Book of the Week #4

Barnaby Walter on why this is Book of the Week

The Hollow is a nice cosy whodunit, perfect for a quiet night in during the autumn. I was first introduced to this wonderful novel by Agatha Christie by the 2004 film adaptation, or television adaptation one should say, since it was adapted by Granada Television (which now operates under the grander sounding name of ITV Studios) as part of the long running series Agatha Christie’s Poirot. But since ITV now takes a film-like approach to Christie’s novels, preferring to show them only occasionally (Christmas and Bank Holidays are usually the likely suspects for a Poirot or Marple airing), I don’t feel too guilty in labelling their production as a “film”. Not “movie”, though, as that sounds very American, and The Hollow is not American by any means (although the film was made with funding from an American company, but that’s neither here nor there).  After I had seen the film, I read the book, went to Cambridge to see the live stage play and then read the book again. Hardcore Christie fans rarely count is as one of her best, but I love it.

It’s set in and around a large country manor house called, surprise surprise, The Hollow. On an autumnal weekend, a collection of friends gather for a dinner party at the house. As Hercule Poirot, the famous Belgian detective, is staying nearby, he is invited to join them. The next day one of guests at The Hollow is shot dead next to the garden swimming-pool, and Poirot, with the help of the local police, sets about to discover which members of the gathering could have committed such a horrible and seemingly spur-of-the-moment crime.

The solution is excellently revealed, with Agatha Christie tricking the reader more than once with red herrings and clever suggestion. I also believe it is one of her most human novels, looking at how adultery and deception, on the part otherwise innocent people, can lead to depression, repression and, ultimately, murder. I hope you enjoy it!

© Barnaby Walter 2010

About the Book of the Week initiative:

I am Barnaby Walter, a former student of The Billericay School, and now honorary Film Critic and arts contributor to the Speak Up website. As of October, I will be doing a degree in English Literature & Film Studies at The University of Southampton, whilst Charlotte Ward, my fellow honorary contributor, will be starting her History degree at The University of Leicester. Although I’m sure we will be very busy with University life, every week we plan to select a book we believe will be great for discussion, a piece of escapism or a masterpiece that everyone should read. Either one of us (or sometimes both) will highlight why the book’s been selected and we welcome any comments on the week’s choice. We promise to choose a wide range of books. From literary masterworks, to Military adventures, from popular vampire fiction to juicy whodunits, we delight in the breadth and scope of the literary world. We also plan to unearth some hidden gems that many will never have heard of! Remember to ask your English teachers about the book – see if they’ve read it and have an opinion on it!