A joy of book

A perceptive book, timeless and beautifully read. More Westmacott required Agatha, reflecting those inner voices and gaps in understanding.

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Very introspective

After reading Agatha Christie’s autobiography I wanted to read this book. She wrote it as Mary Westmacott as very different from all the detective novels readers would expect writing as Christie. She wrote this novel very quickly indeed. I liked the descriptions of the travel as she experienced that in real life. Very introspective which got a bit tedious… but bear with it as there is a twist in the Epilogue. I think it gives an insight into what Christie’s mind was like during her 10 days’ mystery disappearance.

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.

loved it very thought provoking read . never read any of Agatha Christie's Mary westmacott books and it didnt disappoint

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Unexpected depth

It was very interesting to hear a non crime Agatha Christie novel. The story held my interest and had great psychological and spiritual depth.

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A book that makes you think about your life.

A woman finds herself marooned in a lonely place and is forced to review her life. Nothing much happens, but it is compelling listening. As ever, Agatha Christie, shows a great understanding of human nature and her wonderful gift of storytelling. I wish it had gone on longer.

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Perceptive portrait of a middle class marriage

For the first time in her ordered life Joan finds herself temporarily alone with time to review the relationships between herself and her husband and each of them with their children. This book is a fascinating affirmation of how landscape and distance can change our perceptions of what we believe to be our status quo . Does the truth set us free in the luxury of the physical removal from our familiar world or does the return to that world mean the return to our old values? Which one is correct and what are the consequences?

Instantly recognisable are the solid values of the middle class 1930s with their inevitable moral lapses and cover ups, all done with the good British intention of not making a fuss.

Beautifully enunciated by Jacqui Crago, the reader really does feel taken back with Joan to the contrasts of international overland travel and the respectable comfort of her Engiish market town home.

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Absent in the Spring

I’d put off reading this book for years. I’m a keen Agatha Christie fan but wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy her writing as Mary Westmacott. I shouldn’t have worried. It was a very interesting read. It’s a short book, and I finished it over a couple of days. I wish more books were this length!

The character of Joan Sudmore is so sharply observed it’s almost painful. I did feel sorry for Joan. She doesn’t see herself as others do. Interestingly, the main character is “cut off” from her normal life and this enforces a period of unwelcome reflection. I suppose she had that in common with the characters from some of Agatha’s mysteries.

It’s very much not a mystery, so I can see why she published under a pseudonym, but I really enjoyed it, and I’ll definitely listen to more Mary Westmacott books.

The narration by Jacqui Crago is superb.

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brilliantly written

loved it. Definitely recommend. A book that makes you think. I will listen again great.

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Very good listen

An interesting portrait of a certain time, place and attitudes, very well written and read.

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Very thought provoking

I loved this book. It was a very engaging story. The epilogue really finished it off to perfection.

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