Why I love Hercule Poirot
And the romanticised vision of bygone times conjured by Agatha Christie, even with a side order of murder!
Agatha Christie’s dapper Belgian detective was busy sleuthing in the era between the First and Second World Wars, a refugee in an age of indulgence for privileged high society. This was a time when travel was glamorous (for the wealthy) — trains were fitted out in rosewood and smart upholstery, and ocean liners were glorious symbols of modern technology, influencing everything from architecture to sculpture with their streamlined forms, sexy curves, mirrored glass and gilt. Winter cruises to warmer climes were popular, a tan became a status symbol and the exoticism of a world beyond one’s doorstep had an irresistible draw for those with the time, money and inclination to explore it.
Why is this relevant now?