The Sweetness At The Bottom Of The Pie Summary
Introduction
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is a mystery novel written by Alan Bradley. The story revolves around an eleven-year-old girl named Flavia de Luce who lives in a small village in England in 1950. The book was published in 2009 and became an instant success. It won several awards, including the Agatha Award for Best First Novel and was also nominated for the CWA Dagger in the Library award.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Flavia de Luce, an aspiring chemist, discovering a dead body in the cucumber patch of her family's estate, Buckshaw. The victim turns out to be a man named Mr. Samuel Kirby, who had a history with Flavia's father, Colonel de Luce. Flavia is determined to solve the mystery surrounding Mr. Kirby's death and starts investigating.
As Flavia delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that involves her own family. She discovers that Mr. Kirby had a connection to her father's past and that the murder may have been related to a piece of rare stamp that Colonel de Luce had in his possession.
Flavia uses her knowledge of chemistry to gather clues and evidence, and with the help of her trusty bicycle, Gladys, she travels around the village to interview suspects and gather information. She also forms an unlikely friendship with the local police inspector, who is initially skeptical of her abilities but eventually comes to appreciate her help.
Characters
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie has a cast of colorful characters, each with their own secrets and motivations. Flavia de Luce is the main protagonist, a precocious and curious young girl with a passion for chemistry. She is also quite skilled in solving mysteries and has a sharp wit.
Colonel de Luce is Flavia's father, a distant and reserved man who has a complicated past that is slowly revealed throughout the book. Mrs. Mullet is the family's cook, who has a tendency to gossip and is not very fond of Flavia.
The local police inspector, Inspector Hewitt, is initially skeptical of Flavia's abilities but eventually comes to appreciate her help. There are also several suspects in the murder case, including Mr. Samuel Kirby's wife, his business partner, and a local photographer.
Themes
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie explores several themes, including family, secrets, and the power of knowledge. Flavia's relationship with her father is a central theme in the book, as she tries to uncover his past and understand the reasons for his distant behavior. The book also explores the idea that knowledge is power, as Flavia uses her knowledge of chemistry to solve the mystery and gain an advantage over the other characters.
Conclusion
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is a delightful mystery novel that is perfect for readers of all ages. The book is well-written and engaging, with a cast of unforgettable characters and a plot that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Alan Bradley has created a charming and quirky world that is sure to captivate readers and leave them wanting more.
