Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie: A Classic Adventure That Keeps You Thrilled
If you are a lover of mystery novels, then you must have heard of Agatha Christie, the queen of mystery. Among her numerous works, Murder on the Orient Express stands out as one of her most popular books. Published in 1934, the book tells the story of the famous detective Hercule Poirot, who is on the trail of a murder on board the luxury train, the Orient Express, where everyone is a suspect.
The author, Agatha Christie, is known for her intricate plots, well-drawn characters and surprise endings. She has written about 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections. Her works have sold more than a billion copies, making her one of the best-selling authors of all time. Christie’s writing style is known for its precision and economy of words. She wastes no time on long, flowery descriptions and gets straight to the point.
Main Themes and Ideas in Murder on the Orient Express
The main theme of this book is justice. The author explores the idea of retributive justice where the murderer is punished for their crime. Another significant theme is morality. Christie poses a moral question to the readers, “what would you do if you were given the chance to kill someone who did a great wrong to you?” It is a challenging question that forces readers to evaluate the limits of human justice.
The book also touches on the theme of class, where the separation between the rich and the poor is shown as stark. The characters aboard the Orient Express are from all walks of life: a businessman, a governess, a nurse, a countess, to name a few. They all are united in their panic when they learn of the murder, but their differences in class and nationality make it hard for them to work together to solve the murder.
Writing Style and Effectiveness
Agatha Christie’s writing style in Murder on the Orient Express is efficient and straightforward. The novel is divided into three parts and is structured like a play, with a prologue, three acts and an epilogue. The story is narrated from the perspective of Hercule Poirot, who is the main character in the book, and he is portrayed as a brilliant detective with exceptional observation skills and a sharp mind.
The author’s clever use of red herrings and plot twists keeps the reader guessing until the final twist. Christie’s writing style is particularly effective in keeping the reader engaged every step of the way. The characters are well-drawn, and the descriptions of the train and its passengers are vivid.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Murder on the Orient Express
One of the main strengths of this book is its plot. The story is brilliantly crafted, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. The characters are also well-developed, and each one adds to the richness of the plot. The descriptions of the train and its passengers are vivid and atmospheric, making the reader feel like they are on the train themselves.
One potential weakness of the book is that some readers might find Christie’s writing style too plain or simple. While some readers appreciate the author’s straightforward writing style, others might find it lacking in depth or complexity. Another weakness is that the book is not particularly relevant to modern readers, as it is set in the 1930s and reflects the societal norms of that time.
Comparison to Other Works in its Genre
Murder on the Orient Express is often considered one of the best mystery novels of all time. The book’s brilliant plot and well-drawn characters put it in the same league as other popular mystery novels of that time. However, the book’s popularity and success have also led to criticism of the genre, with some critics arguing that detective novels are too formulaic and predictable.
Overall Impression and Recommendation
Murder on the Orient Express is a must-read for any lover of mystery novels. Agatha Christie’s masterful plot and well-drawn characters make for an engaging and thrilling read. While some readers might find the writing style too plain or simple, the book’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
FAQ
What other books has Agatha Christie written?
Agatha Christie has written about 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections. Some of her other famous books include And Then There Were None, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, and Death on the Nile.
Is Murder on the Orient Express a film?
Yes, there have been multiple film adaptations of Murder on the Orient Express, the most recent one released in 2017.
What is the setting of Murder on the Orient Express?
Murder on the Orient Express is set aboard the luxury train, the Orient Express, which travels from Istanbul, Turkey to Calais, France, with a stopover in Yugoslavia.
