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lisas_library_factory's review against another edition
3.0
This was a very interesting pick for this months #ReadChristie2023 challenge.
I was aware that Christie published a few novels under a pseudonym but I did not know that these seem to be wastly different from her usual crime fiction.
At least this was the case for "Unfinished Portrait". It has absolutely nothing to do with murder mysteries but is much more a autobiographical novel about love, betrayal, life decisions and how to overcome loss and failure.
I struggled quite a bit with this read in the beginning. It is a very moving novel and I also loved the subtle but at the same time obvious references to Agatha Christie's own life.
However, in many parts the plot was dragging own way to long in my opinion and the climax only happens during the last 50 pages.
Nevertheless, this is a very well written novel - just plainly not what you would expect from Christie at all!
I was aware that Christie published a few novels under a pseudonym but I did not know that these seem to be wastly different from her usual crime fiction.
At least this was the case for "Unfinished Portrait". It has absolutely nothing to do with murder mysteries but is much more a autobiographical novel about love, betrayal, life decisions and how to overcome loss and failure.
I struggled quite a bit with this read in the beginning. It is a very moving novel and I also loved the subtle but at the same time obvious references to Agatha Christie's own life.
However, in many parts the plot was dragging own way to long in my opinion and the climax only happens during the last 50 pages.
Nevertheless, this is a very well written novel - just plainly not what you would expect from Christie at all!
strahinja's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
stirlitza's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
ljutavidra's review against another edition
3.0
Pomalo nespretna priča o ženi koja se udala za pogrešnog muškarca.
Ne znam šta sam očekivala od ovoga, ali sam prilično razočarana nakon "Divovog hleba". Nije ni bilo neke konkretne poruke, sem možda pazi za koga se udaješ?
Jedan od slabijih Vestmakot romana i ovom knjigom sam ih kompletirala.
Ne znam šta sam očekivala od ovoga, ali sam prilično razočarana nakon "Divovog hleba". Nije ni bilo neke konkretne poruke, sem možda pazi za koga se udaješ?
Jedan od slabijih Vestmakot romana i ovom knjigom sam ih kompletirala.
k_lenn's review against another edition
2.0
Unfinished Portrait follows a woman named Celia from childhood to her late 30s, and apparently it's a good reflection of Agatha Christie herself. I definitely prefer her crime/mystery novels since they have a stronger plot, but this wasn't bad for a slower book outside of her normal genre.
The blatant racism (multiple n-words and all) was jarring. I guess that's to be expected in a book written by a wealthy white English woman in the 1930s, but it still feels gross to read.
The blatant racism (multiple n-words and all) was jarring. I guess that's to be expected in a book written by a wealthy white English woman in the 1930s, but it still feels gross to read.
jack_the_sipper's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The perfect kind of wistful and dreamy
cazcopson's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Really enjoyable read, even though it’s quite sad in places. Helps us to maybe better understand the author as it appears to be semi-autobiographical.
ana_bolton's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0