Endless Night
Review of the novel Endless Night by Agatha Christie.
Published by Harper Collins in 30th 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
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