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There's a much-buzzed-about (in the publishing industry) new Paul Theroux book coming out in August called "Ghost Train to the Eastern Star." It's a redo of his 1975 book "The Great Railway Bazaar." He retraces his tracks across Europe and Asia, except for Iran (refused visa) and Afghanistan (too dangerous). Some of the early notices say it's his best book in many years, even better than "Bazaar."
More details at Amazon.com.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Surprised the Islamic Republic did not want to show off their railways:
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Thanks for the news, I'll definitely order. The Great Railway Bazar was my favorite Theroux book and your comment makes this one sound better. I would be interested to see what he would do with a book on rail travel in North America - although Amtrak is pretty boring compared to most of his travels.
Henry Kisor Member # 4776
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I'm not sure American rail travel could recover from the Theroux experience. He's a dour, cranky, crotchety fellow, probably an unpleasant travel companion in person, but a delight to read all the same . . . an Evelyn Waugh on rails, perhaps.
pelican Member # 754
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I believe he may have done an Amtrak segment in his South America book.
Henry Kisor's own book is a pretty good Amtrak story. I read it soon after it came out on an Amtrak trip (on the Empire Builder).
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