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Death Comes as the End
In this startling historical mystery, unique in the author's canon, Agatha Christie presents the puzzle of a deadly mystery at the heart of a dissonant family in ancient Egypt. Imhotep, wealthy landowner and priest of Thebes, has outraged his sons and daughters by bringing a beautiful concubine into their fold. And the manipulative Nofret has already set about a plan to usurp her rivals' rightful legacies. When her lifeless body is discovered at the foot of a cliff, Imhotep's own flesh and blood become the apparent conspirators in her shocking murder. But vengeance and greed may not be the only motives...
267 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1944
About the author
Agatha Christie
4,517 books68k followersAgatha Christie also wrote romance novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott, and was occasionally published under the name Agatha Christie Mallowan.
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.
Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.
Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)
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December 29, 2021
Death Comes as the End, Agatha Christie
Death Comes as the End is a historical mystery novel by Agatha Christie, first published in the US by Dodd, Mead and Company in October 1944 and in the UK by the Collins Crime Club in March of the following year. The suggestion to base the story in ancient Egypt came from noted Egyptologist and family friend Stephen Glanville. He also assisted Christie with details of daily household life in Egypt 4000 years ago. A young widow reacquainting herself with her family when her father Imhotep, a successful but pompous and short-sighted mortuary priest, brings a new "wife", Nofret, into their lives.
Nofret soon disrupts and antagonises Imhotep's sons - Yahmose, Sobek and Ipy - as well as their wives. Renisenb realizes the housekeeper Henet, while feigning devotion, is full of hatred. She eventually confronts Henet, who in a fit of pique admits she hates Renisenb and hated Renisenb's long-deceased mother. ...
عنوانهای چاپ شده در ایران: «فرجام»؛ «مرگ فرجام کار است»، «مرگ، نقطه ی پایان»، «مرگ، چون پایانی فرا میرسد»، «مرگ نقطه پایان»؛ «و سرانجام مرگ»؛ نویسنده: آگ‍ات‍ا ک‍ری‍س‍ت‍ی؛ تاریخ نخستی خوانش سال1995میلادی؛ تاریخ خوانش دوم: در سال2005میلادی
عنوان: مرگ، نقطه ی پایان؛ نویسنده: آگ‍ات‍ا ک‍ری‍س‍ت‍ی؛ ب‍رگ‍ردان: ای‍ل‍ی‍ا ح‍ری‍ری؛ تهران: ک‍اروان، سال1381؛ در312ص؛ شابک9647033362؛ چاپ دوم سال1382؛ چاپ چهارم سال1385؛ چاپ پنجم سال1386؛ چاپ ششم سال1387؛ شابک9789647033367؛ چاپ دیگر تهران نشر قطره، سال1389؛ در320ص؛ شابک9786001191978؛ موضوع: داستانهای نویسندگان بریتانیا - سده20م
این اثر با عنوانهای: «فرجام»؛ «مرگ فرجام کار است»، «مرگ، نقطه ی پایان»، «مرگ، چون پایانی فرا میرسد»، «مرگ نقطه پایان»؛ «و سرانجام مرگ»؛ در سالهای گوناگون چاپ شده است
بر کرجی مرگ «رونی سنب» و «خای» در جهان زیرین شناور بودند؛ همچنان‌که به سپیده دم نزدیک می‌شدند، «خای» سرش را برگرداند، و «رنی سنب» دید که او «خای» نیست و «کامنی» است؛ و در همان زمان دماغه ی قایق که به شکل سر مار بود، آغاز کرد به پیچ و تاب خوردن، دماغه مار زنده بود، یک کبرا؛ «رنی سنب» فکر کرد که این همان ماری است که از آرامگاه بیرون می‌آید، تا ارواح مردگان را ببلعد؛ بعد دید که سر مار به شکل چهره ی «نوفرت» است، و فریاد زنان از خواب پرید
نقل از آغاز متن: (یک: دومین ماه فصل طغیان-روز بیستم؛ «رِنی سِنْب»، خیره به نیل ایستاده بود؛ میتوانست از دور صدای بلند برادرانش «یاحموز» و «سوبِک» را، بشنود؛ داشتند بحث میکردند که آیا لازم است آب بندی، در جایی مخصوص تقویت بشود یا خیر؛ صدای «سوبک»، مثل همیشه، بلند و مطمئن بود؛ عادت داشت نظرش را با جدیت ملایمی به کرسی بنشاند؛ صدای «یاحموز» ملایم و لرزان بود، و تردید و اضطراب او را میرساند؛ همیشه درباره ی چیزی مضطرب بود؛ بزرگترین پسر بود و در غیاب پدرش، زمانی که به اراضی شمالی میرفت، سرپرستی مزارع کم و بیش به عهده ی او بود؛ کند و محتاط، و نگران مشکلاتی بود که وجود نداشتند؛ مرد درشت اندام لَختی بود، که از سبکبالی و اعتماد به نفسِ «سوبک» بهره ای نبرده بود؛ «رنی سنب» به یاد میآورد که از اوان کودکی، جر و بحث برادران بزرگترش را، با شیوه ی مخصوص هرکدام شنیده است؛ ناگهان این موضوع احساس امنیتی به او بخشید...؛ دوباره در خانه بود؛ بله، به خانه باز گشته بود...؛ اما وقتی به آنسوی رود روشن و درخشان نگریست، طغیان و درد درونی اش دوباره بیدار شد؛ «خای»، شوهر جوانش، مرده بود...؛ «خای»، با آن چهره ی خندان و شانه های نیرومند؛ «خای» با «اوزیریس» در قلمرو مردگان بود و او، «رنی سنب»، همسر دلبندش، وانهاده شده بود؛ هشت سال با هم گذرانده بودند - زمانی که با شوهرش ازدواج کرد، تنها کمی از یک کودک بزرگتر بود- و اکنون بیوه شده، با دختر «خای»، «تِتی»، به خانه ی پدری اش باز گشته بود
در این لحظه به نظرش میرسید که هرگز این خانه را ترک نکرده بوده است...؛ به پیشواز این اندیشه رفت...؛ آن هشت سال را فراموش میکرد -هشت سال سرشار از شادی تصور نشدنی، که آنچنان با درد و جدایی پاره پاره و نابود شده بود؛ بله، فراموش میکرد، از اندیشه بیرونش میکرد؛ دوباره «رنی سنب» میشد، بار دیگر به دختر «ایمحوتِپ»، «کاهن کا» تبدیل میشد.)؛ پایان نقل
نقل از متن کتاب: (نگاهش از روی دره در آن پایین، رو به خط نقره ای نیل کشید و فراتر رفت)؛ پایان نقل از متن کتاب
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 07/02/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ 07/10/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
Death Comes as the End is a historical mystery novel by Agatha Christie, first published in the US by Dodd, Mead and Company in October 1944 and in the UK by the Collins Crime Club in March of the following year. The suggestion to base the story in ancient Egypt came from noted Egyptologist and family friend Stephen Glanville. He also assisted Christie with details of daily household life in Egypt 4000 years ago. A young widow reacquainting herself with her family when her father Imhotep, a successful but pompous and short-sighted mortuary priest, brings a new "wife", Nofret, into their lives.
Nofret soon disrupts and antagonises Imhotep's sons - Yahmose, Sobek and Ipy - as well as their wives. Renisenb realizes the housekeeper Henet, while feigning devotion, is full of hatred. She eventually confronts Henet, who in a fit of pique admits she hates Renisenb and hated Renisenb's long-deceased mother. ...
عنوانهای چاپ شده در ایران: «فرجام»؛ «مرگ فرجام کار است»، «مرگ، نقطه ی پایان»، «مرگ، چون پایانی فرا میرسد»، «مرگ نقطه پایان»؛ «و سرانجام مرگ»؛ نویسنده: آگ‍ات‍ا ک‍ری‍س‍ت‍ی؛ تاریخ نخستی خوانش سال1995میلادی؛ تاریخ خوانش دوم: در سال2005میلادی
عنوان: مرگ، نقطه ی پایان؛ نویسنده: آگ‍ات‍ا ک‍ری‍س‍ت‍ی؛ ب‍رگ‍ردان: ای‍ل‍ی‍ا ح‍ری‍ری؛ تهران: ک‍اروان، سال1381؛ در312ص؛ شابک9647033362؛ چاپ دوم سال1382؛ چاپ چهارم سال1385؛ چاپ پنجم سال1386؛ چاپ ششم سال1387؛ شابک9789647033367؛ چاپ دیگر تهران نشر قطره، سال1389؛ در320ص؛ شابک9786001191978؛ موضوع: داستانهای نویسندگان بریتانیا - سده20م
این اثر با عنوانهای: «فرجام»؛ «مرگ فرجام کار است»، «مرگ، نقطه ی پایان»، «مرگ، چون پایانی فرا میرسد»، «مرگ نقطه پایان»؛ «و سرانجام مرگ»؛ در سالهای گوناگون چاپ شده است
بر کرجی مرگ «رونی سنب» و «خای» در جهان زیرین شناور بودند؛ همچنان‌که به سپیده دم نزدیک می‌شدند، «خای» سرش را برگرداند، و «رنی سنب» دید که او «خای» نیست و «کامنی» است؛ و در همان زمان دماغه ی قایق که به شکل سر مار بود، آغاز کرد به پیچ و تاب خوردن، دماغه مار زنده بود، یک کبرا؛ «رنی سنب» فکر کرد که این همان ماری است که از آرامگاه بیرون می‌آید، تا ارواح مردگان را ببلعد؛ بعد دید که سر مار به شکل چهره ی «نوفرت» است، و فریاد زنان از خواب پرید
نقل از آغاز متن: (یک: دومین ماه فصل طغیان-روز بیستم؛ «رِنی سِنْب»، خیره به نیل ایستاده بود؛ میتوانست از دور صدای بلند برادرانش «یاحموز» و «سوبِک» را، بشنود؛ داشتند بحث میکردند که آیا لازم است آب بندی، در جایی مخصوص تقویت بشود یا خیر؛ صدای «سوبک»، مثل همیشه، بلند و مطمئن بود؛ عادت داشت نظرش را با جدیت ملایمی به کرسی بنشاند؛ صدای «یاحموز» ملایم و لرزان بود، و تردید و اضطراب او را میرساند؛ همیشه درباره ی چیزی مضطرب بود؛ بزرگترین پسر بود و در غیاب پدرش، زمانی که به اراضی شمالی میرفت، سرپرستی مزارع کم و بیش به عهده ی او بود؛ کند و محتاط، و نگران مشکلاتی بود که وجود نداشتند؛ مرد درشت اندام لَختی بود، که از سبکبالی و اعتماد به نفسِ «سوبک» بهره ای نبرده بود؛ «رنی سنب» به یاد میآورد که از اوان کودکی، جر و بحث برادران بزرگترش را، با شیوه ی مخصوص هرکدام شنیده است؛ ناگهان این موضوع احساس امنیتی به او بخشید...؛ دوباره در خانه بود؛ بله، به خانه باز گشته بود...؛ اما وقتی به آنسوی رود روشن و درخشان نگریست، طغیان و درد درونی اش دوباره بیدار شد؛ «خای»، شوهر جوانش، مرده بود...؛ «خای»، با آن چهره ی خندان و شانه های نیرومند؛ «خای» با «اوزیریس» در قلمرو مردگان بود و او، «رنی سنب»، همسر دلبندش، وانهاده شده بود؛ هشت سال با هم گذرانده بودند - زمانی که با شوهرش ازدواج کرد، تنها کمی از یک کودک بزرگتر بود- و اکنون بیوه شده، با دختر «خای»، «تِتی»، به خانه ی پدری اش باز گشته بود
در این لحظه به نظرش میرسید که هرگز این خانه را ترک نکرده بوده است...؛ به پیشواز این اندیشه رفت...؛ آن هشت سال را فراموش میکرد -هشت سال سرشار از شادی تصور نشدنی، که آنچنان با درد و جدایی پاره پاره و نابود شده بود؛ بله، فراموش میکرد، از اندیشه بیرونش میکرد؛ دوباره «رنی سنب» میشد، بار دیگر به دختر «ایمحوتِپ»، «کاهن کا» تبدیل میشد.)؛ پایان نقل
نقل از متن کتاب: (نگاهش از روی دره در آن پایین، رو به خط نقره ای نیل کشید و فراتر رفت)؛ پایان نقل از متن کتاب
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 07/02/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ 07/10/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
August 6, 2024
“A trifle, a little, the likeness of a dream. And death comes as the end.”
