This morning I underwent the postponed third session of my BCG vaccine installation series at Southampton General Hospital. The procedure was carried out on time with the usual smooth, efficient, friendly, informative, and humorous care by Anna Cornwall.
The anticipated painfully irritating after effects to be expected for 48 hours produced the usual difficulty in concentrating on anything else, so here is a review I made earlier:
This is the third story in the Crime Club Choice of Agatha Christie’s tales entitled “The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding”.
Once again we have the perspicacious Poirot unravelling the alleged facts in a case of Inspector Miller’s and coming to a different conclusion.
With the spare precision of her character description reflecting that of her main protagonist, Christie matches his skill – or is it the other way round? “His eyes swept over Lily Margrave in a quick comprehensive survey, taking in the details of her neat black suit, the touch of white at her throat and the smart little black hat. He saw the elegance of her, the pretty face with its slightly pointed chin, and the dark blue, long-lashed eyes. Insensibly his attitude changed; he was interested now, not so much in the case as in the girl sitting opposite him.” Naturally he was not the only man attracted by her, thus providing an element of a the intrigue.
In complete control of her characters’ dialogue, Christie guides the conversation with such as “His eyes invited her to go on.” She pays attention to tone, as in “The disparagement of her tone, though vague, was evident, and Poirot beat a tactful retreat.” The manner of speech is also relevant, for example ” “Yes, yes, quite so,” said Mr. Mayhew without enthusiasm.”
Dame Agatha catches the note of the Belgian’s spoken English with accuracy and humour, as in “She is anxious that no one should disturb the sleeping dogs.” and “one would hardly think a young man of that type would have the – how do you say it – the bowels to commit such a crime.” On the other hand he can use idioms to good advantage: ‘See a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll have good luck.”
The detective’s own obsessive nature is indicated by such as “Poirot’s right hand strayed out and straightened one or two of the objects lying on the table near him.” This quotation also suggests the author’s love of alliteration as does “quick comprehensive survey” above.
The well-crafted story is told with humour and meticulous detail connecting or refuting all elements as appropriate in order to establish the truth.
This evening we dined on flavoursome baked gammon; boiled new potatoes; piquant cauliflower and leek cheese; tender cabbage and leek; crunchy carrots; I also decided that one small glass of Collin-Bourisset Morgon 2022 could not irritate my bladder any more than today’s procedure has done, so I drank one.
Wonderful review and I thInk Poirot or Dame Christie inspires you own last comment on ” also decided that one small glass of Collin-Bourisset Morgon 2022 could not irritate my bladder any more than today’s procedure has done, so I drank one.”
Thank you very much, Pat
I love the quotes you included, so Poirot!
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Glad the third session is behind you now.
Thanks very much, Crystal
A wonderful review that has me wanting to read her work. I hope you’re feeling better soon.
Thank you very much, Merril
I hope you are feeling better now Derrick. Thanks for this wonderful review.
Much appreciated, Arlene
No one better than the perspicacious Poirot to distract you from the painful after effects of the BCG vaccine 🙂
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
A well-planned and well-crafted review! I hope you feel all better soon.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
The review is a very inviting introduction to the uninitiated in Agatha Christie, who I daresay are missing a treasure of stately, suspenseful stories.
Thank you so much, Uma
A great review!
I hope you feel much better really soon. Hang in there.
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thanks very much, Carolyn XX
Wonderful review! I need to look for this book 🙂 Hope you’ll feel better soon!
Thank you very much, Riba
I hope these after effects wear off very soon.
Thanks very much, Sue
Take it easy Derrick.
Sleep dogs should definitely not be disturbed. How many treatments, Derrick? I’m sure you are counting.
Three more – then a break for three months – pattern repeated over next year. Thanks very much, Laurie
Should be “sleeping.”
I am glad the treatments are still going well, Derrick, even if the first 48 hrs are rough.
Thanks very much, Lavinia
After my recent troubles I am now fully aware of the way the bladder interferes with the brain. Good luck with the treatment, and remember that medical advice is just a guideline – your body will tell you when you need wine and you would be foolish to ignore it. “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities” 1 Timothy 5:23. 🙂
Thank you for the enlightenment, Quercus. My Jesuit education was confined to the New Testament
🙂 I don’t want to mess with the Jesuits. One of my history teachers always referred to them as the Pope’s Stormtroopers and since then I have given them a wide berth.
🙂 quite apt in some cases
I am glad to see that your appetite survives.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
This is a great review of a wonderful story.
Thank you so much, Anne. Your views are important
Another great review post, Derrick. I purchased this book when I saw it on your blog previously. I like Poirot.
You will like it, Robbie. Thanks very much
Hope the medical stuff has the positive effect it’s designed for. It is a great book.
Thank you very much Gary
I can now enjoy the elegance of Agatha Christie’s language which I was unable to appreciate when I had read her books as a teenager.
Thank you so much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick.
I love the detail in Agatha Christie’s works.
Yes. Thank you very much, Sheree