Thank you for patronising me - but I have read every MC Beaton book since she first started publishing them.
The TV series has been wonderfully adapted from the books.
Book Agatha would not have worked on television.
The Peneolpe Keith radio series was terrible for me as Agatha was nothing like the Agatha I loved in the books.
Agatha is insecure, ashamed of her roots, jealous and petty but incredibly kind at times.
Also the characters in the TV series are far more pleasant.
Roy is a true friend, James is nothing so pompous and cold.
Those characters work in the books because in the book we have insight into Agatha's character and what drives her.
The radio series, which I still own, leaves me cold.
As do some of the more recent Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth books.
For me this series works with the best spirit of the books.
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8 years ago
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agnabeya
8 years ago
My goodness - you really can't understand what I said?
I am saying that the Agatha of the books would not have worked as a television character - can you really not understand that?
There is too much complexity to go into the nuances of her foibles in a one hour - 40 minutes after you deduct adverts - in what is a light comedy.
The spirit of the books is in Agatha's loves and disasters in love - her poor choices - and yet her sharp mind.
For me both of these have been drawn from the books for the TV.
That's what adaptation and spirit of the book means - but if you can't understand that I simply can't help you, I'm afraid.
Here endeth the discussion.
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8 years ago
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churchr-1
8 years ago
I thought the pilot was great and haven't had a chance to see the others yet. I couldn't quite picture her when reading the books and now realize that I was seeing her as a bit too old. This actress seems just right to me.
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sakicfors
8 years ago
The Agatha Raisin of the books was a PR person in 1992 (when the series started). The Agatha Raisin of the show is a good translation of what she would be today.
I have read the entire series (and Macbeth as well) and, though a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, they are not precious gems that need to remain unchanged. Beaton has a nasty habit of making her characters ridiculous at times (as opposed to their usual quirky) just to draw out plot lines as long as possible so they never have to grow decade after decade.
The book plots are good to read once a year when they come out, the show characters are people I like to visit week after week.
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louiseculmer
7 years ago
I think that's what makes me not like the books that much, the ridiculousness. agatha raisin is portrayed as too foolish sometimes, she irritates me rather, and i feel embarrassed for her.
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patricianolanstein
8 years ago
When people are questioned or challenged on their comments, they love to say they are "ending" the discussion!
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robles-susan
8 years ago
OMG!! Can you both just get a room and be done with it. If you like the show watch it. If you don't watch something else no big deal;)
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