ABSTRACT
Agatha Christie has never been substantially considered as a war writer, even though war is a constant presence in her writing. This interdisciplinary collection of essays considers the effects of these conflicts on the social and psychological textures of Christie’s detective fiction and other writings, demonstrating not only Christie’s textual navigation of her contemporary surroundings and politics, but also the value of her voice as a popular fiction writer reflecting popular concerns. Agatha Christie Goes to War introduces the ‘Queen of Crime’ as an essential voice in the discussion of war, warfare, and twentieth century literature.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
chapter 3|17 pages
Writing through War
Narrative Structure and Authority in Christie’s Second World War Novels
chapter 5|14 pages
“When She Eats She Will Die”
Informal Meals and Social Change in Sad Cypress and “And Then There Were None”
chapter 6|14 pages
“A Worrying, Nerve-Wracked World”
Agatha Christie’s Emergence as a Playwright during and after the Second World War
chapter 7|15 pages
“There Are Things One Doesn’t Forget”
The Second World War in “Three Blind Mice” and The Mousetrap
chapter 10|12 pages
“The Thrill When It Suddenly Went Pitch Black!”
Blackout Cultures in A Murder Is Announced and The Mousetrap
