I can't believe how many negative comments I see here! I have read the books and am a fan of Agatha Christie. I also have seen Hickson, Lansbury and Rutherford embody the dotty old lady with the razor-sharp brain. But there is room for McEwan, and to my mind there is NEED for her. Miss Marple is a wonderful creation, but after a while the premise, and the endless little gossipy asides and prim teacosy-ness wear a bit on one. That is why this clever re-thinking is so very welcome. Not only the clever move to the fifties, with its very different, more edgy world, but the idea that Marple is not so shockable. Take the idea that this is an old lady who has more to her than meets the eye, and expand on it. Lesbians, extra-marital sex and so forth shouldn't shock her; she solves murders! Plenty have commented that there is too much over-acting. But it's just that wonderful high-camp quality, the lurid and fun technicolour element shown on the original paperback cover art that's being celebrated here. And for those who complain of Miss Marple's shabby cottage, the 1950s in Britain were lean years. This is Marple with a difference, and I think it's a very welcome difference, and something to be revelled in. Simon Callow's arch pompousness is delicious! Joanna Lumley's eyebrow-raising and hooty laugh is hilarious! And McEwan is subtle, detailed and above all, fun. And why not? And get those frocks!
Review of The Body in the Library
