Written by Agatha Christie
SUMMARY:
First printed in 1971 by a different publisher, this 231-page Berkley Books paperback edition was released in 1986. Fifteen of Agatha Christie’s short stories set in London dating as far back as 1924 are compiled. These mostly non-mysteries are:
- “The Listerdale Mystery:” Struggling single mother Mrs. St. Vincent, and her two teenagers, Barbara and Rupert, are baffled by the exceedingly affordable rent of their new home. There’s also the matter of their enigmatic butler.
- “The Girl in the Train:” Gloriously self-involved elitist George Rowland stumbles into a peculiar spy caper at the behest of a beautiful mystery girl he meets aboard a train.
- “The Manhood of Edward Robinson:” Hen-pecked, blue-collar fiancé Edward Robinson finds mistaken identity and romantic adventure await him on Christmas Eve.
- “Jane in Search of a Job:” Feisty, out-of-work Jane Cleveland accepts a temporary job for an unlikely employer.
- “A Fruitful Sunday:” A young couple finds a curious surprise in a cherry basket purchased for their afternoon date.
- “The Golden Ball:” Another self-absorbed George (this one is George Dundas) takes a wild ride with bubbly society girl Mary Montresor.
- “The Rajah’s Emerald:” Short of cash, blue-collar James Bond (no, he’s not a secret agent) jealously yearns to join the beachside fun that his girlfriend, Grace, is freely enjoying. Yet, the recent theft of a fabulous emerald may land this Bond in a far greater predicament.
- “Swan Song:” Famed opera diva Paula Nazorkoff’s last performance screams murder.
- “The Hound of Death:” A Belgian nun’s reputed supernatural prophecies foreshadow destruction.
- “The Gipsy:” The gothic romances of sisters Esther & Rachel Lawes experience unexpected twists.
- “The Lamp:” The young Lancaster clan realize that their new home may be haunted.
- “The Strange Case of Sir Andrew Carmichael:” Two medical professionals investigate a young man’s bizarre memory loss. Note: Oddly, this story is mistitled — the character’s name is Arthur Carmichael.
- “The Call of Wings:” Millionaire Silas Homer’s peculiar epiphany inspires a transformation.
- “Magnolia Blossom:” An affluent wife’s extra-marital affair tests her allegiances to her husband and her lover.
- “Next to a Dog:” Destitute Joyce Lambert’s love for her faithful pet dog, Terry, may determine her fate.
REVIEW:
Celebrating Agatha Christie’s non-detective literary talents, The Golden Ball and Other Stories is a book of two halves. Its first half is buoyed by Christie’s savvy humor, as some hilariously selfish characters make reading an absolute joy. Of the first seven stories, “The Girl in the Train,” and “The Golden Ball” are delightful parodies of upper-class snobbery. Slow and clichéd, “The Manhood of Edward Robinson” gradually asserts an undeniable charm once the title character is mistaken for a suave thief.
The other four tales are worthwhile (i.e. “Jane in Search of a Job”) due to Christie’s variations on sympathetic have-nots unexpectedly mingling with higher society. Christie’s only miss is “A Fruitful Sunday.” Aside from a few funny lines, this middling trifle is hard-pressed to rate more than a single read.
This collection’s back half takes a decidedly macabre turn with “Swan Song.” Its fatal vendetta doesn’t deliver jaw-dropping twists, but it’s a worthy sample of Christie’s noir-ish storytelling. A stretch of four supernatural-themed tales between “The Hound of Death” and “The Strange Case of Sir Andrew Carmichael” explores Christie’s intriguing take on gothic ghost stories. While “The Gipsy” is an okay read, “The Hound of Death” deserves re-discovery, as it could make an intriguing horror film.
With the spooky “Lamp,” Christie’s ‘haunted house’ holds up well in the genre by letting her readers make the necessary inferences. However, one should be forewarned that “Andrew Carmichael” repeatedly plays up a racist Asian caricature. Christie’s creative misjudgment ruins this sinister tale’s ambiance.
The final three entries are a mixed bag. One might construe “The Call of Wings” as reminiscent of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” without the holiday season. Its ethereal hints are well-played, as readers might ponder what actually causes Silas Homer’s attitude shift. Is it his conscience? Or could perhaps outside forces be influencing him? Either way, this tale is among the book’s underrated winners, along with the charmingly low-key “Listerdale Mystery.”
It’s no contest that the soap opera-ish “Magnolia Blossom” is the collection’s least appealing tale. Re: its theme of upper-class marital discord, the sole glimmer depicts a pivotal character finally displaying an ounce of dignity. Otherwise, its dubious love triangle merely wastes a reader’s time. The poignant “Next to a Dog,” unfortunately, is really more a ‘what-if.’ Had Christie had hinted that a tragic demise was more willful rather than accidental, then this tear-jerker might have met its full potential vs. settling for a conventional finish.
Amply displaying her literary range, Christie’s Golden Ball and Other Stories should appeal to both her loyal fanbase and casual readers alike.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
None.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
