The Burden (novel)

infobox Book |
name = The Burden
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption = Dust-jacket illustration of the first UK edition
author = Mary Westmacott (pseudonym of Agatha Christie)
illustrator =
cover_artist = Kenneth Farnhill
country = United Kingdom
language = English
series =
genre =
publisher = Heinemann
release_date = November 12, 1956
media_type = Print (Hardcover & Paperback)
pages = 236 pp (first edition, hardcover)
isbn = None issued for First Edition
preceded_by = Dead Man's Folly
followed_by = 4.50 from Paddington

"The Burden" is a novel written by Agatha Christie and first published in the UK by Heinemann in November 12, 1956. Initially not published in the US, it was later issued as a paperback by Dell Publishing in September 1963. It was the last of six novels Christie wrote under the nom-de-plume Mary Westmacott.

Explanation of the novel's title

The title of the novel is taken from Chapter 11, Verse 30 of the Gospel of Matthew. The full line, as quoted in the Epigraph to the novel, is:

:"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Plot summary

When Laura Franklin's younger sister Shirley comes into the world, Laura instantly resents her, and soon begins wish and even to pray that her baby sister will die. But after saving Shirley's life in a fire, she experiences a complete change of feeling, and becomes very affectionate and protective towards her. Later, as the sisters grow up and fall in love, Laura begins to realise that the burden of her love for Shirley has had a dramatic effect on both their lives.

Literary significance and reception

Vernon Johnson reviewed the novel in the November 20, 1956 issue of "The Guardian" when he called it a "fantastical novelette" and quoted several lines from the book in a disparaging fashion, stating that they were examples of "the style and the treatment". ["The Guardian" November 20, 1956 (Page 4)]

Publication history

* 1956, Heinemann (London), November 12 1956, Hardcover, 236 pp
* 1963, Dell Books (New York), September 1963, Paperback, 223 pp
* 1973, William Collins and Sons, Hardcover, 192 pp
* 1973. Arbor House, (New York), Hardcover, 223 pp
* 1975, Fontana Books (Imprint of HarperCollins), Paperback, 192 pp
* 1979, Ulverscroft Large-print Edition, Hardcover, 321 pp ISBN 0-70-890331-2

References

External links

* [http://us.agathachristie.com/site/find_a_story/stories/A_Daughters_A_Daughter_and_Other_Novels.php "The Burden"] at the official Agatha Christie website