I learned a new word just from this title. A postern is a secondary door or gate in a fortification. I'm unsure that it will do me any good, but it gives a pleasing feeling to squirrel away a new vocabulary word.
A final visit with Tommy and Tuppence plus reminisces of their previous adventures. The story began with much book sorting, an activity that caused sympathy as I must tackle a similar project this spring. I have to point out that the dialogue in this novel is much inferior to Christie's usual. There’s a circularity to it and so much repetition. Usually Christie is more economical with words. Tommy and Tuppence seem to talk past one another and to be working at cross purposes. Part of the problem is that Tommy doesn't really want there to be a “problem” to be investigated.
Usually Tuppence is like a terrier—she gets a hold on something and doesn't let go until she has figured it out. This is the first book where she flits from one thing to another, seemingly at random. It's enough to make you wonder if she's okay. And poor old Tommy must go to see various semiretired spooks, who all pontificate at length on the state of the world and all their complaints about it. I found myself skimming their long speeches.
I have my reasons for giving this book the 2.5 star rating. It wraps us the Tommy & Tuppence story line, while reminding us of their previous accomplishments. It includes a charming dog, Hannibal. This is Christie saying goodbye to the Beresfords.
In our reading plan, we have two novels remaining, the last books about Poirot and Miss Marple. These, however, were written much earlier (1940s). With Postern, Christie has wrapped up all of her most prominent characters. It must have been a satisfying feeling for the author, to have set their affairs in order, as she was likely getting her own life organized for the inevitable.
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