-84-990427-8 (Paperback Edition – 279 pages)

Charles Dickens is a favourite author of mine, but talking to a friend I realised that I had not read this story - perhaps because it was an unfinished story. As with many of Dickens’ stories they were written in instalments, being published monthly – (in this instance, instalment 1 in April 1870, chapters 1-5 and instalment 6 in September 1870, chapters 21-23) – only the first six of the twelve planned instalments were published; so it’s an unfinished story. Since the death of Dickens, a number of authors have tried to write the final chapters, based on the development of the characters in the early chapters.

The book I have reviewed has an Afterword by screenwriter Gwyneth Hughes who was asked by the BBC to write a possible ending to the story that they wanted to make into a TV programme (January 2012). Hughes Afterword is just over four pages long, with ideas drawn from the published chapters, she presents an interesting ending to the tale. The Mystery of Edwin Drood story has also been performed as a musical comedy: in an adaptation by Rupert Holmes the play pauses to let the audience vote on how the play should end, selecting from a choice of alternate endings.

Dickens opens the novel with an introduction to one of the main characters of the story, John Jasper, the choirmaster of Cloisterham Cathedral, Edwin Drood’s uncle and guardian. We find him in an opium den in East part of London. Dickens describes the scene in detail so that the reader is in no doubt of the effects of smoking the drug; Jasper passes out in his effort to leave the building.

The story turns to the activities in the fictitious Cathedral town of Cloisterham. Here the reader is introduced to Edwin Drood and the young girl he is engaged to, Miss Rosa Bud; their engagement planned by their deceased parents. However, Rosa has a number of admirers. When discussing his relationship with his friend Neville Landless, they have a bitter argument, giving rise to John Jasper spreading rumours about Neville’s violent temper. When Edwin and Rosa next meet they agree to end their betrothal. A few days later, on Christmas Eve, there is a storm, and it is the last time Edwin Drood is seen. He is believed to have been murdered, a story spread by John Jasper, with the ulterior motive of his desire for the love of Rosa. This is the beginnings of the murder mystery set out by Dickens.

In The Mystery of Edwin Drood, we are taken into the world of Dickens, his beautiful descriptions, of locations and characters. When I read Chapter XI, it was so enjoyable I stopped to read it again:

‘Behind the most ancient part of Holborn, London, where certain gabled houses some centuries of age still stand looking on the public way, as if disconsolately looking for the Old Bourne that has a long run dry, is a little nook composed of two irregular quadrangles, called Staple Inn.’

Here we find Mr Grewgious, a solicitor, in his chambers. This afternoon he sits by his fire, and so does his clerk Bazzard. We know we are reading Dickens as he describes Bazzard:

‘A pale, puffy-faced, dark-haired person of thirty, with big dark eyes that wholly wanted lustre, and a dissatisfied doughy complexion, that seemed to ask to be sent to the baker’s, this attendant was a mysterious being. … A gloomy person with tangled locks and a general air of having been reared under the shadow of that baleful tree of Java which has given shelter to more lies than the whole botanical kingdom.’

It’s a wonderful description of the subservient employee. Dickens continues in this style when Edwin Drood arrives:

‘Edwin took the easy-chair in the corner; and the fog he had brought with him, and the fog he took off with his greatcoat and neck-shawl, was speedily licked up by the fire.’

The reader is left in no doubt how the smog and fog of London clung to its inhabitants. As we might expect in this story, Dickens introduces us to some wonderful characters, but as we only know of them in a story that was not finished, I would have expected them to have been developed further, particularly the main characters.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood has the makings of a great story, but it is only half finished, so unless we read the chapters finished by other authors, we are left wanting more. I am a great fan of Dickens work and I would have loved to have read his descriptions of Christmas and the tales of difficult times for his characters in the period of this story. Rating 4 stars.

Dr James Sheppard

31 March 2015