An Excellent Extravaganza of Rail Travel

Written in Paul Theroux's usual lively prose, this is an excellent book that takes the listener (reader) on an exceptional journey from Europe across the Middle East, India and onto the Far Eastern reaches of the world's rail network, returning from Japan to Vladivostok and returning on the Trans Siberian Express. Along the way he meets a colourful array of interesting people, whose lives the author describes in some detail. Paul Theroux is, for good reason, my favourite travel writer, and his books are timeless expeditions, that bring real places and real people to life. Highly recommended to anyone interested in people, places and long distance travel.

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1 person found this helpful

Fantastic book with a fantastic narrator

This is one of my favourite books on audible at the moment with only Bill Brysons "A walk in the woods" up there along with it...though I do think this is a higher quality of writing...differnt books but both bring you on a great adventure in different writing styles. I found the narrator very easy to listen to especially when nodding off...often leaving the book on all night joining it at different intervals as i wake up.

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3 people found this helpful

Theroux is great + also annoying but helps w sleep

Overall great, nice way of describing things, interesting encounters. Occasionally condescending and grouchy. Ridiculous description of Tokyo as being awful and the future of all cities (it's so Japanese in its attention to detail and many more things), but redeemed by other features such as chatting with Haruki Murakami . my favourite use for this book is in the mornings when I can't get back to sleep the narrator's soporific voice works wonders.

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Rich and textured.

I loved Paul's eyewitness approach to traveling to some of the world's most extreme places. It was rich and textured and gave a sense of being there. He pulls no punches and does not romanticise. Really enjoyable

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OKish

Narration doesn’t do it for me. I’ll persevere but doubt if I get to the end.

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Transports one to the East magnificently

Brilliant, vivid, nostalgic, alarming - Paul Theroux's re-run of the journey he took 30 years before from London to the East is simply magnificent. He recounts his impressions and adventures with honesty and humour.

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6 people found this helpful

One of the best...

In a big fan an Paul Theroux books generally but this is one of the best.

It is also simply one of the best books I have ever read (or had read to me...! ).

I haven't got to the end yet but it just gets better and better. Really interesting and insightful glance into a range of cultures, all in Theroux's slightly oblique style.

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Thoroughly engaging

If you've read and enjoyed Theroux's 'The Great Railway Bazaar', then you'll love his fascinating and insightful retracing of that journey.

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Great travel writing

You don’t have to like the author but it helps. This book tells of a journey overland, the only way to travel across Asia and back. It is inspirational and entertaining

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Reflective Theroux

Peppered with fascinating insights & drizzled with Therouxisms, this is a delight. Excellent voice artist & accents add a wonderful aura.

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