I don't know what I expected when I learned that Agatha Christie had written 6 romance novels earlier in her writing career using the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. All I knew for sure is that I had to purchase them and read them in the order in which they were written.

I have finished reading "Giant's Bread" and it was a truly incredible reading experience. Why? The author is very insightful and through the characters she creates not merely a love story but shares the complexities of human nature for childhood friends up through their adult years. There is a poignancy to the experiences through the years of WWI that bring an unexpected impact.

I am looking forward to reading the next romance titled, "Unfinished Portrait."

Don't miss reading more about the novels by Christie's daughter, Rosalind Hicks...
https://www.agathachristie.com/about-christie/family-memories/the-mary-westmacot...
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This is the first of Christie's undertakings under the pseudonym of Mary Westmacott. I find it rather refreshing from all of her mystery novels with Poirot, Marple, et.al. This really takes you into the mindset of the main characters and all their flawed thoughts. Its almost a psychological view of what some people will go through to either get what they want or to deny themselves what they want. I think she did quite well to begin this story with the childhood of several of the main characters, which sets the table to what will happen later on. Although I was a bit surprised at the end with which of the 2 women in his life he saved. I originally picked this up with some debate as to whether I would like it or not. It does seem to have a way of growing on you as you make your way through the book. ( )

Not sure that the writing rises to the heights but the story is fascinating, how the giant of genius, working through an essentially weak young man, grinds the bones of heredity, envrionment and sex/love to make the bread of a brilliant work of art (i.e. fee, fie, fo, fum...I'll grind his bones to make my bread) Helps if you have some knowledge of early 20th century arts and history - some of the more ridiculous sounding art in this book is taken from reality e.g. Tatlin's monument to the 3rd international - see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatlin's_Tower An ambitious work chock full of ideas! ( )