― Agatha Christie, Death Comes as the End
Edit --8/6/2024 -- revisited during ANOTHER storm. How I love this book! Review below but if ANYONE has any idea what the alternate ending was to be, PLEASE comment below.
EDIT..8/8/2020
Revisited during storm. Still adore it. First read when I was like eight or nine.
Gave it to my dad during the storm when I was done. He'd never read it. He finished it in a night and LOVED it. And no, did not guess the culprit.
My review:
Why is does this book not have a solid 5 star average rating? Oh no..my bias is showing.
I first read this book as a child, after seeing my lovely Mamacita's copy. Through the years I revisit. Never loses its power.
Agatha Christie's "Death comes as the end" is the only one of her books that I feature on my "favorite books of all time list". It differs from many of her books in several ways.
First off..there is nothing..I repeat..nothing..cozy about this book. I first read it as a child and do not mind admitting it scared the heck out of me. Many of Christie's books have a cozy element to them. This does not.
Second this book is just as much Historical Fiction as a mystery. It takes place in Ancient Egypt. I grew up obsessed with books about Egypt and this one doesn't disappoint. Historical fiction buffs..you will be transported to Egypt via this book. The atmosphere and setting are top notch.
This book has some of the standard things..a murder..who did it..another murder.
But this book is as much about the human element as the crime element..who we are, how we become the people we are, how does the world see us and is that view accurate?
How will we grow and leave the past behind? I would so recommend Death comes as the end. It is interesting that I have read many an Agatha Christie book and while I liked some of them, none really got me involved as this book did.
It is complex, deeply engaging both as Historical Fiction and as a mystery. Do not underestimate the deeply moving and Spiritual element to the story.
A definite five stars.
― Agatha Christie, Death Comes as the End
Edit --8/6/2024 -- revisited during ANOTHER storm. How I love this book! Review below but if ANYONE has any idea what the alternate ending was to be, PLEASE comment below.
EDIT..8/8/2020
Revisited during storm. Still adore it. First read when I was like eight or nine.
Gave it to my dad during the storm when I was done. He'd never read it. He finished it in a night and LOVED it. And no, did not guess the culprit.
My review:
Why is does this book not have a solid 5 star average rating? Oh no..my bias is showing.
I first read this book as a child, after seeing my lovely Mamacita's copy. Through the years I revisit. Never loses its power.
Agatha Christie's "Death comes as the end" is the only one of her books that I feature on my "favorite books of all time list". It differs from many of her books in several ways.
First off..there is nothing..I repeat..nothing..cozy about this book. I first read it as a child and do not mind admitting it scared the heck out of me. Many of Christie's books have a cozy element to them. This does not.
Second this book is just as much Historical Fiction as a mystery. It takes place in Ancient Egypt. I grew up obsessed with books about Egypt and this one doesn't disappoint. Historical fiction buffs..you will be transported to Egypt via this book. The atmosphere and setting are top notch.
This book has some of the standard things..a murder..who did it..another murder.
But this book is as much about the human element as the crime element..who we are, how we become the people we are, how does the world see us and is that view accurate?
How will we grow and leave the past behind? I would so recommend Death comes as the end. It is interesting that I have read many an Agatha Christie book and while I liked some of them, none really got me involved as this book did.
It is complex, deeply engaging both as Historical Fiction and as a mystery. Do not underestimate the deeply moving and Spiritual element to the story.
A definite five stars.
May 3, 2022
Death comes as the End, Agatha Christie
Death Comes as the End is a historical mystery novel by Agatha Christie, first published in October 1944. The suggestion to base the story in ancient Egypt came from noted Egyptologist and family friend Stephen Glanville.
He also assisted Christie with details of daily household life in Egypt 4000 years ago. A young widow reacquainting herself with her family when her father Imhotep, a successful but pompous and short-sighted mortuary priest, brings a new "wife", Nofret, into their lives. Nofret soon disrupts and antagonises Imhotep's sons - Yahmose, Sobek and Ipy - as well as their wives. Renisenb realises the housekeeper Henet, while feigning devotion, is full of hatred. She eventually confronts Henet, who in a fit of pique admits she hates Renisenb and hated Renisenb's long-deceased mother. ...
عنوانهای چاپ شده در ایران: «فرجام»؛ «مرگ فرجام کار است»، «مرگ، نقطه ی پایان»، «مرگ، چون پایانی فرا میرسد»، «مرگ نقطه پایان»؛ «و سرانجام مرگ»؛ نویسنده: آگ‍ات‍ا ک‍ری‍س‍ت‍ی؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش دوم: در سال2005میلادی
عنوان: مرگ، نقطه ی پایان؛ نویسنده: آگ‍ات‍ا ک‍ری‍س‍ت‍ی؛ ب‍رگ‍ردان: ای‍ل‍ی‍ا ح‍ری‍ری؛ تهران، نشر ک‍اروان، سال1381؛ در312ص؛ شابک9647033362؛ چاپ دوم سال1382؛ چاپ چهارم سال1385؛ چاپ پنجم سال1386؛ چاپ ششم سال1387؛ شابک9789647033367؛ چاپ دیگر تهران، نشر قطره، سال1389؛ در320ص؛ شابک9786001191978؛ موضوع: داستانهای نویسندگان بریتانیا - سده20م
این اثر با عنوانهای: «فرجام»؛ «مرگ فرجام کار است»، «مرگ، نقطه ی پایان»، «مرگ، چون پایانی فرا میرسد»، «مرگ نقطه پایان»؛ «و سرانجام مرگ»؛ در سالهای گوناگون چاپ شده است
نقل نمونه متن کتاب: (نگاهش از روی دره در آن پایین، رو به خط نقره ای نیل کشید و فراتر رفت) پایان نقل از متن کتاب
بر کرجی مرگ «رونی سنب» و «خای» در جهان زیرین شناور بودند؛ همچنان‌که به سپیده دم نزدیک می‌شدند، «خای» سرش را برگرداند، و «رنی سنب» دید که او «خای» نیست و «کامنی» است؛ و در همان زمان دماغه ی قایق که به شکل سر مار بود، آغاز کرد به پیچ و تاب خوردن، دماغه مار زنده بود، یک کبرا؛ «رنی سنب» فکر کرد که این همان ماری است که از آرامگاه بیرون می‌آید، تا ارواح مردگان را ببلعد؛ بعد دید که سر مار به شکل چهره ی «نوفرت» است، و فریاد زنان از خواب پرید
نقل از آغاز متن: (یک: دومین ماه فصل طغیان-روز بیستم؛ «رِنی سِنْب»، خیره به «نیل» ایستاده بود؛ میتوانست از دور صدای بلند برادرانش «یاحموز» و «سوبِک» را، بشنود؛ داشتند بحث میکردند که آیا لازم است آب بندی، در جایی مخصوص تقویت بشود یا خیر؛ صدای «سوبک»، مثل همیشه، بلند و مطمئن بود؛ عادت داشت نظرش را با جدیت ملایمی به کرسی بنشاند؛ صدای «یاحموز» ملایم و لرزان بود، و تردید و اضطراب او را میرساند؛ همیشه درباره ی چیزی مضطرب بود؛ بزرگترین پسر بود و در غیاب پدرش، زمانی که به اراضی شمالی میرفت، سرپرستی مزارع کم و بیش به عهده ی او بود؛ کند و محتاط، و نگران مشکلاتی بود که وجود نداشتند؛ مرد درشت اندام لَختی بود، که از سبکبالی و اعتماد به نفسِ «سوبک» بهره ای نبرده بود؛ «رنی سنب» به یاد میآورد که از اوان کودکی، جر و بحث برادران بزرگترش را، با شیوه ی مخصوص هرکدام شنیده است؛ ناگهان این موضوع احساس امنیتی به او بخشید...؛ دوباره در خانه بود؛ بله، به خانه باز گشته بود...؛ اما وقتی به آنسوی رود روشن و درخشان نگریست، طغیان و درد درونی اش دوباره بیدار شد؛ «خای»، شوهر جوانش، مرده بود...؛ «خای»، با آن چهره ی خندان و شانه های نیرومند؛ «خای» با «اوزیریس» در قلمرو مردگان بود و او، «رنی سنب»، همسر دلبندش، وانهاده شده بود؛ هشت سال با هم گذرانده بودند - زمانی که با شوهرش ازدواج کرد، تنها کمی از یک کودک بزرگتر بود- و اکنون بیوه شده، با دختر «خای»، «تِتی»، به خانه ی پدری اش باز گشته بود
در این لحظه به نظرش میرسید که هرگز این خانه را ترک نکرده بوده است...؛ به پیشواز این اندیشه رفت...؛ آن هشت سال را فراموش میکرد -هشت سال سرشار از شادی تصور نشدنی، که آنچنان با درد و جدایی پاره پاره و نابود شده بود؛ بله، فراموش میکرد، از اندیشه بیرونش میکرد؛ دوباره «رنی سنب» میشد، بار دیگر به دختر «ایمحوتِپ»، «کاهن کا» تبدیل میشد)؛ پایان نقل
تاریخ ب��نگام رسانی 13/04/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ 12/02/1401هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
Death Comes as the End is a historical mystery novel by Agatha Christie, first published in October 1944. The suggestion to base the story in ancient Egypt came from noted Egyptologist and family friend Stephen Glanville.
