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The Railway Man
- Narrated by: Bill Paterson
- Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins
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Summary
A naive young man, a railway enthusiast and radio buff, was caught up in the fall of the British Empire at Singapore in 1942. He was put to work on the 'Railway of Death' - the Japanese line from Thailand to Burma.
Exhaustively and brutally tortured by the Japanese for making a crude radio, Lomax was emotionally ruined by his experiences. Almost 50 years after the war, however, his life was changed by the discovery that his interrogator, the Japanese interpreter, was still alive - their reconciliation is the culmination of this extraordinary story.
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What listeners say about The Railway Man
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Frederick Postleman
- 26-01-14
Masterly
If you could sum up The Railway Man in three words, what would they be?
Gripping, moving and compelling
Who was your favorite character and why?
Lomax himself, his command of the prose and descriptive ability put you alongside him as he travels his lifes' path
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
When he finally forgave his nemesis
Any additional comments?
I can only recommend that you purchase and listen to this book. You will be moved.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall
- Rob B
- 22-11-12
Riverting, Captivating, Inspiring
I could not stop listening to this fantastic book. A brilliant insight into a period of modern history that must never be forgotten. Written so fluently and Bill Paterson's narration is excellent.
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5 people found this helpful
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- Kay
- 07-07-14
Moving story, well told and read.
Where does The Railway Man rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
Top 3.
What did you like best about this story?
The story is bravely told by someone who has suffered trauma. It is very moving, well written and compelling.
Which scene did you most enjoy?
I found all of the book interesting. It is a journey and no scene stands out. It is all relevant.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
I would if I had the time!
Any additional comments?
A wonderful book.
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- Tony
- 09-11-16
Privilege
This book has been a privilege to listen to. I cannot imagine the strength of character this took to complete.
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- Amazon Customer
- 12-06-16
Honest account, heavy going but well written
It's tough to listen to in many places- a mans true account of being a pow in Japan. But it is a hope filled book and has a hope filled ending. Worth reading and educational too
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- ross pygall
- 04-10-22
harrowing story
a story of survival, comradeship and forgiveness. very well narrated, I would recommend to anyone
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- william graham
- 20-03-16
the railway man<br />
this story was fascinating of one mans experience through capture, the strength to survive the brutality astounds me and to forgive.rest in peace Mr lomax.
on the narrator bill patersons reading was brilliant and never dull great.
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- Peachie47
- 26-02-23
Beautiful
Such a wonderful story of pain and forgiveness! I loved it and will listen again
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- Ann D
- 23-03-14
moving but measured
What did you like most about The Railway Man?
I was worried that this was going to be more gruesome than I could stand. However this was written in such a way, that although the suffering of Lomax and his fellow prisoners was absolutely appalling, I could listen and sympathise with this man who deprecated his own suffering and wrote so touchingly and with dignity of the suffering of others. The ultimately positive ending brought me to tears- gives us some faith in humanity after all.
Who was your favorite character and why?
2 favourites - Eric Lomax and the interrogator's interpreter, who also suffered for so many years: two dignified old men
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Oh yes! It was harrowing at times, but ultimately up lifting - I cried
Any additional comments?
Loved Bill Paterson's narration - so understated, just what it should be
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4 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 31-07-15
Amazingly moving
This is a moving story, parts of it horrific, but the ending makes you realise what true forgiveness is.
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