Another gripping read by Emma Donoghue
Of all the Emma Donoghue books I've read (Room, Frog Music, The Pull of
the Stars), this is my favourite. I think it's her sensitivity to
historical elements and the characterisation of the people, both real
and fictional, that come across as authentic as if written at the time
the story was set. It feels proper, regarding social etiquette, habits,
clothing of the time, and easily transports the reader on this train
journey. All the characters are enhanced by her meticulous eye for
detail.
The Paris Express is based on the 1895 Paris Montparnasse
train station disaster. I knew nothing of it in advance and am happy
for that as the tension builds without restraint of foreknowledge. As
the journey neared Paris, any number of perils could befall the train
and her occupants and I was gripped by it.
Beautifully written,
Ms. Donoghue never disappoints with her amazing talent. Best of all the
characters, both real and made up. I loved the details at the end of the
book about the real people, what they did, where they went after and
the knitting together of stories that may or may not be linked. It was
an added bonus that enhanced the story.
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