Author’s Foreword to The Thirteen Problems

Author’s Foreword to The Thirteen Problems
T hese problems were Miss Marple’s first introduction to the world of detective story readers. Miss Marple has some
faint affinity¹ with my own grandmother, also a pink and white pretty old lady who, although having led the most
sheltered and Victorian of lives, nevertheless always appeared to be intimately acquainted with all the depths of
human depravity. One could be made to feel incredibly naïve and credulous² by her reproachful remark: “But did you
believe what they said to you? You shouldn’t do that. I never do!”
I enjoyed writing the Miss Marple stories very much, conceived a great affection for my fluffy³ old lady, and hoped
that she might be a success. She was. After the first six stories had appeared, six more were requested, Miss Marple
had definitely come to stay.
She has appeared now in several books and also in a play—and actually rivals Hercule Poirot in popularity. I get
about an equal number of letters, one lot saying: “I wish you would always have Miss Marple and not Poirot,” and the
other “I wish you would have Poirot and not Miss Marple.” I myself incline to her side. I think, that she is at her best
in the solving of short problems; they suit her more intimate style. Poirot, on the other hand, insists on a full-length
book to display his talents.
These Thirteen Problems contain, I consider, the real essence of Miss Marple for those who like her.
Penguin edition, 1953

1 affinity   

n.亲和力，密切关系

参考例句：

• I felt a great affinity with the people of the Highlands.我被苏格兰高地人民深深地吸引。
• It's important that you share an affinity with your husband.和丈夫有共同的爱好是十分重要的。

2 credulous   

adj.轻信的，易信的

参考例句：

• You must be credulous if she fooled you with that story.连她那种话都能把你骗倒，你一定是太容易相信别人了。
• Credulous attitude will only make you take anything for granted.轻信的态度只会使你想当然。

3 fluffy   

adj.有绒毛的，空洞的

参考例句：

• Newly hatched chicks are like fluffy balls.刚孵出的小鸡像绒毛球。
• The steamed bread is very fluffy.馒头很暄。