This is a good book.
Published in 2016, Tom Chesshyre road the rail in 2013/14, so it is slightly dated. Non the worse for that. It is understandable that situations have changed somewhat in some of the countries Ton
m has travelled through. And what countries, what trains!
Written from the point of view of someone who likes trains without becoming an anorak train enthusiast, Tom travels through China, India, USA and Russia amongst others places. Detailing the trips, the people, the country that he meets on board and sees through the window.
The fact that he has put so many trips into the book means each trip could have been a single book in itself, though I suspect his run in with a mutinous bunch of Aussies who rebelled against him he probably does not wish to cover again.
His writing style is good. We are there listening to the Chinese coughing loudly, we see the red soil of Australia fade into the distance, we note the differing attitudes of guards, both at the borders and on the trains. The North Korean guards are not what I expected, the drugged up lout in New York was.
In most nations Tom comes across ano rail enthusiasts. Those who travel on every line, ensuring all they see, trains, coaches, signals, stations, drivers are photographed, and those who just like travelling by train.
On such trips people open up about themselves and life in general. By avoiding controversy guides can become quite friendly and open in even the most 'locked in' nation. Train travel, especially on long journeys, does tend to loosen the passengers, drink also helps. Speaking to a stranger, often about their private life, is possible for some, especially when you will never meet again. Something about train travel relaxes people, the smooth ride possible on most lines today, the sights from the train, green verdant land, streams, seas, mountains, all calm the mind.
Of course there is the other type. The drunk, the lout, the man or woman on the phone sharing their work or private life with one and all. Surely murder is not wrong in such situations? The staff, sometimes happy, sometimes grumpy, depending on where you are and how they have been treated.
'Ticket to Ride' offers all this. It was a book I found hard to put down. Also, the trips being separated means this book need not be read in one go, each chapter a differing delight. The descriptions of the train delights the anor fan, the hope to be there one day delights me.
I recommend this book, both as a 'railway' book and as a travel book.
I've just realised I have read one of his before. 'From Source to Sea.' A walk from the source of the Thames to the sea.
