Come, Tell Me How You Live

- Agatha Christie

first published 1946, Harper Collins Publishers 1999

Am enjoying the non-fiction diary format at the moment. This is a travel book about camping in the desert in the late 30s and early 40s. Interesting to read the personal voice of Agatha Christie, who writes very funny anecdotes, similar in observation to Bill Bryson.

This book had me laughing at the misunderstandings between cultures. Agatha Christie goes to Syria and Lebanon with her archaeologist husband, Max Mallowan and a crew of local workmen, a sheik, chefs and drivers. Also there is a Mac, a supremely sedate and quiet architect, with whom Agatha has trouble making any conversation. They are looking for pre-Roman treasures, those dating from from before AD. 

A 'tell' is also the name of a dig site; a 'bump' in the desert that contains an old city.