September was a month of reading three novels from the 1800s and two from the 1900s. When, in the more contempory book, the characters were on social media and making video calls, it was quite a shock.

But the biggest shock of all was to discover that Agatha Christie mystery on my shelf … wasn’t.

Book 1: What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge

Here’s another children’s book I somehow missed as a child.

This novel is set in the 1860s with yet another motherless family. Katy is the oldest of the six children.

This would have been a fun re-read as an adult, as I wonder how much I would have remembered the details of Katy’s terrible accident. It was avoidable, but headstong Katy ignored a warning and ended up with four years of misery. And growth.

Book 2: Men at Arms by Evelyn Waugh

This is the first of three books in Waugh’s not-quite-autobiographical Sword of Honour trilogy.

The lead character, Guy Crouchback, struggles first to join the British military at the start of World War II and then to remain in it.

Oh, how I wish I could call Dad to laugh about the Edwardian thunderbox shenanigans. I hope he was able to read all three volumes of this Folio Society treasure.

Book 3: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Interesting concept: when you are in the process of dying, you stop by a library (or record store or coffee shop) and can choose to experience your life based on one specific alternate choice. And if you don’t like that life, you can meld back to the library and choose another.

I got some It’s A Wonderful Life vibes from this. Thanks to my sister-in-law Linda for the recommendation!

Book 4: The Unbearable Bassington by Saki

This novel of manners satirically shows us how awful “good behavior” actually was back in the day.

In short, Francesca Bassington wants to stay in the beautiful house she has sort of inherited from a friend. However, once Emmeline (the late friend’s niece) marries, the house belongs to Emmeline. So of course Francesca has plans for her son to marry Emmeline. When it is realized the son is at boarding school with Emmeline’s little brother, Francesca sends a letter to Bassington imploring the prefect to treat the younger student well. This is the bridge to her future security and happiness.

Ah, but the book is named for him.

I must quote the end of Chapter 2 as the two women learn of the severe thrashing the younger boy received from the older: Schoolboy reticence went no further, but Emmeline filled in the gaps for herself with the lavish splendour of feminine imagination. Francesca’s bridge went crashing into the abyss.”

Book 5: The Monogram Murders by Sophie Hannah

Take a look at the book cover, pictured below. At first glance, would you think it’s an Agatha Christie mystery?

Gary did, too.

A few years back, he took care to write down the names of all the Agatha Christie volumes we already had on our shelves. He was delighted to find a few more titles at the bookstore for Christmas gifts.

Alors mes amis – shock – it is authored by another.

Let’s be clear: I don’t hold this against Gary. And I really wanted to like this new mystery featuring Christie’s beloved detective Hercule Poirot. But I didn’t like it all that much.

There’s something delicious about Christie’s mysteries. This volume felt overcomplicated and featured a bickering detective from Scotland Yard. To quote the mustachioed Belgian: Mille tonnerres!

Book 6: Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne

Another 19th century classic – this one in the genres of science fiction and fantasy.

Long before there were audio books, Mom bought a set of record albums featuring the work of Jules Verne for my brothers and me to listen to at naptime. I guess she knew if we were tired enough we’d drift off to sleep. Otherwise, these adventures had the strength to hold our quiet attention day after day.

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