The Old Patagonian Express : By Train Through the Americas book cover

Epic Train Journey Classic

Travel Writing

The Old Patagonian Express : By Train Through the Americas

by

Paul Theroux embarks on an epic railway journey from Massachusetts to the southernmost tip of South America, travelling through the heart of two continents by train.


Format

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About the book

His adventure takes him across the diverse landscapes of North and Central America before reaching the windswept plains of Patagonia, riding the legendary Old Patagonian Express itself. Along the way, Theroux encounters a vivid cast of fellow passengers and locals, capturing the essence of life in remote stations, bustling cities, and forgotten towns. His sharp observations and wry humour illuminate both the beauty and hardship of the regions he passes through, creating an unforgettable portrait of the Americas in the 1970s. This is travel writing at its finest—intimate, adventurous, and deeply human.

Book details

Published by Penguin Books Ltd

Audiobook ISBN: 9780141189154 27 Mar 2008 196 x 129 x 27 (mm) 332g Narrated by Norman Dietz 16 hrs and 43 mins