My Thoughts

While I was a Freshman in college, I had the chance to see the TEN LITTLE INDIANS play. (The title has since been changed to AND THEN THERE WERE NONE.) I absolutely adored the play, so I jumped at the chance to read the book with some friends.

While I read the book, I naturally thought of the play. When I got to the end, read the epilogue and the letter from the murderer, I was completely surprised. I hadn’t realized that the book and the play end differently. While I thought the book was excellent, I do prefer the play ending to the book ending.

Because of the change in titles, I decided to read about the history of the book after I finished reading it. It was fascinating. There have been four titles because of racial controversy of the first three titles. Not only has the book been adapted into the play, but it has been adapted into several movies and miniseries as well. Agatha Christie based the book on the song “10 Little Injuns” by Septimus Winner.

Ten little Injuns standin’ in a line,
One toddled home and then there were nine;

Nine little Injuns swingin’ on a gate,
One tumbled off and then there were eight.

Eight little Injuns gayest under heav’n.
One went to sleep and then there were seven;

Seven little Injuns cuttin’ up their tricks,
One broke his neck and then there were six.

Six little Injuns all alive,
One kicked the bucket and then there were five;

Five little Injuns on a cellar door,
One tumbled in and then there were four.

Four little Injuns up on a spree,
One got fuddled and then there were three;

Three little Injuns out on a canoe,
One tumbled overboard and then there were two.

Two little Injuns foolin’ with a gun,
One shot t’other and then there was one;

One little Injun livin’ all alone,
He got married and then there were none.

I loved Agatha Christie’s (revised) version of the poem the murderer uses to kill their victims:

Ten little soldier boys went out to dine;
One choked his little self and then there were nine.

Nine little soldier boys sat up very late;
One overslept himself and then there were eight.

Eight little soldier boys travelling in Devon;
One said he’d stay there and then there were seven.

Seven little soldier boys chopping up sticks;
One chopped himself in halves and then there were six.

Six little soldier boys playing with a hive;
A bumblebee stung one and then there were five.

Five little soldier boys going in for law;
One got in Chancery and then there were four.

Four little soldier boys going out to sea;
A red herring swallowed one and then there were three.

Three little soldier boys walking in the zoo;
A big bear hugged one and then there were two.

Two little soldier boys sitting in the sun;
One got frizzled up and then there was one.

One little soldier boy left all alone;
He went out and hanged himself and then there were none.

Anyway, I’m really glad I decided to read the book. It was really suspenseful and fun to read.