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The Great Railway Bazaar

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About this listen

The Great Railway Bazaar is Paul Theroux's account of his epic journey by rail through Asia. Filled with evocative names of legendary train routes - the Direct-Orient Express, the Khyber Pass Local, the Delhi Mail from Jaipur, the Golden Arrow to Kuala Lumpur, the Hikari Super Express to Kyoto, and the Trans-Siberian Express - it describes the many places, cultures, sights, and sounds he experienced and the fascinating people he met.

Here he overhears snippets of chat and occasional monologues, and is drawn into conversation with fellow passengers, from Molesworth, a British theatrical agent, and Sadik, a shabby Turkish tycoon, while avoiding the forceful approaches of pimps and drug dealers. This wonderfully entertaining travelogue pays loving tribute to the romantic joys of railways and train travel.

©1975 Paul Theroux (P)1983 Recorded Books LLC Adventure Travel Asia Travel Writing & Commentary Adventure Railroad Imperial Japan
All stars
Most relevant
superb book, brilliantly read, I laughed out loud and followed the journeys on google earth

get on board

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Paul takes on this amazing journey, through lots of countries. Istanbul, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, Russia, India, and we hear about the many cultures, and peoples at the most random of places. He also ventures out and sees some of the less charming aspects of those worlds, and their realities.
Its a long journey, but with many of theses travel writers, they have a tendency to being persistent and consistent, keeping you hooked for the long journey.

A wonderful journey.

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One of Theroux’s best. This time without moaning and just bearing the discomforts as they come. It is lovely to relive the places and tracks in lazy listening.

A dream of dreams.

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I rarely read non-fiction, but I am glad I picked up this book.

In previous a previous life I have visited most of these places, taking trains, buses airplanes, and often spending more time than Paul - as he just passes through.

But the real strength of Paul's work is, his interaction with people. Traveling is about stories and atmosphere, no so much about the build monuments, heritage or landmarks.

You may find his opinions offensive, but he has the merit to have strong ones, and a clear way of describing them. Moreover, he needs a lot of credit, as it takes an awful lot of energy, patience and enthusiasm to get-on with all these people; listening to stories and taking-in their annoying habits.

To me, the real issue for some people picking up the book, is to get on with the tone. The style of writing is sort of blasé, patronising with a cynical sense of humour. I like it, it makes me laugh.

My favourite part is, his trip through the sub-continent. People are so eager to communicate, positive and colorful. It is wonderful travel experience.

his interaction with people

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Brilliant evocation of life on a train through senseless bureaucracy, corruption, violence and random acts of kindness - I was a student in the USSR and took many long train journeys in various classes - he captures the ugliness and hypocrisy of that system perfectly with its anti-west sloganeering - people of all ages and backgrounds drinking to escape the grimness.
And I remember that relief of leaving.

Train travel - human passage at its rawest

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