sagex

Theroux is a good writer. Any man who, for the love of traveling, can actually traverse the entire globe (pretty much) deserves some credit. He loves trains and surely shows that love. Although this book was written way back in 1975 and things have changed a lot since, it may not be representative of the conditions in the railways anymore, but I doubt that readers would think about that. Its always about the adventure (or the lack of it) I would probably give this book 3.5 stars for the pictures it paints for any railway(or travelogues) enthusiasts, but I do not like his constant criticism of all trains. It was a refreshing read after a barrage of books that talk about how some foreigners visiting asian countries, and find that elusive charm in backwardness, filth, poverty or lack of organization, but he goes overboard and I barely remember any moment in the book when he actually said anything nice about any of the countries/cultures he visits. That kinda put me off a bit. And yeah, its way too long, I was practically reading it like a textbook after 200 pages.

2022-11-14 17:07