He also assisted Christie with details of daily household life in Egypt 4000 years ago. A young widow reacquainting herself with her family when her father Imhotep, a successful but pompous and short-sighted mortuary priest, brings a new "wife", Nofret, into their lives. Nofret soon disrupts and antagonises Imhotep's sons - Yahmose, Sobek and Ipy - as well as their wives. Renisenb realises the housekeeper Henet, while feigning devotion, is full of hatred. She eventually confronts Henet, who in a fit of pique admits she hates Renisenb and hated Renisenb's long-deceased mother. ...
عنوانهای چاپ شده در ایران: «فرجام»؛ «مرگ فرجام کار است»، «مرگ، نقطه ی پایان»، «مرگ، چون پایانی فرا میرسد»، «مرگ نقطه پایان»؛ «و سرانجام مرگ»؛ نویسنده: آگ‍ات‍ا ک‍ری‍س‍ت‍ی؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش دوم: در سال2005میلادی
عنوان: مرگ، نقطه ی پایان؛ نویسنده: آگ‍ات‍ا ک‍ری‍س‍ت‍ی؛ ب‍رگ‍ردان: ای‍ل‍ی‍ا ح‍ری‍ری؛ تهران، نشر ک‍اروان، سال1381؛ در312ص؛ شابک9647033362؛ چاپ دوم سال1382؛ چاپ چهارم سال1385؛ چاپ پنجم سال1386؛ چاپ ششم سال1387؛ شابک9789647033367؛ چاپ دیگر تهران، نشر قطره، سال1389؛ در320ص؛ شابک9786001191978؛ موضوع: داستانهای نویسندگان بریتانیا - سده20م
این اثر با عنوانهای: «فرجام»؛ «مرگ فرجام کار است»، «مرگ، نقطه ی پایان»، «مرگ، چون پایانی فرا میرسد»، «مرگ نقطه پایان»؛ «و سرانجام مرگ»؛ در سالهای گوناگون چاپ شده است
نقل نمونه متن کتاب: (نگاهش از روی دره در آن پایین، رو به خط نقره ای نیل کشید و فراتر رفت) پایان نقل از متن کتاب
بر کرجی مرگ «رونی سنب» و «خای» در جهان زیرین شناور بودند؛ همچنان‌که به سپیده دم نزدیک می‌شدند، «خای» سرش را برگرداند، و «رنی سنب» دید که او «خای» نیست و «کامنی» است؛ و در همان زمان دماغه ی قایق که به شکل سر مار بود، آغاز کرد به پیچ و تاب خوردن، دماغه مار زنده بود، یک کبرا؛ «رنی سنب» فکر کرد که این همان ماری است که از آرامگاه بیرون می‌آید، تا ارواح مردگان را ببلعد؛ بعد دید که سر مار به شکل چهره ی «نوفرت» است، و فریاد زنان از خواب پرید
نقل از آغاز متن: (یک: دومین ماه فصل طغیان-روز بیستم؛ «رِنی سِنْب»، خیره به «نیل» ایستاده بود؛ میتوانست از دور صدای بلند برادرانش «یاحموز» و «سوبِک» را، بشنود؛ داشتند بحث میکردند که آیا لازم است آب بندی، در جایی مخصوص تقویت بشود یا خیر؛ صدای «سوبک»، مثل همیشه، بلند و مطمئن بود؛ عادت داشت نظرش را با جدیت ملایمی به کرسی بنشاند؛ صدای «یاحموز» ملایم و لرزان بود، و تردید و اضطراب او را میرساند؛ همیشه درباره ی چیزی مضطرب بود؛ بزرگترین پسر بود و در غیاب پدرش، زمانی که به اراضی شمالی میرفت، سرپرستی مزارع کم و بیش به عهده ی او بود؛ کند و محتاط، و نگران مشکلاتی بود که وجود نداشتند؛ مرد درشت اندام لَختی بود، که از سبکبالی و اعتماد به نفسِ «سوبک» بهره ای نبرده بود؛ «رنی سنب» به یاد میآورد که از اوان کودکی، جر و بحث برادران بزرگترش را، با شیوه ی مخصوص هرکدام شنیده است؛ ناگهان این موضوع احساس امنیتی به او بخشید...؛ دوباره در خانه بود؛ بله، به خانه باز گشته بود...؛ اما وقتی به آنسوی رود روشن و درخشان نگریست، طغیان و درد درونی اش دوباره بیدار شد؛ «خای»، شوهر جوانش، مرده بود...؛ «خای»، با آن چهره ی خندان و شانه های نیرومند؛ «خای» با «اوزیریس» در قلمرو مردگان بود و او، «رنی سنب»، همسر دلبندش، وانهاده شده بود؛ هشت سال با هم گذرانده بودند - زمانی که با شوهرش ازدواج کرد، تنها کمی از یک کودک بزرگتر بود- و اکنون بیوه شده، با دختر «خای»، «تِتی»، به خانه ی پدری اش باز گشته بود
در این لحظه به نظرش میرسید که هرگز این خانه را ترک نکرده بوده است...؛ به پیشواز این اندیشه رفت...؛ آن هشت سال را فراموش میکرد -هشت سال سرشار از شادی تصور نشدنی، که آنچنان با درد و جدایی پاره پاره و نابود شده بود؛ بله، فراموش میکرد، از اندیشه بیرونش میکرد؛ دوباره «رنی سنب» میشد، بار دیگر به دختر «ایمحوتِپ»، «کاهن کا» تبدیل میشد)؛ پایان نقل
تاریخ ب��نگام رسانی 13/04/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ 12/02/1401هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
July 2, 2024
A murder mystery set in ancient Egypt.
What? A cozy Christie mystery set outside of England with no British folks?
Yes, random Goodreader, that's exactly what we have here.
A young widow returns with her daughter to her childhood home and notices some unwelcome changes to the family dynamic. The petty grievances are exacerbated when her (mostly) lovable but controlling father brings home a hot concubine with a mean streak.
While the other women in the family execute plans that try to make this snooty new chick's life a living hell, the gold digger is busy upsetting the inheritance applecart. When she gets the father to threaten to disinherit all of his children in favor of her, she goes from simple nuisance to Family Enemy #1 with record speed.
Unsurprisingly, she gets shoved off a cliff midway through the book.
But as our young heroine soon learns, once a murderer gets wound up, no one is safe. The body count starts to pile up steadily, until there are only a few remaining family members and close friends who have survived long enough to be considered a suspect.
At that point, it becomes a race against time to figure out whodunnit before the killer bumps her off, too.
I had the murderer pegged after the 2nd death happened but (like all of Agatha's mysteries) I wasn't 100% sure I had made the correct guess until the very end.
And while this still had all the hallmarks of one of Christie's crime stories, I really enjoyed the newness of the setting.
I'd suggest this to anyone who loves cozy mysteries and is maybe looking for something a little outside the norm.
Recommended.
PS- I just found out that this was based on the Heqanakht papyri and is supposed to be a pretty accurate take on them.
What? A cozy Christie mystery set outside of England with no British folks?
Yes, random Goodreader, that's exactly what we have here.
A young widow returns with her daughter to her childhood home and notices some unwelcome changes to the family dynamic. The petty grievances are exacerbated when her (mostly) lovable but controlling father brings home a hot concubine with a mean streak.
While the other women in the family execute plans that try to make this snooty new chick's life a living hell, the gold digger is busy upsetting the inheritance applecart. When she gets the father to threaten to disinherit all of his children in favor of her, she goes from simple nuisance to Family Enemy #1 with record speed.
Unsurprisingly, she gets shoved off a cliff midway through the book.
But as our young heroine soon learns, once a murderer gets wound up, no one is safe. The body count starts to pile up steadily, until there are only a few remaining family members and close friends who have survived long enough to be considered a suspect.
At that point, it becomes a race against time to figure out whodunnit before the killer bumps her off, too.
I had the murderer pegged after the 2nd death happened but (like all of Agatha's mysteries) I wasn't 100% sure I had made the correct guess until the very end.
And while this still had all the hallmarks of one of Christie's crime stories, I really enjoyed the newness of the setting.
I'd suggest this to anyone who loves cozy mysteries and is maybe looking for something a little outside the norm.
Recommended.
PS- I just found out that this was based on the Heqanakht papyri and is supposed to be a pretty accurate take on them.
August 27, 2016
Choose Your Own Adventure!
You are Imhotep, ka-priest of Ancient Egypt, ruler over a family of nitwits and schemers and busybodies, with drama enough to drive you insane. Poor fellow, all you want is a little peace... the kind of peace that is found in the arms of a gorgeous concubine. Who can blame you? The only sympathetic person in your life is your daughter, a lovely and tragic young widow. But sadly, the concubine turns out to be as big a drama queen as everyone else in your life and very bad things begin to happen. Bad things begin to happen to everyone! If this wasn’t bloodthirsty Ancient Egypt, the sheer body count that you have to deal with during this drawn-out massacre would definitely raise an eyebrow. Sometimes enough is enough! Whatever is a ka-priest to do?
If you decide to further indulge your need for beautiful and powerful women, choose http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
If you decide that life holds no more mystery for you and it is time to end it all, choose http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
You are Imhotep, ka-priest of Ancient Egypt, ruler over a family of nitwits and schemers and busybodies, with drama enough to drive you insane. Poor fellow, all you want is a little peace... the kind of peace that is found in the arms of a gorgeous concubine. Who can blame you? The only sympathetic person in your life is your daughter, a lovely and tragic young widow. But sadly, the concubine turns out to be as big a drama queen as everyone else in your life and very bad things begin to happen. Bad things begin to happen to everyone! If this wasn’t bloodthirsty Ancient Egypt, the sheer body count that you have to deal with during this drawn-out massacre would definitely raise an eyebrow. Sometimes enough is enough! Whatever is a ka-priest to do?
