Trains and Lovers by Alexander SmithVarious stories from people who share the train and their life experiences. Loved the travel each had described and loved the jobs of a few of them: fisherman who lost his oar and the one who had picked up the steam train in a art setting where trains had not even been invented when the painting had been finished.I have done both things and felt a bond. Didn't care much for the travel to and in Australia, just no bond for me there, seems like such a foreign country with the culture.I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device). I was very impressed with the quality of Alexander McCall Smith's writing and debated whether or not to give the book 5 stars instead of 4. For anyone who might accuse me of being a fan of Smith's, let me say that I have never read any of his other books. Because I was so absorbed by this novel, I look forward to reading more of his books. The novel follows a group of four strangers as they take a journey by train from Edinburgh to London. Each of them reminisces about a love affair, whether it be unrequited love for a close friend, or the ups and downs of an ongoing romantic relationship. Two of the passengers are young men and the other two are a middle-aged man and woman. Smith writes with great sensitivity and compassion. One of the ideas he explores is the concept of "moral luck," or how two people can turn out much differently based on circumstances beyond their control. In other words, luck or fate can determine what happens to us, for good or ill, despite our efforts or inclinations. There is a feeling of melancholy that pervades the novel. It's a beautiful little gem of a book.
What do You think about Amori In Viaggio (2014)?
Completely different from his other work. Highly engaging and moving.
—wolf
AMS could write a plumbers manual and it would be a work of art.
—ninna
A sweet novel, like a mini-vacation for your mind.
—Emperest2012
