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The Great Railway Bazaar
By Train Through Asia
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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Check link for latest rating. ( 21,197 ratings, 1,239 reviews)
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Gives an account of the author's journey by rail through Asia. This work describes the many places, cultures, sights and sounds he experienced and the fascinating people he met. It also shows how he is drawn into conversation with fellow passengers, from Molesworth, while avoiding the forceful approaches of pimps and drug dealers.
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Description
The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux is a captivating travelogue that chronicles the author's epic journey by rail across Asia. This remarkable narrative details Theroux's exploits on some of the most iconic and legendary train routes in the world. From the Direct-Orient Express, the Khyber Pass Local, and the Delhi Mail from Jaipur, to the Golden Arrow to Kuala Lumpur, the Hikari Super Express to Kyoto, and the Trans-Siberian Express, Theroux offers readers a vivid and compelling account of his travels.
As Theroux meanders through bustling cities, serene countrysides, and remote landscapes, he immerses himself in a diverse tapestry of cultures, sights, and sounds. Each train journey serves as a backdrop for rich and colourful encounters with an array of fascinating individuals. He engages in conversations with fellow passengers such as Molesworth, a British theatrical agent, and Sadik, a dishevelled Turkish tycoon, while also contending with the persistent advances of pimps and drug dealers. His ability to observe and sketch the human condition is unparalleled, capturing snippets of chat, monologues, and stories that reveal the heart and soul of the regions he visits.
Filled with detailed descriptions and poignant insights, The Great Railway Bazaar offers readers a unique glimpse into Theroux's experiences. His keen eye for detail and his profound observations make for an enthralling and entertaining read, paying a loving tribute to the romantic allure and timeless charm of railways and train travel.
This reissue in the Modern Classics series includes a new preface by Paul Theroux, providing contemporary readers with additional context and reflections from the author. Whether you are a seasoned traveller, a railway enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a well-crafted narrative, The Great Railway Bazaar promises a journey that is as enriching as it is entertaining.
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Great Railway Bazaar is praised for its vivid and engaging writing, capturing the essence of the cultures and landscapes encountered during the journey. Reviewers appreciate Paul Theroux's keen observations and humour, adding richness to the travel narrative. Some critiques mention occasional lapses into cynicism, but overall, it is regarded as a compelling read for travel enthusiasts.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780141189147
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 27 March 2008
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Contributors:
- Foreword by Paul Theroux
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 22.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 295g
Pages: 400
About the Author
Paul Theroux was born in Medford, Massachusetts in 1941. He has written many works of fiction and travel writing, including The Last Train to Zona Verde, Dark Star Safari, Ghost Train to the Eastern Star, Riding the Iron Rooster, The Great Railway Bazaar, The Elephanta Suite, A Dead Hand, The Tao of Travel and The Lower River. The Mosquito Coast and Dr Slaughter have both been made into successful films. Paul Theroux divides his time between Cape Cod and the Hawaiian islands. His most recent work is Deep South, which is published by Hamish Hamilton.
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