If you decide to further indulge your need for beautiful and powerful women, choose http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
If you decide that life holds no more mystery for you and it is time to end it all, choose http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
August 6, 2019
This is the only Agatha Christie novel set in antiquity. The setting for this murder mystery novel is ancient Egypt. It is the most haunting of all her works because of the sheer number of people who get killed under mysterious circumstances. Seven people are killed before the murderer is caught. As always the climax is brilliant. Even though as a Christie fan, you would have guessed the murderer yet in the end you are left wondering at the brilliance of the plot. Great read.
November 22, 2021
Death Comes as the End is by far the best standalone mystery that I've read by Agatha Christie. Its ancient setting, making it her only historical mystery, was fascinating to a history lover like me. Christie has done her research well to capture accurately the people and culture of ancient Egypt. I was well transported to the setting and enjoyed a few hours of tranquillity in the ancient city of Thebes near the river Nile. Of course, my peace was disturbed somewhat by the horrific murders that took place within the discordant family of Imhotep, nevertheless, the feeling of being in that setting was comforting.
Taken out from the historical context, the mystery had many similarities with her other works. This is not the first time to have come across dysfunctional families in her novels; I've encountered them a lot before. However, that didn't diminish the quality of the work except for the uncomfortable thought that we're not much different from those who lived thousands of years ago. :) Also, the story's structure and flow here reminded me of her much-admired work, And Then There Were None.
In any case, Death Comes as the End is quite an intriguing mystery. It arrested my attention from the very beginning and held it fast till the very end. I was in suspense throughout not knowing who the murderer's arm will strike again. The identity of the murderer came as a shock, for I really liked the character at the beginning. I figured him out before he was unveiled by Christie, of course, but the very idea of having liked the criminal was not comforting. I truly need to watch my back! :) The motive here was more psychological, and I thought that was a new phenomenon of Agatha Christie.
Apart from the mystery, what I enjoyed the most was its set of characters. I liked many of them, even the whining and impossible ones, but the best were Hori, Renisenb, and Esa. The latter to me was an ancient version of Miss Marple. :)
This historical mystery was quite a delightful read. Doubtless, it is one of Christie's best works, one I enjoyed without any scruples.
Taken out from the historical context, the mystery had many similarities with her other works. This is not the first time to have come across dysfunctional families in her novels; I've encountered them a lot before. However, that didn't diminish the quality of the work except for the uncomfortable thought that we're not much different from those who lived thousands of years ago. :) Also, the story's structure and flow here reminded me of her much-admired work, And Then There Were None.
In any case, Death Comes as the End is quite an intriguing mystery. It arrested my attention from the very beginning and held it fast till the very end. I was in suspense throughout not knowing who the murderer's arm will strike again. The identity of the murderer came as a shock, for I really liked the character at the beginning. I figured him out before he was unveiled by Christie, of course, but the very idea of having liked the criminal was not comforting. I truly need to watch my back! :) The motive here was more psychological, and I thought that was a new phenomenon of Agatha Christie.
Apart from the mystery, what I enjoyed the most was its set of characters. I liked many of them, even the whining and impossible ones, but the best were Hori, Renisenb, and Esa. The latter to me was an ancient version of Miss Marple. :)
This historical mystery was quite a delightful read. Doubtless, it is one of Christie's best works, one I enjoyed without any scruples.
May 3, 2021
So I have to say I wasn't expecting this,. I have been reading Agatha Christie books for over 40 years and I had never come across this book and nor did I expect it. This book is completely based in Ancient Egypt. I know through her 2nd husband she had a big interest in all things Egypt, but I never knew she wrote a detective story set in ancient times.
So all that apart, this was an interesting mystery story and for a change I quite enjoyed the Ancient Egyptian setting. Suffice to say that for me, it all sounded and felt very ancient Egypt.
The patriarch of a wealthy Egyptian family, Imhotep, decides on one of his trips away from his hometown that after being a widower for many years it is time to take a new concubine. Many years younger and exceptionally pretty, on returning to his estate, she is not well received by his family. His family comprises his 3 sons and a daughter (all of a similar age to his concubine) as well as many grandchildren, and his mother. In addition the estate employs a number of slaves from personal servants to senior business advisors.
All had been ticking along quite nicely until the arrival of Nofret, whose arrogance and superiority rubs the family the wrong way. So it is no surprise as relationship deteriorate that murder occurs.
Lately returned to her family estate after the death of her husband, Imhotep's daughter Renisenb decides that she should look into the death, and with the help of her grandmother starts to look at who within the close family circle could have committed the murder and why.
An interesting story with a difference that was enjoyable and unexpected.
So all that apart, this was an interesting mystery story and for a change I quite enjoyed the Ancient Egyptian setting. Suffice to say that for me, it all sounded and felt very ancient Egypt.
The patriarch of a wealthy Egyptian family, Imhotep, decides on one of his trips away from his hometown that after being a widower for many years it is time to take a new concubine. Many years younger and exceptionally pretty, on returning to his estate, she is not well received by his family. His family comprises his 3 sons and a daughter (all of a similar age to his concubine) as well as many grandchildren, and his mother. In addition the estate employs a number of slaves from personal servants to senior business advisors.
All had been ticking along quite nicely until the arrival of Nofret, whose arrogance and superiority rubs the family the wrong way. So it is no surprise as relationship deteriorate that murder occurs.
Lately returned to her family estate after the death of her husband, Imhotep's daughter Renisenb decides that she should look into the death, and with the help of her grandmother starts to look at who within the close family circle could have committed the murder and why.
An interesting story with a difference that was enjoyable and unexpected.
July 3, 2019
A unique entry in this Christie cannon sees the queen of crime tackle a suggestion by family friend Stephen Glanville tinder a mystery in the past.
Deciding to take up his request, Christie opted to set this novel in Egypt 2000 BC.
Wisely choosing to have a family based drama as the main plot, it was easy to be transported to this era.
With the father of the family bring home a concubine that unmuffles the other members of the household, it’s not long until she is found dead.
There’s a vast array of characters that can get confusing, but this does lead to a higher death count!
The plot was simple enough and as you start to suspect the next person, they are subsequently murdered.
I liked the idea behind the novel rather than the story itself, it was an interesting and unique experiment.
This is best suited for those that wish to read ever Christie book.
Deciding to take up his request, Christie opted to set this novel in Egypt 2000 BC.
Wisely choosing to have a family based drama as the main plot, it was easy to be transported to this era.
With the father of the family bring home a concubine that unmuffles the other members of the household, it’s not long until she is found dead.
There’s a vast array of characters that can get confusing, but this does lead to a higher death count!
The plot was simple enough and as you start to suspect the next person, they are subsequently murdered.
I liked the idea behind the novel rather than the story itself, it was an interesting and unique experiment.
This is best suited for those that wish to read ever Christie book.
August 6, 2022
Me ha gustado, ha sido un libro distinto de Agatha ambientado en el antiguo Egipto, con una historia de una familia que se las prometía muy felices y en una calma chicha, hasta la aparición de una concubina de su padre llamada Nofret, la cual pondrá en evidencia todas las miserias de cada uno de los hijos, sus miedos, temores y odios hacia ella, por mal meter entre ellos.
Sinopsis: Una joven viuda egipcia, Reniseb, regresa al hogar paterno tras la muerte de su esposo. Allí convivirá con sus hermanos y sus respectivas esposas, así como con su padre, que ha traído al hogar a una nueva concubina. La llegada de esta última perturba a la familia y desata la lucha por el poder, la codicia y el odio.
7/10
Sinopsis: Una joven viuda egipcia, Reniseb, regresa al hogar paterno tras la muerte de su esposo. Allí convivirá con sus hermanos y sus respectivas esposas, así como con su padre, que ha traído al hogar a una nueva concubina. La llegada de esta última perturba a la familia y desata la lucha por el poder, la codicia y el odio.
7/10
June 24, 2017
I can't believe I am saying this, but I KNEW IT.
December 1, 2017
Death Comes as the End is a standalone Agatha Christie mystery/drama set in ancient Egypt. Although a murder mystery, there is a ton of family drama and entertaining relationship dynamics to follow. I highlighted many quotes from Ms. Christie's fabulous writing, but as a mystery, this is far from a favorite for me. However, I enjoyed it overall and would recommend it to any Agatha Christie fan.
My favorite quote:
"Not so easy to kill an old woman. Old women knew the value of life— and knew most of the tricks too."
My favorite quote:
"Not so easy to kill an old woman. Old women knew the value of life— and knew most of the tricks too."
July 6, 2020
3.5 stars - What an interesting experience this book is... basically a golden age detective fiction country house mystery transposed into an ancient Egyptian setting. This is a pretty mixed bag, but for novelty alone, I will give it an extra half star (apparently this is the first historical mystery novel ever, so snaps for innovation). The prose has the typical Christie flare to it, but the murder mystery is only so-so in the end. Clues are pretty light on the ground, so that makes this less successful overall methinks
March 19, 2024
I almost gave up after the first 100 pages as I found the story boring, with a bit too much family drama early on, but glad I stuck with it and is picked up speed and kept me intrigued.
The characters and story lines were well conceived and written. I don't recall there being that many murders in any AC books though. The family drama unfolded after those initial pages and it was quite interesting as it did so. There were certainly enough clues throughout to lead one to who the murderer was and why he or she did what they did and how they did it.
The ending with one of the family members detailing how he or she came to the conclusion of who the murderer was to another family member was reminiscent of Poirot hold an audience when he solved a murder.
Definitely for Christie fans.
The characters and story lines were well conceived and written. I don't recall there being that many murders in any AC books though. The family drama unfolded after those initial pages and it was quite interesting as it did so. There were certainly enough clues throughout to lead one to who the murderer was and why he or she did what they did and how they did it.
The ending with one of the family members detailing how he or she came to the conclusion of who the murderer was to another family member was reminiscent of Poirot hold an audience when he solved a murder.
Definitely for Christie fans.
