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4. Damascus to Baghdad

Agatha ChristieThe 8.55 to Baghdad
Episode 4 of 5

Eames and his coach party arrive in the Iraqi capital as it prepares for war - but the welcome from the locals is friendly. From 2004.

Andrew Eames sets out from Damascus to Baghdad and with the motley crew of passengers is reminded of crime writer Agatha Christie's novel Nemesis.

The route they take follows the original silk route. The journey is uncertain and he marvels at the author taking this trip in 1928.

This was the year, 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.

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

Thu 23 Jan 202509:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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    BBC Radio 7
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  • Thu 23 Jan 202509:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra