One of my goals this year is to read through all the Hercule Poirot books. I’ve always enjoyed Agatha Christie’s stories, and Elephants Can Remember was no exception. I remember hearing about an Indian tailor who once fed an elephant a banana with a needle hidden inside. Years later, the elephant saw him and got its revenge—whether by splashing muddy water, picking him up with its trunk, or smashing his shop, the story always had different versions, depending on who was telling it.
It’s funny how these stories stay with you, right? Growing up in India (or anywhere really), we all have those memories of hearing tales from our parents, uncles, aunts or grandparents, each with their own twists. Ok let’s talk about this book and my connection to this story. The plot grabbed me right away—a murder mystery from years ago, needs to be solved. Hercule Poirot is called to investigate the deaths of General Ravenscroft and his wife, Margaret, who were found shot years ago.
What seemed like a simple case of an accidental shooting soon turns into something far more complicated as Poirot digs into the past. And then I came across the reference to the Indian story, and it instantly took me back to my childhood, reminding me of those beautiful moments. The elephant in me could remember 🙂
Like most Christie books, Elephants Can Remember too feels timeless. It’s the kind of cozy murder mystery that folks in my grandparents’ generation read, then my parents, and now I’m rereading the series and so will the Next Gen. Do you enjoy reading the classic Poirot’s mysteries, or watching them unfold?