September 2, 2016
Αν και το είχα ξαναδιαβάσει πριν πολλά χρόνια, πραγματικά δεν θυμόμουν τίποτα. Ακολουθεί το γνωστό μοτίβο των βιβλίων της Christie, στο οποίο ο πρωτοπρόσωπος αφηγητής βιώνει και διηγείται τα γεγονότα ενώ στα παρασκήνια ο πανέξυπνος παρατηρητής αργά η γρήγορα ανακαλύπτει τον δράστη.
Το πρωτότυπο του βιβλίου είναι το ότι εξελίσσεται στην αρχαία Αίγυπτο και επίσης ότι ο Πουαρό της ιστορίας, είναι μια παμπόνηρη και απίστευτα καυστική μπαμπόγρια (οι ατάκες της δεν παίζονται).
Η ιστορία μου άρεσε πολύ, τα μέλη της οικογένειας ξεκληρίζονται ένα ένα από ένα κακιασμένο και εκδικητικό πνεύμα (έτσι νομίζουν τουλάχιστον...).
Η απόδοση της εποχής ήταν πολύ επιτυχημένη, το ίδιο και οι χαρακτήρες. Μου άρεσε πολύ.
Το πρωτότυπο του βιβλίου είναι το ότι εξελίσσεται στην αρχαία Αίγυπτο και επίσης ότι ο Πουαρό της ιστορίας, είναι μια παμπόνηρη και απίστευτα καυστική μπαμπόγρια (οι ατάκες της δεν παίζονται).
Η ιστορία μου άρεσε πολύ, τα μέλη της οικογένειας ξεκληρίζονται ένα ένα από ένα κακιασμένο και εκδικητικό πνεύμα (έτσι νομίζουν τουλάχιστον...).
Η απόδοση της εποχής ήταν πολύ επιτυχημένη, το ίδιο και οι χαρακτήρες. Μου άρεσε πολύ.
November 30, 2021
4 Stars. We travel with Agatha Christie to ancient Egypt and find people no different in the historic past than today - some intelligent, some not, and then there are those with petty jealousies, superstitions, imagined rivalries and possibly, a murderous disposition. Of course, this is a Christie novel! You are sure to enjoy the feeling of authenticity she brings to the rhythm of daily life for Imhotep and his family living on the shores of the Nile near Thebes. He is a wealthy farmer and high priest. His wife passed away years ago, and he decides to take a concubine as life slowly winds down - someone young and sexy to make him smile. He even thinks it wise to leave Nofret with his three sons, Yahmose, Sobek, Ipy and his daughter Renisenb and their families, when he returns to the capital. Fatal mistake - the animosity quotient rises exponentially. When Nofret dies, family members suggest that it was Imhotep's wife from the great beyond expressing her displeasure at his actions. We follow the danger through the eyes of Renisenb, herself a young widow. Does Esa, Imhotep's elderly but wise mother, know the truth? Do you? (June 2020)
April 25, 2017
“All life is a jest, Imhotep - and it is death who laughs last. Do you not hear it at every feast? Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow you die.”
Death Comes as the End is Dame Agatha's only historical mystery and she makes full use of her in-depth knowledge of Ancient Egypt. The detail of Egyptian artifacts and religious beliefs Dame Agatha weaved into this was delightful and made up for the odd dalliances with annoying love triangles. What it didn't quite achieve was to give some authenticity to the characters which still seemed as if they had been copied out of an English country house setting.
I guess, in a way one could argue that the relationships between Christie's characters and their issues are universal, but I could not help imagine some of the characters having a strong London accent.
Never mind, it was a fun read.
Death Comes as the End is Dame Agatha's only historical mystery and she makes full use of her in-depth knowledge of Ancient Egypt. The detail of Egyptian artifacts and religious beliefs Dame Agatha weaved into this was delightful and made up for the odd dalliances with annoying love triangles. What it didn't quite achieve was to give some authenticity to the characters which still seemed as if they had been copied out of an English country house setting.
I guess, in a way one could argue that the relationships between Christie's characters and their issues are universal, but I could not help imagine some of the characters having a strong London accent.
Never mind, it was a fun read.
September 22, 2020
“Fear is incomplete knowledge”
Out of Christie’s huge writing output, Death Comes As The End is the only novel set in Ancient Egypt. While it still features murders, and quite a few of them (!), the description of life by the Nile, in all its intricacies, takes on the role of another character, and I’d even say the main one.
Archeology fascinated her, even before meeting Sir Max Mallowan (who became her second husband), and took a huge part of her life when she came to share his work and passion, spending months in excavation sites from Iraq to Syria. Much of her acquired knowledge was used in many of her more popular titles, such as Murder in Mesopotamia and Death on the Nile.
Having the same interest as her (although nowhere near the same amount of knowledge), I really enjoyed this story. The mix of portrayal of life thousands of years ago with a murder mystery worked really well! Having said this, I wonder if other readers will feel the same. Christie after all is known for her depiction of the early and mid 20th century, with her sharp gaze on that society, that it might be too wide a change? Still, I loved it :O) I’m even more resolved to find time to read her Come, Tell Me How You Live: Memories from archaeological expeditions in the mysterious Middle East.
Out of Christie’s huge writing output, Death Comes As The End is the only novel set in Ancient Egypt. While it still features murders, and quite a few of them (!), the description of life by the Nile, in all its intricacies, takes on the role of another character, and I’d even say the main one.
Archeology fascinated her, even before meeting Sir Max Mallowan (who became her second husband), and took a huge part of her life when she came to share his work and passion, spending months in excavation sites from Iraq to Syria. Much of her acquired knowledge was used in many of her more popular titles, such as Murder in Mesopotamia and Death on the Nile.
Having the same interest as her (although nowhere near the same amount of knowledge), I really enjoyed this story. The mix of portrayal of life thousands of years ago with a murder mystery worked really well! Having said this, I wonder if other readers will feel the same. Christie after all is known for her depiction of the early and mid 20th century, with her sharp gaze on that society, that it might be too wide a change? Still, I loved it :O) I’m even more resolved to find time to read her Come, Tell Me How You Live: Memories from archaeological expeditions in the mysterious Middle East.
July 31, 2016
What a story!! What a story indeed!!!
I admit, I have read very few of Christie stories, and only two of them weren't translated including this one. Here and now I am mesmerized by her fabulous storytelling. So organized well masked plot and witty characters! There were motive for many and killings took place, but why you may never be sure until the end. I had particularly two in my mind, and one of them turned out to be villainous. So, there is hint if you can observe well enough, but I admit, it could have gone either way.
All in all, my respect for the queen of mystery has increased greatly after reading. No doubt its one of her finest stories. Do read it everyone.
I admit, I have read very few of Christie stories, and only two of them weren't translated including this one. Here and now I am mesmerized by her fabulous storytelling. So organized well masked plot and witty characters! There were motive for many and killings took place, but why you may never be sure until the end. I had particularly two in my mind, and one of them turned out to be villainous. So, there is hint if you can observe well enough, but I admit, it could have gone either way.
All in all, my respect for the queen of mystery has increased greatly after reading. No doubt its one of her finest stories. Do read it everyone.
June 4, 2023
Esa paused and said slowly: “Nofret is beautiful. But remember this: Men are made fools by the gleaming limbs of women, and lo, in a minute they are become discolored carnelians…” Her voice deepened as she quoted: “A trifle, a little, the likeness of a dream, and death comes as the end…”
It’s commonly known that Agatha Christie accompanied her archaeologist husband (Sir Max Mallowan) on digs throughout the Middle East; and while those settings served as inspiration for some of her more famous novels, Death Comes As the End is the only mystery that Dame Christie actually set in antiquity. This makes for an interesting tradeoff: the reader doesn’t get the familiar experience of watching Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple unravel mysteries, but we do get an insider’s view of a wealthy functionary’s domestic life in Ancient Egypt (maids are forever counting the linens; scribes catalogue the granaries; the bodies pile up on the banks of the silver Nile). There is quite a lot of domestic melodrama here — the sons of an ageing Ka-priest have their prospects diminished when their father brings home a beautiful young concubine who has ambitions of her own — and I wasn’t necessarily invested in the mystery itself, but as always, Christie makes astute psychological observations about her characters, proving here that people (and their self-interested motivations) haven’t changed at all in four thousand years. An enjoyable read; a little different than the typical Christie mystery.
From her early childhood Renisenb could remember hearing these elder brothers of hers arguing in just those selfsame accents. It gave her suddenly a feeling of security…She was home again. Yes, she had come home…Yet as she looked once more across the pale, shining river, her rebellion and pain mounted again. Khay, her young husband, was dead…Khay with his laughing face and strong shoulders. Khay was with Osiris in the Kingdom of the Dead — and she, Renisenb, his dearly loved wife, was left desolate. Eight years they had had together — she had come to him as little more than a child — and now she had returned widowed, with Khay’s child, Teti, to her father’s house.
As the novel begins, recently widowed Renisenb returns to her childhood home and is comforted by the bustle of her brothers and their families. The eldest brother, Yahmose, performs their father’s rituals during his frequent absences — and is assured of inheriting the position of Ka-priest at his death — but two other brothers (the cocky and handsome Sobek and the young and impetuous Ipy) both believe that they deserve to one day assume their father’s role. When their father, Imhotep, eventually returns home from his estates in the north in the company of a beautiful and haughty concubine, Nofret, Renisenb’s sisters-in-law will begin a back-of-the-house “women’s campaign” against the upstart that will come back to undermine their own positions. And after several characters say that they would like to see Nofret dead, her body is discovered at the bottom of a cliff: was it an accident or a murder? And why is her spirit spotted on the nights of other deaths?
“What persecution — what vindictiveness — is this! My concubine whom I treated well, to whom I paid all honor, whom I buried with the proper rites, sparing no expense. I have eaten and drunk with her in friendship — to that all can bear witness. She had had nothing of which to complain — I did indeed more for her than would have been considered right and fitting. I was prepared to favor her to the detriment of my sons who were born to me. Why, then, should she thus come back from the dead to persecute me and my family?”
There’s a large cast of murder suspects (and, as seems to be Christie’s usual schema, the list gets shorter as the bodies pile up), but again, the mystery aspect wasn’t the most interesting part of this novel for me. I did like the setting and the way that Christie used it, and I did like the psychological observations (even if I didn’t love that Renisenb was so naive that other characters needed to be constantly explaining to her how people and the world really work), and overall, this was a worthwhile entertainment.
