Literary Exploration discussion

Final Thoughts

Read it quite awhile back, and I'll probably pick it up again, but what I love is how Agatha Christie sets up this mystery with the guests meeting at the same place on the island, and all seem to have been involved in some form of treachery that they are hiding.

To me, there really are two mysteries to be solved: what secret is hidden in each of these guests' past, and also, who is knocking them off one by one.

This was my first introduction to Agatha Christie, and I've been a fan since.

I read this and Roger Acroyd pretty close together, both being billed as "her greatest mysteries."

With Ackroyd I managed to solve it, the murder had to be a surprise and the only candidate who would be a surprise was.....well it turned out I was right but I hadn't worked out how the person did it

And Then There Were None is impossible which makes it almost a cheat. It's a great read but I found the epilogue a little underwhelming.

Anyone have any thoughts on the many name changes? From "Ten Little Niggers" to "Ten Little Indians" to "And The There Were None"?

And Soldier Island being originally called Nigger Island?

Is it important to sanitise these things or should we leave them as was with an explanatory note at the begining? I heard there was a push to reprint Huckleberry Finn with the N word removed which seems entirely contrary to the point of the novel

This was my first Agatha Christie book and I expected it to be a light murder mystery.

But it turned out to be rather cruel, frantic and fast paced that I had to read it the second time around, straight after I finished it. Agatha played a nasty mind games with those guest, which I thought was riveting.

Sandyboy,
I bought Roger Acroyd awhile back (because it was heralded as the greatest of her mysteries), but haven't had a chance to read it yet. I guess it's always tough to live up to the "greatest mystery."

As far as the name changing, I find it appropriate.

I also heard about the attempts to "sanitize" Huck Finn, but, like you said, those who propose this probably don't see the true vision of what the novel represents. Twain is making a statement against this. I guess there is a certain level of irony.

Mish, yes, I thought there were some definite cruel tricks played. So much manipulation going on.

Did anyone happen to catch the 1945 film version with Barry Fitzgerald? I rented it on amazon awhile back. They sort of mess with the ending.

I first read this book in high school. Before I was assigned to read it, I noticed that other classmates universally loved it. Including one of my best friends, who didn't like reading. I had high expectations when I finally did pick it up for class. Boy I wasn't disappointed!

I associated Agatha Christie light murder mysteries, even though I had never read her before. I was pleasantly surprised by how suspenseful and thoughtful it was. Bravo, Agatha Christie!

Chandler wrote: "I first read this book in high school. Before I was assigned to read it, I noticed that other classmates universally loved it. Including one of my best friends, who didn't like reading. I had hi..."

Yes same here Chandler. It took me by surprise!!

It had me totally bamboozled and it's my all time favourite mystery. I think it's brilliant.

I didn't join in the discussion because it has been a while since I read it. But I think it is one of her best crime stories.

The rhyme that the murders were based on was one my father taught me - although he always used 'sailor boys' instead of the original version.

I also loved it because that irritating little Belgium man isn't in it. He drives me nuts :)

Hey Sally,

I'm actually a bigger fan of the Poirot mysteries. Love the methods he uses.

The rhyme is a nice touch to the mystery.