This was not my favorite of the Mary Westmacott novels but this was also one of the two I haven't read yet. I wonder if the fact that the story was unfamiliar to me made a difference. I would not call this a romance but a character study.

Giant’s Bread, the first of six novels Agatha Christie wrote under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott, marks a striking departure from her trademark mysteries. Written after she had already achieved widespread fame, the novel delves into the emotional lives and evolving relationships of a group of childhood friends as they grow into adulthood.

At its center is Vernon Deyre, a gifted musician whose obsession with creating “new music” drives much of the story. The title refers to his avant-garde opera, inspired by the fairy tale Jack and the Giant Killer and the chilling refrain, “Fee fi fo fum, I’ll grind his bones to make my bread.” Christie, writing as Westmacott, draws from her own upper-class upbringing and the loss of her father to portray Vernon’s privileged yet emotionally fraught world.

The novel begins in childhood and gradually builds to Vernon’s adult struggles, including his relationships with women and art. Among a vivid cast, Jane—who encourages Vernon’s creative ambitions—stands out as the most compelling character.

Modern readers may find elements of Giant’s Bread troubling. The book contains instances of casual racism and antisemitic descriptions, particularly in references to Vernon’s loyal friend Sebastian Levin, described in stereotypical and derogatory terms. Despite this, Levin is portrayed as deeply supportive, investing in Vernon’s work and standing by him. These contradictions make it difficult to discern the author’s true perspective.

The novel also indulges in orientalist and critical portrayals of Americans, which feels ironic given Christie’s own American heritage. Yet, despite these problematic aspects—and a finale that stretches credulity—the story remains emotionally engaging and surprisingly resonant.

For fans of Agatha Christie curious about her range beyond crime fiction, Giant’s Bread offers a fascinating glimpse into her exploration of character and tone. This edition is part of a beautifully produced series of four newly released Mary Westmacott audiobooks, each skillfully narrated and worth hearing.