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prashiie's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
“The impossible, it pleases me always.”
Overall it was a satisfactory book. Some solutions that Poirot comes up with felt a little far-fetched. As this book is a collection of short stories, character depth was lacking, which is a pity. It's mainly focused on Poirot and his deductions, and the stories loosely resemble Sherlock Holmes and Watson.
Hastings is still getting teased a lot for his weakness for brown-haired girls. A never-ending story.
“Ah, mon ami, one can have romance without golden-haired girls of matchless beauty – no, I am wrong; it is auburn hair that so excites you always. You remember–”
The story I enjoyed most is the last one called ‘The Chocolate Box’ and it’s part of the US edition only. But no worries, in the UK this story is part of ‘Poirot’s Early Cases’. In this story Poirot tells Hastings about a case where his grey cells failed him. It does not remain a mystery though so no worries, we do get closure! But what I really liked is the ending:
“Forget it. Or no – remember it, and if you think at any time that I am growing conceited – it is not likely, but it might arise.”
“Eh bien, my friend, you shall say to me, ‘Chocolate box’. Is it agreed?”
“After all,” said Poirot reflectively, it was an experience! I, who have undoubtedly the finest brain in Europe at present, can afford to be magnanimous!”
“Chocolate box,” I murmured gently.
“Pardon, mon ami?”
When you think Poirot is humbled, he quickly proves you wrong. Oh Poirot… so smart, yet so clueless.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Abandonment, Murder, Misogyny, Suicide, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent
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