January 16, 2016
Beautifully written. One of Agatha's very best standalones, and I would have given it five stars if it weren't for the fact that I guessed the murderer about halfway through. Still, that's probably my fault. The novel is elegant, perfectly structured, full of clues and misdirection, with a great cast of characters and possibly the most vile of all Agatha's horrid characters. A very satisfying read.
September 12, 2020
Un nou mister de deslusit, de data asta este sitat in Egiptul antic, intr-o fanilie instarita. Pe atunci credinta blestemelor era in voga, asa ca un criminal profita din plin de frica de blesteme.
June 10, 2016
Oh! Once again, murder is easy. When you kill once, the next time will be much much easier, and the next, and the next..
I sort of felt like this wrote George R. R. Martin, ha!
This family at first appeared like others, women fighting for trivial stuff, men proving themselves amongst each other.. But, all of this was just a shallow picture, and Agatha succeded to prove how, deep down people often carry very different emotions than the ones they 'show to the world'.
While I was coming to the end of this book, I could perfectly hear Poirot's voice saying: 'No doubt, you will evolve the most preposterous theories', and originally, I thought that murderer could be (among others, because, honestly I suspected almost everyone, well not Imhotep and servants) - Renisenb. And, I even suspected this old, crazy, wise Esa. Foolish me!
So, when two brothers were poisoned, and the moment when Yahmose survived, oh I started to believe that he indeed knew that the wine he drank with his brother was poisoned. Yes, the world is full of people like Yahmose, sadly.
This book also tells a very romantic story between the Renisenb and Kameni and how beautiful is to 'choose something wonderful rather than something real'.
I sort of felt like this wrote George R. R. Martin, ha!
This family at first appeared like others, women fighting for trivial stuff, men proving themselves amongst each other.. But, all of this was just a shallow picture, and Agatha succeded to prove how, deep down people often carry very different emotions than the ones they 'show to the world'.
While I was coming to the end of this book, I could perfectly hear Poirot's voice saying: 'No doubt, you will evolve the most preposterous theories', and originally, I thought that murderer could be (among others, because, honestly I suspected almost everyone, well not Imhotep and servants) - Renisenb. And, I even suspected this old, crazy, wise Esa. Foolish me!
So, when two brothers were poisoned, and the moment when Yahmose survived, oh I started to believe that he indeed knew that the wine he drank with his brother was poisoned. Yes, the world is full of people like Yahmose, sadly.
This book also tells a very romantic story between the Renisenb and Kameni and how beautiful is to 'choose something wonderful rather than something real'.
September 2, 2023
What an odd book in Agatha Christie's canon! I kind of admire how she employs the archeological knowledge that she gained during her second marriage. I wonder what inspired her to write a murder mystery set in Ancient Egypt? I suppose the glamour of that society drew her.
I like that Christie gave her Egyptian characters goals and motives that are completely recognizable to modern people. Renisenb, the dutiful daughter of the house, focuses the narrative. She is incredibly naïve, at least in the beginning. But her grandmother, Esa, is determined to keep her granddaughter alive and to teach her how to THINK. Renisenb is getting there on her own, but Esa hurries her along. Esa is an Ancient Egyptian Miss Marple, being old enough to know what people are capable of doing.
Culture may change, but human motivation stays pretty consistent. Christie recognizes this and uses it to distract the reader. Each time I fastened on a likely suspect, she killed them off! I am so easily led.
Far from my favourite Christie, but I'm glad to have read it.
I like that Christie gave her Egyptian characters goals and motives that are completely recognizable to modern people. Renisenb, the dutiful daughter of the house, focuses the narrative. She is incredibly naïve, at least in the beginning. But her grandmother, Esa, is determined to keep her granddaughter alive and to teach her how to THINK. Renisenb is getting there on her own, but Esa hurries her along. Esa is an Ancient Egyptian Miss Marple, being old enough to know what people are capable of doing.
Culture may change, but human motivation stays pretty consistent. Christie recognizes this and uses it to distract the reader. Each time I fastened on a likely suspect, she killed them off! I am so easily led.
Far from my favourite Christie, but I'm glad to have read it.
January 2, 2023
A very strong cozy murder mystery set in ancient Egypt. It’s typical Agatha Christie brilliance on display here in a very fascinating setting. Easy recommendation.
February 11, 2024
4.5/5
First book by Agatha Christie.
Death Comes As the End by Agatha Christie revolves around the main protagonist Renisenb, a young widow of Khay, who returns home after 8 years to live again with her family - with her father, three brothers, sisters-in-law and their children. When she returned home she found that everything had changed. Life seems more abstract and confusing to her. And she live with the fear of everything—with the fear of death—for which Christie gave no specific reason. Apart from this, why she left her home 8 years back was not even explained. Her house is always full of unusual fights between her sisters-in-laws, who fight with their husbands in an attempt to win her father's favor. After some days Renisenb's father returns home with a young beautiful but wicked and evil concubine, Nofret. NOFRET - suits with her personality. NOFRET in Egypt means "extreme beauty" for which she was exquisitely portrayed. On the other hand Nofret in Hindi means "hatred". I often pronounced it as "नफरत" because the hatred immediately breeds in the family after her arrival. It seems that she had a personal prejudice for Rheinsenb's family and now she is back- evil is back to take revenge on everyone. Although she was later proved innocent when her body was found on the cliff and from that moment, the mystery of the book began….
There are a lot of mysteries in the book - some usual the most unusual ones that makes you wonder what's going to happen next, who's going to die next, and when it seems like you've found it, something strange happens and changes everything beginning another mystery......
What I love most about this book is its setting in ancient Egypt. The names of the characters, the ornaments they wore, the places, religions, and especially the names of the Egyptian Gods- was excellent overall which ensures realistic atmosphere of ancient Egypt.
The only thing I didn't like was how the central character Reinsenb was portrayed. I remember that Renisenb decided to visit Hori at Cliff because Hanet told her even though Renisenb knows that Henet is her enemy; she hates Renisenb. Renisenb sometimes made strange decisions in the book. She were also sometimes portrayed as naive and foolish women in my view. I have never liked her much as a central character. My favorite character was Hori. Quite a visionary person.
The ending:
And in the end, the real killer was….no…no, I am not going to open the biggest twist here. Read it yourself to find it out but I'm sure you will be shocked when you find it.
First book by Agatha Christie.
Death Comes As the End by Agatha Christie revolves around the main protagonist Renisenb, a young widow of Khay, who returns home after 8 years to live again with her family - with her father, three brothers, sisters-in-law and their children. When she returned home she found that everything had changed. Life seems more abstract and confusing to her. And she live with the fear of everything—with the fear of death—for which Christie gave no specific reason. Apart from this, why she left her home 8 years back was not even explained. Her house is always full of unusual fights between her sisters-in-laws, who fight with their husbands in an attempt to win her father's favor. After some days Renisenb's father returns home with a young beautiful but wicked and evil concubine, Nofret. NOFRET - suits with her personality. NOFRET in Egypt means "extreme beauty" for which she was exquisitely portrayed. On the other hand Nofret in Hindi means "hatred". I often pronounced it as "नफरत" because the hatred immediately breeds in the family after her arrival. It seems that she had a personal prejudice for Rheinsenb's family and now she is back- evil is back to take revenge on everyone. Although she was later proved innocent when her body was found on the cliff and from that moment, the mystery of the book began….
There are a lot of mysteries in the book - some usual the most unusual ones that makes you wonder what's going to happen next, who's going to die next, and when it seems like you've found it, something strange happens and changes everything beginning another mystery......
What I love most about this book is its setting in ancient Egypt. The names of the characters, the ornaments they wore, the places, religions, and especially the names of the Egyptian Gods- was excellent overall which ensures realistic atmosphere of ancient Egypt.
The only thing I didn't like was how the central character Reinsenb was portrayed. I remember that Renisenb decided to visit Hori at Cliff because Hanet told her even though Renisenb knows that Henet is her enemy; she hates Renisenb. Renisenb sometimes made strange decisions in the book. She were also sometimes portrayed as naive and foolish women in my view. I have never liked her much as a central character. My favorite character was Hori. Quite a visionary person.
The ending:
And in the end, the real killer was….no…no, I am not going to open the biggest twist here. Read it yourself to find it out but I'm sure you will be shocked when you find it.
July 10, 2022
Updated review, 7/10/22:
It was an interesting experience to reread this after several years. I don't think I would still call this Agatha Christie's best work. I didn't like the romance as much as I did originally, and I think Christie infantilizes her heroine to a rather troubling degree. However, it's still a monumental achievement for Christie to have taken her typical British murder mystery formula and TRANSPORTED IT TO ANCIENT EGYPT while still allowing the story to feel seamless and organic to that ancient Egyptian setting.
And she still fooled me, dangit!!! I thought I remembered who the killer was, and she still fooled me!!!
Original review:
We all know Agatha Christie wrote a ton of mystery novels, but this, I believe, is her best work. Amazingly well-drawn characters, INCREDIBLY vivid setting (Ancient Egypt!), complex plot that will leave you guessing until the last page. (And yes, I do mean the very last page.) Highly recommended for any Christie lover.
It was an interesting experience to reread this after several years. I don't think I would still call this Agatha Christie's best work. I didn't like the romance as much as I did originally, and I think Christie infantilizes her heroine to a rather troubling degree. However, it's still a monumental achievement for Christie to have taken her typical British murder mystery formula and TRANSPORTED IT TO ANCIENT EGYPT while still allowing the story to feel seamless and organic to that ancient Egyptian setting.
And she still fooled me, dangit!!! I thought I remembered who the killer was, and she still fooled me!!!
Original review:
We all know Agatha Christie wrote a ton of mystery novels, but this, I believe, is her best work. Amazingly well-drawn characters, INCREDIBLY vivid setting (Ancient Egypt!), complex plot that will leave you guessing until the last page. (And yes, I do mean the very last page.) Highly recommended for any Christie lover.
April 29, 2015
This book is excellent! It takes place in Ancient Egypt, and it is a murder mystery...of course. I love it! Christie makes sure that anyone could have done it...and you suspect everyone at different times. I adore how she develops her characters. Her main character, a woman named Renisenb, I found childish, ditzy, and even idiotic at times. Also, the book takes place during a time when women are not given much respect. The ending definitely surprised me! I would highly recommend this book.
September 26, 2023
#retoegipcio2023 de @inquilinas_netherfield. Premisa “Misterio y Terror”.
