The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

This is such a treat. My first Agatha Christie book and I’m now tempted to read all of her rest. I knew books are capable of making me feel anxious but I haven’t felt that in a while - this one had me at the edge of my seat. I don’t quite remember why I picked this book, but I’m so glad I did.

I’m usually careful when making such statements, but this book is definitely the best one I’ve read on Kramena so far.

The impression the ending left on me is far greater than any of Doyle’s books I’ve read. It could be a speciality of this particular book, but I get the feeling that Agatha’s endings are a lot more exciting and dramatic than Doyle’s. This is the first book which I felt will be an interesting re-read (if you know, you know).

The character of Hercule Poirot grew on me as I read. It did feel a tiny bit overwhelming with all the characters & subplots to keep track of, but they all connect very well. Very clever writing I think, you develop an admiration for H. Poirot for how he was able to keep all of these little mysteries in mind. There were too many things to make sense of, and he deciphered each of them while being mindful of the implications each one has on the others. I’m inspired to be as meticulous as he is.

Highlights

Here are some of my highlights from the book:

1. Poirot describing his work to Sheppard, adding a bit of Alan Watts-like wisdom:

   “The chains of habit. We work to attain an object, and the object gained, we find that what we miss is the daily toil. And mark you, monsieur, my work was interesting work. The most interesting work there is in the world.”

2. I loved the dynamic between Sheppard and Caroline. The book is full of funny descriptions like:

   Caroline was sitting beside the wreck of tea things. She had that look of suppressed exultation on her face which I know only too well. It is a sure sign with her, of either the getting or the giving of information. I wondered which it had been.

3. A few sentences said by Poirot which I like:

   1. You should employ your little grey cells.
   2. That, too, is my watchword. Method, order, and the little grey cells.
   3. You should employ your little grey cells.
   4. […] but with the eye of a detective who knows and cares for no one—to whom they are all strangers and all equally liable to suspicion.
   5. I admit nothing that is not—proved!

Words

I have 22 words saved (although I should’ve saved a lot more!). Here are a few of my favorites:

#	Word	Definition
1	dipsomaniac	a person who drinks alcohol to excess habitually
2	acquiesce	to agree or express agreement
3	surreptitious	marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed
4	debonair	having a sophisticated charm
5	goaded	compelled forcibly by an outside agency
6	canard	a deliberately misleading fabrication
7	rancour	a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
8	reticence	the trait of being uncommunicative; not volunteering anything more than necessary
9	agog	highly excited by eagerness, curiosity etc.

Read it on Kramena.