The Old Patagonian Express cover art

The Old Patagonian Express

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The Old Patagonian Express

By: Paul Theroux
Narrated by: Norman Dietz
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About this listen

The Old Patagonian Express tells of Paul Theroux's train journey down the length of North and South America. Beginning on Boston's subway, he depicts a voyage from ice-bound Massachusetts to the arid plateau of Argentina's most southerly tip.

Shivering and sweating by turns as the temperature and altitude rise and plummet, he describes the people he encountered - the tedious Mr Thornberry in Limón and reading to the legendary blind writer, Jorge Luis Borges, in Buenos Aires.

©1979 Cape Cod Scriveners Company (P)1986 Recorded Books Inc Adventure Travel Travel Writing & Commentary Adventure Latin American

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Critic reviews

"One of the most entrancing travel books written in our time." ( Financial Times)
"Travel writing at its most accomplished." ( Sunday Telegraph)
All stars
Most relevant
Would have liked a bit more attempt at variety from the narrator in his Spanish accents which often sounded more like Chinese. But he did a good job of picking up Paul Theroux's humour and at times snide tone. The book is refreshingly honest in its depiction of the troubles and strife involved in travelling.

Great concept for travel book

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I wish I had made this journey through North and South America before privatisation when the trains were still running as a joined up system but having come late to the party the next best thing is this book. You accompany the author on a beautifully recounted tale of the ups and downs of an adventure that - although it has a clear destination - has many uncertainties along the way. The narrator does justice to the book but there are some occasional issues with the recording. However these seem to belong to the time the book was written and for me they simply bring the tale to life. I particularly enjoyed his intelligent account of Buenos Aires’ culture and his literary conversations with Jorge Luis Borges.

Wonderful romantic tale of a great train journey

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A unique travel experience that is so vibrant and vivid its as if your there.

Unique travel experience

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I liked the overall premise but, as the book progressed, I became increasingly concerned about the accuracy of the narrative. While berating other tourists for their minimal interest and lack of curiosity, Theroux often exhibits these very characteristics. However, overall it was an interesting perspective into the state of mind of someone undertaking such a journey.

Unreliable Narrator?

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Paints a vivid picture of the ever changing landscape and gives a real insight into a towns and cities and everyday lives of a continent I’ll probably never get to see for myself. But now I feel like I’ve been

Splendid

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