'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Wednesday 22 February 2017

Review: Agatha Christie

This might come as a shock to you, but I've never in my life read an Agatha Christie novel. I know! I simply must make the time. And I must say, this abridged version of this remarkable woman's life makes me even more keen.

Part of the Little People Big Dreams series from Frances Lincoln Children's Books--a series I love so much, most especially because of the female focus) Agatha has been released this year alongside Marie Curie.

Agatha's life began with books. She would read a book with her mum every afternoon, and Agatha always had an opinion on how the story should end.

Her favourite books were detective novels, and when the war began, Agatha cared for injured soldiers in hospital. This is where she began learning more about poisons and potions--and so started fantasising how book characters could meet their demise.

Agatha began writing her own stories, creating some of the world's best known characters in crime, from Hercule Poirot to Miss Marple. Extremely well-travelled, she found inspiration the world over for her books. She wrote over a hundred books including Death on the Nile and Murder on the Orient Express.

Learning about Agatha's life in this child-accessible book was fascinating. Addendum pages teach us more about her achievements, along with photographs, and superb monochromatic illustrations (with a delectable touch of blood red--how apt) beautifully complement the succinct but informative text.

Another triumph in this glorious series of incredible real life women.

Title: Agatha Christie
Author: Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrator: Elisa Munso
Publisher: Frances Lincoln, $18.99
Publication Date: 22 February 2017
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781847809599
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book