Paul Theroux on ‘Ghost Train to the Eastern Star’

08/19/08  Print This Post Print This Post    No Comments      Written by Eva Holland
  • Stumble It

Would it be too dramatic if I said that ‘Ghost Train to the Eastern Star‘ is the most anticipated travel book of the year?

Maybe. But for me at least, dramatic or not, it’s certainly true.

It’s been nearly 35 years since Theroux’s travel classic, ‘The Great Railway Bazaar‘, was first released – and in those years, I can’t be the only reader to have been electrified by those famous opening lines:

“…I have seldom heard a train go by and not wished I was on it…”

In the intervening years, Paul Theroux has covered plenty of other ground, in well-loved books like ‘The Old Patagonian Express‘ and ‘Dark Star Safari‘. But now, with ‘Ghost Train’, he re-traces his steps on that first, famous journey.

I haven’t gotten my hands on the book yet, but this Q&A, courtesy of World Hum, is a great appetite-whetter.


  • Stumble It

About the Author

Matador ID: deva

Eva Holland is a contributing editor to the Matador Network. She recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of quitting her day job to write and travel full time.

Leave a Comment

Jump To Category:



Explore the Community


Latest Community Blogs

  • by Hannah Nevitt, Greenheart Travel’s volunteer participantI have only been in Costa Rica for one week, but already I ...
    » posted on 6 November 2009
  • Whether you are planning a visit in Italy for business or for leisure, tracking events is a hard work. I thus picked som...
    » posted on 6 November 2009
  • So, I've been procrastinating about blogging this one.  I don't know if anyone's keeping up but it saddens me at le...
    » posted on 6 November 2009

Popular Stories on Matador

10 Volunteer Opportunities For Free Travel

From assisting with disaster relief to helping on the A... 

How to Get Off Grid in a Vintage Travel Trailer

Misty Tosh pimps out a vintage travel trailer and goes ... 

18 Essential Items for a Trip Around The World

What you decide to take on a round-the-world trip ultim... 

10 Things to do in Amsterdam BESIDES Smoking Pot

There's more to Amsterdam than legal bud.... 

Best Nude Beaches In The World

It’s a big world out there, with plenty of nooks and ... 

10 Traveler's Tips For Rocking A Nudist Beach

Travelers tend to enjoy ultimate freedom on the road, t... 



Focus



Editor Blogs