And Then There Were None | By Agatha Christie

My thoughts

I have read several books that follow the same who dunnit format, including The Guest List and Daisy Darker. It is so satisfying to read the original and one can see how this format of mystery thriller has evolved.

Narrative and Plot

And Then Were None follows multiple points of view. We have different characters coming into an isolated island scenario. Even though this story has been a trendsetter and the format has been repeated so many times, the original is gripping. There is an air of mystery right from the beginning and it continues till the end.

The plot is quite convention from today’s standard but way ahead of its time. I guess this one set the bar for closed circuit thrillers even today.

Characters and Conflicts

Most stories need at least one character that you can root for. Every character in the story is grey, some more than the other. And yet, you get invested in the storyline waiting to see how each one is going to meet their fate.

When a book lives ahead of its time, it showcases a reflection of the society at the time. There were a variety of cliques within this group of  ten little soldiers, from casual sexism to blatant racism.

I couldn’t see that twist coming, even though the way it was revealed was quite old-fashioned.

Conclusion

Overall, this was a tightly packed thriller that is quite a commentary about the human psyche when we isolated from civilization and survival is at stake.

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