Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

1. Middle Eastern Adventure

Agatha ChristieThe 8.55 to Baghdad
Episode 1 of 5

In 1928, after the break-up of her marriage, the English crime writer began a Middle Eastern adventure. Read by Andrew Eames.

"Her adventure had been taken at a moment of major personal change; mine was beginning at a moment that could change the world".

In 1928, crime writer Agatha Christie made a spur-of-the-moment decision to go on holiday, alone, to Iraq.

Then in her late 30s she was already a popular and successful novelist, but her 14-year marriage to Archie Christie had recently ended and her comfortable life at Sunningdale had become oppressive.

In the first of five readings from his book, Andrew Eames describes how 75 years later on, on the eve of the second Gulf War, he set out to trace Agatha's journey and explore her reasons for making it.

Written and read by Andrew Eames.

Abridged in five parts by Laurence Wareing.

Producer: David Jackson Young

First broadcast on BBC Radio in July 2004.

15 minutes

Last on

Mon 20 Jan 202509:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

More episodes

Previous

You are at the first episode

Next

2. Orient Express to IstanbulThe 8.55 to Baghdad

See all episodes from Agatha Christie

Broadcasts

  • Mon 10 Sep 200713:45
    BBC Radio 7
  • Mon 31 Mar 200813:15
    BBC Radio 7
  • Mon 15 Sep 200813:15
    BBC Radio 7
  • Mon 19 Oct 200914:45
    BBC Radio 7
  • Tue 20 Oct 200904:45
    BBC Radio 7
  • Mon 13 Sep 201015:45
    BBC Radio 7
  • Mon 18 Nov 201314:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 31 Aug 201514:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 1 Sep 201502:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 20 Jan 202509:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra