The Thumbnail Book Reviews
by John Q McDonald --- 5 March 1998
by Paul Theroux
Theroux's epigrams, beginning his text and along the way, express his hope that his journey would be guidance for anyone else attempting such a trip. Indeed, his epic 4-month journey starting with the Orient Express (with which he didn't seem very impressed) through the Trans-Siberian Railway by way of most of South Asia, is a most impressive frightening and exciting voyage along rails old and new. The author confines himself to train travel as much as possible, and concentrates on that experience. His avoidance of tourist sites along the way seems almost pathological, and he seems quite belligerent in the presence of the natives of many of the countries he passes through. However, the trip is vivid with personalities and the great crowded "bazaar" of Asia. Theroux's most poignant observations come as he travels through war-torn Vietnam (the war was winding down as he visited) and along the Siberian rails pining for home. Despite his exhaustion, I felt a powerful desire to climb aboard the next train I saw.
Also by Theroux: [Hotel Honolulu]