Agatha Christie’s first novel
Last month I read on the BBC website that the broadcaster is planning to screen two dramas based on Agatha Christie’s most successful novel “And Then There Were None” and two of her lesser well-known main characters, Tommy and Tuppence Beresford.
This is to celebrate the 125th anniversary of her birth.
Dame Agatha Christie was an English crime novelist. To my mind, she is synonymous with all things British. Indeed, her characters were always very English even when the story was set abroad.
She created two of crime fiction’s most memorable characters, Hercule Poirot, the legendary Belgian detective and Miss Marple.
Peter Ustinov in Death on the Nile
I remember reading (actually devouring) Agatha Christie’s books when I was young.
I would sit in my room for hours lost in the fabulous worlds of the Orient Express, Mesopotamia, the Nile and other exotic locations that she brought to life in her books whilst at the same time imagining afternoon tea in the English drawing room.
I loved watching Peter Ustinov on the big screen as Hercule Poirot and later I found David Suchet’s portrayal of the fussy but brilliant Belgian detective superb. I was not as interested in Miss Marple, though.
Dame Agatha Christie
So when I read that the BBC is planning to screen these dramas, it encouraged me to read up about her and to introduce Agatha Christie to you as part of my series on Quotes by prominent historical and literary figures in the English Language.
The following ten quotes were either said by Agatha Christie or one of her characters. These are ten of my favourite.
1. “It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize just how much you love them. ” (from her Autobiography)
2. “The impossible could not have happened, therefore the impossible must be possible in spite of appearances.” (Murder on the Orient Express)
3. “A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path”. (The Hound of Death)
4. “Poirot,” I said. “I have been thinking.”
“An admirable exercise my friend. Continue it.” (Peril at End House)
5. “An archaeologist is the best husband a woman can have. The older she gets, the more interested he is in her.” (Agatha Christie)
6. “Never do anything yourself that others can do for you.” (The Labours of Hercules)
7. “The best time for planning a book is while you’re doing the dishes. ” (Agatha Christie)
(This is exactly when I plan my blog posts!)
8. “One doesn’t recognize the really important moments in one’s life until it’s too late.” (Agatha Christie)
David Suchet as Poirot
9. “Instinct is a marvelous thing. It can neither be explained nor ignored.” (The Mysterious Affair at Styles)
10. “Never tell all you know—not even to the person you know best.” (The Secret Adversary)
Quotes Source: Good Reads
Here is a list of the books Agatha Christie wrote. The longest running West End play in London, The Mousetrap was written by her. It was first shown in 1952 and is in its 62nd year!!!! And did you know that Agatha Christie is a Guinness World Record author: her work has been translated in more languages than Shakespeare? (Source: The Guardian)
Have you read any of Agatha Christie’s books? Have you read them in English? Which ones are your favourite? Please share them with me in the comments box.
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Ciao for now
Shanthi