Como podéis ver, para esta propuesta del reto me he decantado por el misterio con letras mayúsculas
En los años 30 una expedición del Museo Metropolitano de Nueva York halló cerca del templo de Luxor una serie de cartas. Entre ellas figuraba la de un sacerdote de Ra llamado Heqanakht escribía a su hijo mayor, Merisu, y a su casa. En ellas, Heqanakht se preocupa por lo que se hace en su casa, se preocupa por lo que sucede con sus cosechas, se interesa por el mercado agrícola de la época, defiende a una criada del desprecio de su familia, recuerda como actuó cuando hubo sequía… Ya amenaza a los suyos, si siguen vejando a su segunda esposa. estas cinco cartas son frases que nos permite echar un vistazo a como debió de ser el día a día de una familia a principios del Egipto Medio. Y fueron muy inspiradoras para la Reina del Crimen, Agatha Christie. Casada en segundas nupcias con el afamado arqueólogo Max Mallowan, Cristhie acompañó a su esposo en sus expediciones arqueológicas, en las cuales no solo le ayudo, sino que adquirido muchos conocimientos sobre esta materia y un inmenso amor hacia las culturas del Medio Oriente, como la egipcia y la mesopotamica. Este amor se reflejo en varios de sus libros, como este que nos ocupa, que fue escrito con el asesoramiento del arqueólogo Stephen Glanville , a quien está dedicada la obra. El libro es una rara avis dentro de su producción y entorno a él hay varias curiosidades. Es la única de las novelas de Christie en la que no aparecen personajes europeos y que no está ambientado en la época en la que vivió la autora, sino que lo está en el antiguo Egipto (donde también ambientó una obra de teatro sobre el faraón Akenatón). Su título original en inglés “Death Comes as the End ”, que no tiene nada que ver con el que tiene la traducción al español, y hace referencia a un dicho egipcio que es mencionado por uno de los personajes durante la historia. Además, cabe destacar que es la segunda novela de la Reina del Crimen con mayor cómputo de muertes, tan solo superada por la famosa “Diez Negritos”.
Año 2000 a.C. Orilla occidental del Nilo. Prematuramente viuda, la joven Renisenb vuelve junto a su hija al hogar de su padre Imothep, en el cual también viven sus tres hermanos con las esposas e hijos de los dos mayores. Aunque aparentemente todo sigue igual que cuando abandonó su hogar, pronto Renisenb descubrirá que todos miembros de su familia reflejan ante los demás una imagen falsa. Las cuales se desencadena cuando el cabeza de familia trae vivir a la hacienda a su nueva concubina, Nofret. Hermosa, maliciosa y rencorosa, pronto Nofret enraizara el ambiente familiar y sacara a la luz la verdadera naturaleza de cada uno de los miembros de la familia. La repentina muerte de la concubina será el principio de una serie de macabros sucesos que cambiarán la visión que Renisenb tiene de los suyos y traerá la tragedia a la casa.
¿Una de asesinatos, ambientada en el antiguo Egipto? Esa idea solita ya me tiene conquistada. Y si además la historia corre a cargo de la tía Agatha, el disfrute y el deleite están asegurados. Que la ambientación de la historia sea en esta época me pareció desde el principio algo increíblemente original, y cogí el libro con muchas expectativas por saber cómo se las iba a componer la reina del crimen en este ámbito. Y el resultado no ha podido ser más satisfactorio. Hacía mucho que no disfrutaba tanto de una lectura de esta autora. Y eso que libro que leo de ella, libro que me encanta. Pero es que en “La Venganza de Nofret” siento que es uno de los libros más pulidos de la escritora británica.
Como ya mencionado más arriba, lo que diferencia, esta historia de otras de la autora es su ambientación en el antiguo Egipto, y que contó con asesoramiento para hacerla lo más históricamente exacta posible, y eso se nota. Ya en el prólogo de la obra, Cristhie advierte que la trama está ambientada en el 2000 a.C. cómo podría haberlo estado en cualquier otro momento de la historia egipcia. De hecho, el contexto histórico de Egipto en esa época se menciona pocas veces, y cuando lo hace es más bien de pasada. A la autora no le interesa tanto la historia como el transmitir como era la vida en esa época y el sentir de sus habitantes. Me ha gustado mucho el detalle que los personajes de este libro sean gente corriente y normal de la época, que por una vez una ficción ubicada en el antiguo Egipto, se aleje de las pirámides, los faraones y las conspiraciones políticas. A lo largo de las más de 300 páginas del volumen, vemos cómo era la vida en una hacienda egipcia, el que el trabajo agrícola y doméstico marcan los compases de las vidas de sus habitantes. No en vano, cada uno de los capítulos en los que se articula la novela tiene al principio una indicación de cuando sucede según el calendario agrícola egipcio tan importante en la vida y discurrir de esta cultura. Toda la atmósfera tiene algo de onírico y vibrante, y en ella queda patente la importancia que este pueblo le daba a la muerte y como, curiosamente, eso les hacía profundamente vitales. Se nota la pasión de Christie por este mundo ya pasado en la forma en que se recrea en describir los paisajes agrícolas egipcios enmarcados por el lento y eterno paso del rio Nilo. Las descripciones son someras, en Christie y siempre lo son, bien, tienes un algo hipnótico y atrayente que fluye perfectamente hacia el lector y le lleva a ese entorno.
Es genial la forma en que Agatha Christie lleva muchos de los elementos típicos de sus novelas a la época egipcia. Buena parte de sus trabajos tienen como telón de fondo a familias aparentemente normales y sencillas, pero cuyos miembros esconden en un interior mucho más oscuro; repleto de secretos, rencores y ambiciones que los diferentes asesinatos, que tan famosa han hecho a la autora, sacan a la luz. Parece como si la autora nos quisiera decir que la vida familiar nunca es fácil, independientemente del contexto y de la época. Desde luego el marco familiar que aquí prepara se predispone para la tragedia; con un padre pomposo y presuntuoso que trata de imponerse a unos hijos deseosos de tener más poder y mal dispuestos unos contra otros por mas riquezas y el poder. A estoy hay que incluir una abuela tan inteligente como deslenguada; una criada que mal mete siempre que puede; dos nueras tan diferentes entre sí como igualmente ambiciosas; un escriba tan inteligente como callado y un hermoso administrador. Con todo ello el coctel está servido.
Una vez más Christie despliega en pocas páginas con gran eficacia ante el lector una variopinta lista de caracteres con una psicología nítida y clara. Cada uno de los caracteres ira mostrándose como realmente es a medida que vaya desarrollándose la trama de una forma clara. Quizás lo que más me descoloco cuando empecé la lectura fue que como no estoy muy acostumbrada a los nombres egipcios, al principio me hacía mucho lío con quien era quien dentro del cuadro familiar. Pero rápidamente me fui enterando de todo, y no tarde en distinguir perfectamente a cada uno de los personajes. El perfil de todos ellos está muy bien desarrollado, para mi “La Venganza de Nofret” es uno de los trabajos de Christie que tiene de los mejores desarrollos en este aspecto. Excepto por una pocas escenas, vemos todos los acontecimientos desde el punto de vista de Renisenb. Si es lo que me ha sorprendido es que al principio el personaje me parecía muy insignificante y carente de fuerza, de hecho, me daba la impresión de que apenas contaba nada dentro del núcleo familiar. Sin embargo, poco a poco a medida que se va desarrollando la trama, percibí que Renisenb ganaba más confianza en sí misma, y con ello más fuerza, lo que hacía que su carácter evolucionase y ganará en matices, una evolución que eclosiones en las últimas páginas de la novela, de una forma realmente hermosa.
A todo estoy hay que sumarle la manera como Christie maneja todo el misterio y la tensión. Se trata de uno de los ejemplos dentro de la bibliografía de la reina del crimen en el que no hay un detective propiamente dicho. Quienes realmente descubren todo y desentrañar. el misterio son Esa, madre de Imothep y abuela de Renisenb; y Hori, el silencioso y sensato escriba de la hacienda. Y estos tres personajes serán los que se moverán entre los hilos de una maraña de conspiraciones, rencores, familiares, ambiciones, asesinatos y maldiciones. El misterio va haciéndose más grande y complicado a un ritmo bueno y trepidante, mientras que la forma en que Christie lleva la tensión está muy conseguida, puesto que va aumentando con el ritmo de las muertes. Y hay un elemento fantasmagórico que le da a todo un toque sobrenatural que ha hecho que disfrute de todo mucho más y que le da a la historia una atmósfera muy atrayente. Agatha logra recrear un microcosmos familiar a la par que crea una trama llena de misterios y giros de guión impactantes. La novela atrapa totalmente, uno puede sentir como cada personaje va preocupándose y asustándose más y más mientras el clima de peligro va aumentando y las incógnitas por suceder van apareciendo. Hacía mucho que una obra de Christie no me tenía tan absorbida mientras leía. No había ningún personaje del que no dudase, por la forma en que todo se mostraba ante mí como lectora y por como la historia me hacia desconfiar, ya que era imposible poner la mano en el fuego por ninguno de los caracteres. Su desenlace es impactante y sorprendente, realmente no me lo veía venir ni por asomo. Siempre digo que cuando les varias de las novelas de Agatha, llega un momento en que le pillas el punto y acabas por ver por dónde van a ir los tiros en las siguientes lecturas. Pero esta vez debo decir que la autora ha sabido sorprenderme y tenerme engañada hasta sus páginas finales.
Sin lugar a dudas desde ahora “La Venganza de Nofret” ocupara un lugar de honor entre mis lecturas de Agatha Christie como uno de mis favoritos de esta autora. Como todas sus obras es absolutamente adictiva, muy ligera y relativamente corta, por lo que en nada se hace.
