Around India in 80 Trains by Marisha Rajesh published by Nicholas Brealey, paperback
This is a debut offering. Eighty train rides of enviable and unenviable adventure in India is a great vehicle to stretch one's literary talents - and Rajesh gives us both pithy prose and poetic descriptions matching them with the journey being taken. There are nuggets of invaluable information hidden among the disreputable, noble and bizarre personages aboard for someone contemplating India and daring to travel by train (courage is definitely a pre-requisite). But we're also exposed to a greater understanding of different cultures far wider ranging than India - a consequences of being cooped up in a small space together. Far from being oppressive, the book sparkles at every turn... or should that be lurches!
This is a debut offering. Eighty train rides of enviable and unenviable adventure in India is a great vehicle to stretch one's literary talents - and Rajesh gives us both pithy prose and poetic descriptions matching them with the journey being taken. There are nuggets of invaluable information hidden among the disreputable, noble and bizarre personages aboard for someone contemplating India and daring to travel by train (courage is definitely a pre-requisite). But we're also exposed to a greater understanding of different cultures far wider ranging than India - a consequences of being cooped up in a small space together. Far from being oppressive, the book sparkles at every turn... or should that be lurches!
Someone you know each ride is not going to deliver what it promises, and that beckons you on to see what the alternative will be. It is often funny, ironic or touching. This is not 'destination' focussed, bar a hilarious visit to the late Osho's Ashram. Rajesh does exactly what a good travel writer does, she puts herself aside until encounters with her travelling companions until they provide insight - which she then shares. Like this, 'Pigeonholing in India is futile; for every rule there are one hundred exceptions. But Indians exercise great levels of tolerance - mainly of each other's idiosyncrasies.' Perfect holiday reading or for leaving in the guest room for visitors to dip into. Without giving much away, you will appreciate the everyday luxury of your home or B & B just that bit more!