Description
Star over Bethlehem and other Christmas tales
Book summary
Agatha Christie, the undisputed Queen of Crime, steps away from suspense and mystery to offer us an unprecedented and luminous side in Star over Bethlehem and other Christmas tales. This collection, originally published in 1965 and translated into Spanish for the first time, brings together six stories and five poems with a Christmas theme. Far from murders and detective intrigues, the author employs her characteristic irony and sharpness to explore the more human, surprising, and emotional side of Christmas, combining humor, tenderness, and a dash of mystery in each tale.
What is it about?
This volume compiles a series of short stories and verses that revolve around the Christmas spirit, but from Agatha Christie's unique perspective. The work includes stories that reimagine classic episodes of the Nativity, such as the thoughts of the donkey that accompanied Mary and Joseph, or the unexpected test that the Virgin Mary must overcome before an angel with dubious intentions. We will also find more contemporary tales, such as the comical misadventures of some saints who return to life believing they were not good enough, or the story of a surly English lady whose destiny changes upon meeting an enigmatic stranger. Signed by the author as Agatha Christie Mallowan, this book reveals her kindest and most surprising side, proving that her narrative talent also knows how to shine in comedy and sentimental reflection.
Main themes
- The Christmas spirit and the Nativity tradition revisited with irony and humanity.
- Redemption and kindness through stories that mix the sacred with the everyday.
- Humor and surprise as narrative tools, far from the author's usual suspense genre.
- An adult and respectful look at the mysteries of faith and human relationships.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at the most loyal followers of Agatha Christie who wish to discover an unknown facet of her work, as well as readers looking for a different Christmas read, far from the cliché and full of wit. It is also ideal for those who enjoy short stories, light poetry, and tales that combine tradition, humor, and a touch of mystery without violence. Perfect for reading as a family during the holidays or for gifting to lovers of contemporary classic literature.
What this book offers
- An unprecedented vision of Agatha Christie, showing her talent for comedy and sentimental storytelling.
- Six original Christmas-themed stories and five poems, translated into Spanish for the first time.
- An enjoyable and surprising read that combines irony, tenderness, and reflection, ideal for the Christmas season.
- The opportunity to learn about a work signed with the author's full name, Agatha Christie Mallowan, a gesture of special affection towards these texts.
Technical sheet
- Author: Christie, Agatha
- Publisher: CONFLUENCIAS
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Classic fiction, Modern and contemporary fiction, Children and young adult, Poetry and anthologies
- Collection: GERALD BRENAN EXCENTRICOS HETERODOXOS
- Binding: Other
- Publication date: October 2013
- Number of pages: 108
- Weight: 300 g
Editorial review
Star over Bethlehem and other Christmas tales is a literary rarity that every admirer of Agatha Christie should know. The publisher Confluencias rescues from oblivion a work that shows the author in her warmest and most humorous light, without giving up the narrative intelligence that characterizes her. Although it departs from the detective genre, the collection maintains the pulse of good literature: short, well-constructed stories with a tone that oscillates between the sacred and the profane. It is a recommended read for those looking for an original proposal within the Christmas theme, and a collector's item for completists of Christie's work.