Como podéis ver, para esta propuesta del reto me he decantado por el misterio con letras mayúsculas
En los años 30 una expedición del Museo Metropolitano de Nueva York halló cerca del templo de Luxor una serie de cartas. Entre ellas figuraba la de un sacerdote de Ra llamado Heqanakht escribía a su hijo mayor, Merisu, y a su casa. En ellas, Heqanakht se preocupa por lo que se hace en su casa, se preocupa por lo que sucede con sus cosechas, se interesa por el mercado agrícola de la época, defiende a una criada del desprecio de su familia, recuerda como actuó cuando hubo sequía… Ya amenaza a los suyos, si siguen vejando a su segunda esposa. estas cinco cartas son frases que nos permite echar un vistazo a como debió de ser el día a día de una familia a principios del Egipto Medio. Y fueron muy inspiradoras para la Reina del Crimen, Agatha Christie. Casada en segundas nupcias con el afamado arqueólogo Max Mallowan, Cristhie acompañó a su esposo en sus expediciones arqueológicas, en las cuales no solo le ayudo, sino que adquirido muchos conocimientos sobre esta materia y un inmenso amor hacia las culturas del Medio Oriente, como la egipcia y la mesopotamica. Este amor se reflejo en varios de sus libros, como este que nos ocupa, que fue escrito con el asesoramiento del arqueólogo Stephen Glanville , a quien está dedicada la obra. El libro es una rara avis dentro de su producción y entorno a él hay varias curiosidades. Es la única de las novelas de Christie en la que no aparecen personajes europeos y que no está ambientado en la época en la que vivió la autora, sino que lo está en el antiguo Egipto (donde también ambientó una obra de teatro sobre el faraón Akenatón). Su título original en inglés “Death Comes as the End ”, que no tiene nada que ver con el que tiene la traducción al español, y hace referencia a un dicho egipcio que es mencionado por uno de los personajes durante la historia. Además, cabe destacar que es la segunda novela de la Reina del Crimen con mayor cómputo de muertes, tan solo superada por la famosa “Diez Negritos”.
Año 2000 a.C. Orilla occidental del Nilo. Prematuramente viuda, la joven Renisenb vuelve junto a su hija al hogar de su padre Imothep, en el cual también viven sus tres hermanos con las esposas e hijos de los dos mayores. Aunque aparentemente todo sigue igual que cuando abandonó su hogar, pronto Renisenb descubrirá que todos miembros de su familia reflejan ante los demás una imagen falsa. Las cuales se desencadena cuando el cabeza de familia trae vivir a la hacienda a su nueva concubina, Nofret. Hermosa, maliciosa y rencorosa, pronto Nofret enraizara el ambiente familiar y sacara a la luz la verdadera naturaleza de cada uno de los miembros de la familia. La repentina muerte de la concubina será el principio de una serie de macabros sucesos que cambiarán la visión que Renisenb tiene de los suyos y traerá la tragedia a la casa.
¿Una de asesinatos, ambientada en el antiguo Egipto? Esa idea solita ya me tiene conquistada. Y si además la historia corre a cargo de la tía Agatha, el disfrute y el deleite están asegurados. Que la ambientación de la historia sea en esta época me pareció desde el principio algo increíblemente original, y cogí el libro con muchas expectativas por saber cómo se las iba a componer la reina del crimen en este ámbito. Y el resultado no ha podido ser más satisfactorio. Hacía mucho que no disfrutaba tanto de una lectura de esta autora. Y eso que libro que leo de ella, libro que me encanta. Pero es que en “La Venganza de Nofret” siento que es uno de los libros más pulidos de la escritora británica.
Como ya mencionado más arriba, lo que diferencia, esta historia de otras de la autora es su ambientación en el antiguo Egipto, y que contó con asesoramiento para hacerla lo más históricamente exacta posible, y eso se nota. Ya en el prólogo de la obra, Cristhie advierte que la trama está ambientada en el 2000 a.C. cómo podría haberlo estado en cualquier otro momento de la historia egipcia. De hecho, el contexto histórico de Egipto en esa época se menciona pocas veces, y cuando lo hace es más bien de pasada. A la autora no le interesa tanto la historia como el transmitir como era la vida en esa época y el sentir de sus habitantes. Me ha gustado mucho el detalle que los personajes de este libro sean gente corriente y normal de la época, que por una vez una ficción ubicada en el antiguo Egipto, se aleje de las pirámides, los faraones y las conspiraciones políticas. A lo largo de las más de 300 páginas del volumen, vemos cómo era la vida en una hacienda egipcia, el que el trabajo agrícola y doméstico marcan los compases de las vidas de sus habitantes. No en vano, cada uno de los capítulos en los que se articula la novela tiene al principio una indicación de cuando sucede según el calendario agrícola egipcio tan importante en la vida y discurrir de esta cultura. Toda la atmósfera tiene algo de onírico y vibrante, y en ella queda patente la importancia que este pueblo le daba a la muerte y como, curiosamente, eso les hacía profundamente vitales. Se nota la pasión de Christie por este mundo ya pasado en la forma en que se recrea en describir los paisajes agrícolas egipcios enmarcados por el lento y eterno paso del rio Nilo. Las descripciones son someras, en Christie y siempre lo son, bien, tienes un algo hipnótico y atrayente que fluye perfectamente hacia el lector y le lleva a ese entorno.
Es genial la forma en que Agatha Christie lleva muchos de los elementos típicos de sus novelas a la época egipcia. Buena parte de sus trabajos tienen como telón de fondo a familias aparentemente normales y sencillas, pero cuyos miembros esconden en un interior mucho más oscuro; repleto de secretos, rencores y ambiciones que los diferentes asesinatos, que tan famosa han hecho a la autora, sacan a la luz. Parece como si la autora nos quisiera decir que la vida familiar nunca es fácil, independientemente del contexto y de la época. Desde luego el marco familiar que aquí prepara se predispone para la tragedia; con un padre pomposo y presuntuoso que trata de imponerse a unos hijos deseosos de tener más poder y mal dispuestos unos contra otros por mas riquezas y el poder. A estoy hay que incluir una abuela tan inteligente como deslenguada; una criada que mal mete siempre que puede; dos nueras tan diferentes entre sí como igualmente ambiciosas; un escriba tan inteligente como callado y un hermoso administrador. Con todo ello el coctel está servido.
Una vez más Christie despliega en pocas páginas con gran eficacia ante el lector una variopinta lista de caracteres con una psicología nítida y clara. Cada uno de los caracteres ira mostrándose como realmente es a medida que vaya desarrollándose la trama de una forma clara. Quizás lo que más me descoloco cuando empecé la lectura fue que como no estoy muy acostumbrada a los nombres egipcios, al principio me hacía mucho lío con quien era quien dentro del cuadro familiar. Pero rápidamente me fui enterando de todo, y no tarde en distinguir perfectamente a cada uno de los personajes. El perfil de todos ellos está muy bien desarrollado, para mi “La Venganza de Nofret” es uno de los trabajos de Christie que tiene de los mejores desarrollos en este aspecto. Excepto por una pocas escenas, vemos todos los acontecimientos desde el punto de vista de Renisenb. Si es lo que me ha sorprendido es que al principio el personaje me parecía muy insignificante y carente de fuerza, de hecho, me daba la impresión de que apenas contaba nada dentro del núcleo familiar. Sin embargo, poco a poco a medida que se va desarrollando la trama, percibí que Renisenb ganaba más confianza en sí misma, y con ello más fuerza, lo que hacía que su carácter evolucionase y ganará en matices, una evolución que eclosiones en las últimas páginas de la novela, de una forma realmente hermosa.
A todo estoy hay que sumarle la manera como Christie maneja todo el misterio y la tensión. Se trata de uno de los ejemplos dentro de la bibliografía de la reina del crimen en el que no hay un detective propiamente dicho. Quienes realmente descubren todo y desentrañar. el misterio son Esa, madre de Imothep y abuela de Renisenb; y Hori, el silencioso y sensato escriba de la hacienda. Y estos tres personajes serán los que se moverán entre los hilos de una maraña de conspiraciones, rencores, familiares, ambiciones, asesinatos y maldiciones. El misterio va haciéndose más grande y complicado a un ritmo bueno y trepidante, mientras que la forma en que Christie lleva la tensión está muy conseguida, puesto que va aumentando con el ritmo de las muertes. Y hay un elemento fantasmagórico que le da a todo un toque sobrenatural que ha hecho que disfrute de todo mucho más y que le da a la historia una atmósfera muy atrayente. Agatha logra recrear un microcosmos familiar a la par que crea una trama llena de misterios y giros de guión impactantes. La novela atrapa totalmente, uno puede sentir como cada personaje va preocupándose y asustándose más y más mientras el clima de peligro va aumentando y las incógnitas por suceder van apareciendo. Hacía mucho que una obra de Christie no me tenía tan absorbida mientras leía. No había ningún personaje del que no dudase, por la forma en que todo se mostraba ante mí como lectora y por como la historia me hacia desconfiar, ya que era imposible poner la mano en el fuego por ninguno de los caracteres. Su desenlace es impactante y sorprendente, realmente no me lo veía venir ni por asomo. Siempre digo que cuando les varias de las novelas de Agatha, llega un momento en que le pillas el punto y acabas por ver por dónde van a ir los tiros en las siguientes lecturas. Pero esta vez debo decir que la autora ha sabido sorprenderme y tenerme engañada hasta sus páginas finales.
Sin lugar a dudas desde ahora “La Venganza de Nofret” ocupara un lugar de honor entre mis lecturas de Agatha Christie como uno de mis favoritos de esta autora. Como todas sus obras es absolutamente adictiva, muy ligera y relativamente corta, por lo que en nada se hace.
August 30, 2022
4.5 stars
Prepare to lose yourself in another time and place as you turn page after page of Agatha Christie's Death Comes as the End. Exotically set in ancient Egypt on the banks of the Nile circa 2000 BC, this mystery abounds in family drama and dysfunction (some things never change!) As a family seethes and boils over with jealousy, hate and revenge, murder creeps around every corner. Multiple red herrings dangle and dance.
Author Margaret Maron said it best about Christie's genius, "Agatha Christie was the absolute master of misdirection. No matter how logical we think we're being when we read her, she always manages to send us swimming after her red herrings while ignoring that huge whale in the corner of the tank." I might add, "to almost the very last page!"
Thank you to Bren for recommending this suspenseful and riveting Agatha Christie - one of her best!
Prepare to lose yourself in another time and place as you turn page after page of Agatha Christie's Death Comes as the End. Exotically set in ancient Egypt on the banks of the Nile circa 2000 BC, this mystery abounds in family drama and dysfunction (some things never change!) As a family seethes and boils over with jealousy, hate and revenge, murder creeps around every corner. Multiple red herrings dangle and dance.
Author Margaret Maron said it best about Christie's genius, "Agatha Christie was the absolute master of misdirection. No matter how logical we think we're being when we read her, she always manages to send us swimming after her red herrings while ignoring that huge whale in the corner of the tank." I might add, "to almost the very last page!"
Thank you to Bren for recommending this suspenseful and riveting Agatha Christie - one of her best!
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