Agatha Christie

"Elephants Can Remember. Summary"

Chapter 1: A Plea for Help

A meeting between Hercule Poirot and a woman named Zadie Crabb. Zadie seeks Poirot's help in investigating the deaths of her mother and stepfather, which occurred many years ago when she was a child. She is eager to uncover the truth of what transpired that fateful night.

Chapter 2: Meeting Mrs. Oliver

Poirot decides to meet with Mrs. Zadie Crabb to learn more about her parents' deaths. They discuss the details of the case, and Poirot begins to ask her questions to understand the circumstances of that night.

Chapter 3: The Tragic Night

Zadie Crabb shares her recollections of the night her parents, Mrs. and Mr. Carrington, died. She remembers that they had attempted suicide, and at some point, it led to their deaths.

Chapter 4: The Large Carrington Family

Poirot starts his investigation by delving into the history of the Carrington family. He reaches out to his friend, Ariadne Oliver, to gather information about the Carringtons. They discover that the family had many children, and their parents were renowned artists.

Chapter 5: Meeting Catherine Arnold

Poirot decides to meet Catherine Arnold, a friend of the Carrington family who was present at their home on the night of their deaths. Catherine shares her account of seeing the Carringtons and how they married. She also mentions that they were happy until something changed.

Chapter 6: A Mother's Memory

Mrs. Oliver continues her conversation with Mrs. Crabb. She explains the idea of "mother love," emphasizing that mothers would do anything to protect their children. Mrs. Crabb, however, still wishes to uncover the truth about her parents' deaths.

Chapter 7: Interviewing the Carringtons

Hercule Poirot begins to interview some of the surviving Carrington children. He meets with Timothy, who is now a priest, and Jennifer, who is married. Poirot tries to piece together the events leading up to the tragic night when Mrs. and Mr. Carrington died.

Chapter 8: A Meeting with Desmond Burton-Cox

Poirot arranges a meeting with Desmond Burton-Cox, a friend of the Carringtons who was present during the events leading up to their deaths. Desmond provides more insights into the family dynamics and the changes that occurred in their lives.

Chapter 9: Exploring the Past

Poirot and Mrs. Oliver continue to gather information about the Carrington family by speaking with other surviving children and acquaintances. They learn more about the family's history, their artistic talents, and the gradual deterioration of their relationships.

Chapter 10: A Marriage in Crisis

Poirot meets with Thomas andAnna, two of the Carrington children who were present on the night of their parents' deaths. They describe the strained relationship between their parents and the changes that occurred in the family as their father's art career declined.

Chapter 11: The Truth About Caroline

Hercule Poirot focuses on Caroline Crale, a friend of the Carringtons, who may hold vital information about the family's unraveling. Poirot learns more about Caroline's relationship with the Carringtons and her involvement in the events leading up to their deaths.

Chapter 12: The Family Portrait

Poirot and Mrs. Oliver continue their investigation by meeting with Desmond Burton-Cox, who provides them with a family portrait of the Carringtons. Poirot closely examines the painting, seeking clues about the family's dynamics and the events leading to the deaths of Mrs. and Mr. Carrington.

Chapter 13: Interviews with Caroline Crale

Poirot interviews Caroline Crale, a close friend of the Carringtons who was present on the night of their deaths. She shares her recollections of the family and their personalities, shedding light on the circumstances that led to the tragic events.

Chapter 14: Timothy's Testimony

Poirot arranges a meeting with Timothy, one of the surviving Carrington children who has become a priest. Timothy provides insight into the family's relationships and the tensions that developed over time, particularly within the context of their parents' deteriorating marriage.

Chapter 15: The Chain of Events

Poirot interviews Jennifer, another surviving Carrington child who is married and has her own family. Jennifer recalls the events leading up to her parents' deaths, the changes in their behavior, and the family's struggles during that time.

Chapter 16: Interactions with Dr. Willoughby

Poirot speaks with Dr. Willoughby, the family physician who had been present on the night of the deaths. Dr. Willoughby shares his observations and medical insights regarding the Carringtons' actions and mental state before their deaths.

Chapter 17: A Twist in the Tale

As Poirot continues to piece together the puzzle, he uncovers a surprising revelation related to the Carringtons' past. The new information changes the perspective on the events leading to the deaths and adds a twist to the investigation.

Chapter 18: A Surprising Revelation

Poirot and Mrs. Oliver uncover a surprising revelation regarding the Carrington family. The new information leads them to reevaluate the events surrounding the deaths of Mrs. and Mr. Carrington and the motivations of the surviving family members.

Chapter 19: Poirot's Solution

Hercule Poirot reaches a solution to the mystery of the Carringtons. He assembles the key individuals involved inthe case and reveals his findings. Poirot's solution not only clarifies the truth behind the deaths but also provides a resolution to the longstanding questions about the family's past.