A review by blearywitch
Around India in 80 Trains by Monisha Rajesh

5.0

I found Monisha's account of her journey to be a lighthearted read, producing explosions of mirth, and an acute longing for travel in me, preferably with a best girl friend and tested travel companion (I keep thinking of you, SuSu, and you, Cameelia). I was not discouraged by negative reviews for this book of which there were a bit although I was wary of it as I read. I'm happy to report that the negative reviews were unfounded for me - she was not spoilt, or shedding negative light on India, or awkward, or complaining. I thought she was brave, open-minded, determined, and honest. I kept in mind that this is Monisha's perspective of India, its services, and its people, and myself hailing from Asia with family from India & Pakistan absolutely understood this perspective. India is beautiful and unique, and is capable of making one fall in love with her even just through books. My qualms with the book is only that it felt a little rushed towards the end as she had to fit in her account of the last 20 or so trains and unknown towns in the remaining pages; and that some descriptions run into each other in a halting manner which made me think that there is a difference between an author and a journalist writing a book. I was pleased to find mention of several good books that became her traveling companion to add to my want list:
The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux
Maximum City: Bombay Lost & Found by Suketu Mehta
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote
Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee

Who could have thought there could be so much to learn just by riding trains all over a country?! I hope I get to experience a few of the trains mentioned but most importantly the Maharaja Deccan Odyssey.