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For anyone who has ever read Dame Agatha Christie or anything about her, they will know that she travelled a lot, and thus her characters did, too. It definitely broadened her storytelling, and gave an international scenic flair to a lot of her stories.

The editor of this story is Mathew Prichard, the grandson of Agatha Christie, his Nima. And, this book is the telling of his grandmother’s 10-month sailing trip around the world. Which she took with her then husband, Archibald Christie, who was part of the trade mission to promote the 1924 British Empire Exhibitions.

This book, in her writing, includes her notes, postcards, pictures and letters that were sent to family while she was away. Even leaving her then 2-year-old daughter, Rosalind (Rosy) in the care of her sister.

Prichard makes mention that this trip took place 90 years ago to the day of his writing the book, a 2012 publication. And, here I am reading and reviewing about it 105 years later! So, how did that come to be?

This book was displayed prominently at my local library in celebration of Women’s History Month this March, 2025. Being a fan of Ms. Christie, I was curious to explore this personal aspect of her life. Especially as I looked into the young eyes of Madame Christie on the book cover.

Prichard begins by including a preface by Madame Christie from her book “An Autobiography.�� And, then, as readers we are off on the adventure with her. We soon are aware of the carefree, youthful spirit, young wife enjoying the attentions of her husband (before his betrayal) that comprises our “tour guide.��

As much as she may ask about her dear Rosy, we are certainly aware of her enjoyment of freedom that this trip is bringing to her. She is wild and flirty and fun, and, this is felt easily through her writings. This ‘Grand Tour�� also gives indications of the last days of the British empire, which showcased her rank and class, and an obliviousness to what was happening in the changing world.

For anyone who is a fan of Christie’s mysteries, she is enthusiastic about the various people she meets on the journey. Which leads one to ask, could some of her future characters have been a caricature of some of the people she met on this adventure?

Those who love her mysteries, or are fans of historical travel narratives, this may be an appealing view of the past through one’s favorite author’s rose-colored glasses. Even Christie’s stories, seen through modern eyes, still have the power to captivate.