Unfortunately my recently prescribed antibiotics have not dismissed my UTI so I rang the GP surgery to report this. Within ten minutes I was called back and prescribed an alternative, this time being asked for a sample which I furnished this afternoon and collected the medication at the pharmacy.
Opening with a bustling description of the rush to catch a train, described as an uneven race to keep track of a porter who “turned the corner at the end of the platform whilst Mrs McGillicuddy was still coming up the straight.” is an example of the writer’s ability to engage attention and the dry humour which pervades Agatha Christie’s novel “4.50 From Paddington” – the first by her that I have read.
The story is very well crafted, with various leads, false and incidental, followed without any real suggestion of the final conclusion. Much is told by skilled dialogue of which the author is a master. She amplifies the words with description of tones, as in ” “Well?” she said. It was a small insignificant word, but it acquired full significance from Mrs. McGillicuddy’s tone, and Miss Marple understood its meaning perfectly.” Sometimes sentences are left unfinished, as in “You don’t think……..” for the reader or indeed the conversationalist to complete. The mood of each person was indicated by such as a raised eyebrow or slumped body language.
Mrs Christie makes good use of short sentences to increase the pace of the narrative, and has an ability to create the essence of person and place with simple, telling, statements, as in “Her eyes were like windows in an empty house.” and “He unpropped himself from the dresser.”
There are hints at romance and less than subtle match-making.
It is hardly surprising that this story has been filmed on a number of occasions.
My 1959 edition of The Book Club was in a collection bequeathed to me by my Auntie Ivy some 50 years ago.
It is protected by two copies of the same book jacket very well designed by Taylor, about whom I have found no information. This featured copy is the top one; the second, even less blemished, is pristine. Anyone lacking a jacket should apply for a replacement in writing enclosing a large cheque.
Clinging to the top of the closed pages was a desiccated spider complete with clustered cobweb.
After starting on my next antibiotics I turned back to Maria de Zayas and the penultimate story in my Folio Society selection.
Very reminiscent of the Whitehall farces of the 1950s and ’60s presented by Brian Rix involving unlikely scenarios, although lacking their humour, this offering by Maria involves her usual themes of love, honour, deception, treachery, bed-hopping, and murder designed to demonstrate “that, in the end, no crime goes unpunished”.
Here is Eric Fraser’s illustration to this narrative.
This evening we dined on Hordle Chinese Take Away’s excellent fare, taken on our knees in front of the TV catching up on episodes of Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams, a truly inspirational series which I will review when I have seen them all.
I love the illustrations, Derrick, the art is beautiful. I hope the new medication will wipe out the UTI, I have had a few of those over the years and they are darn awful to deal with. Get well soon, Derrick! 😊
LOL. ‘…enclosing a large cheque.’
I got a kick out of that, too.
Thank you very much, Ed and Crystal each
Thanks very much, Ed
You write the best reviews, Derrick. It’s a remarkable skill.
I’m sorry to hear about the persistent infection. I hope the new prescription does the trick. I’m glad the two of you are enjoying an engaging series.
Thank you so much, Alys
Sympathy. When I had my last UTI it started by reducing me to a gibbering wreck and took me weeks to recover. There is no cure but patience and rest. Fortunately a regime of good books, Freddie Flintoff and nutritious meals is excellent for this. I find Flintoff very inspiring, and ama amazed at what he did for the lads.
Thank you so much, Quercus
I hope you heal quick.
I think I want to read that book, great cover too
Thanks very much, Rose
I hope the new antibiotics do the trick, Derrick. I’m sorry you’re going through this, but I’m glad you have good books, food, and entertainment.
I’m not certain that I’ve ever read Agatha Christie either, but I can see why her popularity has endured.
Thank you so much, Merril
I am glad that you got prompt attention and hope that you recover just as promptly.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Two fascinating book reviews, Derrick. I don’t recall ever seeing a real book review about a Christie mystery. Hope this antibiotic does the trick. Have a good evening.
Thank you so much, Pat
I hope your new batch antibiotics work betterer for you Derrick …
Here’s hoping that the new medication is more effective.
It may well be, Rosaliene. Thank you very much
Two fascinating books, Derrick. Sending warm thoughts that you are feeling better soon!
Pretty good today, Donna. Thank you very much
I thoroughly enjoyed Agatha Christie when I was a school girl. While her writing style might on occasion seem old-fashioned now, she certainly knew how to keep her readers guessing.
I’ll probably read some more, now that I have broken my duck. Thank you very much, Anne
Hopefully you were not kneeling, but rather, your dinner plate was balanced on your knees. I had visions of you dining in a very uncomfortable position.
Nice one, Judy
At last a Christie! 4.50 from Paddington is such a
Thanks very much, Geeta
an interesting novel…am glad you reviewed it. However, the recent publications have started editing the originals to make it more contemporary. But I feel they should not meddle with whatever she wrote in her times was ok for her times. Waiting for the review of the series you are watching.
I agree with you, Geeta. Thanks very much
Excellent reviews! I enjoy your reviews! Thank you for writing and sharing, Derrick!
Oh! A spider for the ages. 🙂
I always enjoy Dame Agatha Christie novels and short stories.
I hope the new antibiotics help…and do so quickly!
We bought some TV Trays…as I am not good at balancing food or drink on my knees! HA! 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Much appreciated, Carolyn XX
I’m glad you enjoyed your first Christie, Derrick. Her writing style has been criticised over the years but I always enjoy her books and I very much enjoyed your review. I hope the UTI problem is resolved soon.
Thank you very much, Sandra
What a special copy of a great book and your thoughts here make me want to read it again!. I had to laugh at your cheque comment – you’ll have book collectors hammering at your door! 😀 Hope the next lots of antibiotics do the trick and wow, in awe that someone called you back from the surgery so quickly!
Good luck with the new antibiotics. I have been watching Field of Dreams too and agree it is inspirational. I have only one left to catch up on but I don’t want them to run out! I’m planning to send a note to the BBC after the series to congratulate them on making it.
A good idea, Susan. Thank you very much
Excellent and eloquently written reviews, Derrick. I hope your new medication gives you some relief.
Sending well wishes Derrick… Hope those second lot of meds help clear it xx <3
Hope the new antibiotics work. The Agatha Christie book sounds fun. Our library’s Agatha Christie book club is starting today. Perhaps at some point we will read 4.50 from Paddington.
Thanks very much, Laurie
I Love Agatha Christie and this book is high on my list of favourites. I particularly like how Miss Marple has a quirky way of assessing the character of a possible suspect by comparing them with someone in her village.
Thank you very much, Sue.
I hope the new antibiotics work well, Derrick. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
I hope you’ll get better soon!
Thank you very much, Riba
I hope the doctors manage to clear up the UTI faster than I was able to post-surgery. Love…
Thank you very much, Sherry
Thank God for good books, good eyesight, and alternative medicines. Praying this one does the trick.
Thank you very much, Jan
My dad read the Agatha Christie novels to me when I was in junior. I then read them on my own.
Thanks very much, Liz. I will read more now
You’re welcome, Derrick.
So hope the new tablets work.
Thank you very much, Gary. There is already some improvement
I think I have been too much of a literary snob and I will now duck across to “That Little Bookshop” that is about two minutes walk and fick up a few Agatha Christies. And thank you. I trust that by now you will be feeling a little better.
More comfortable, John. I was the same as you re Christie. Thanks very much
Hope this batch of antibiotics does the trick.
Thanks very much, Sheree
It’s a while since I read any books by Agatha Christie but they’re never less than magnificent. I’ve read this one because we used to live just a stone’s throw from Paddington station.