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3. A Steam Bath

Agatha ChristieThe 8.55 to Baghdad
Episode 3 of 5

Retracing the English crime writer's 1928 journey to Iraq, Andrew Eames recalls a steam bath in Damascus. From 2004.

In Damascus, Syria, Agatha Christie spent some time shopping before heading off to Baghdad and a steam bath.

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.

Andrew Eames is retracing Christie's steps, as he visits The Cilician Gates and travels by sleeping car to Damascus, Syria.

Written and read by Andrew Eames.

Abridged by Laurence Wareing.

Producer: David Jackson Young

First broadcast on BBC Radio in July 2004.

15 minutes

Last on

Wed 22 Jan 202509:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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    BBC Radio 4 Extra