The Paris Express

(Hardback, Large Print Edition)

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Description

Emma Donoghue, the soul-stirring (Oprah Daily) nationally bestselling author of Room, returns with a sweeping historical novel about an infamous 1895 disaster at the Paris Montparnasse train station.

Based on an 1895 disaster that went down in history when it was captured in a series of surreal, extraordinary photographs, The Paris Express is a propulsive novel set on a train packed with a fascinating cast of characters who hail from as close as Brittany and as far as Russia, Ireland, Algeria, Pennsylvania, and Cambodia. Members of parliament hurry back to Paris to vote; a medical student suspects a girl may be dying; a secretary tries to convince her boss of the potential of moving pictures; two of the trains crew build a life away from their wives; a young anarchist makes a terrifying plan, and much more.

From an author whose writing is superb alchemy (Audrey Niffenegger, New York Times bestselling author), The Paris Express is an evocative masterpiece that effortlessly captures the politics, glamour, chaos, and speed that marked the end of the 19th century.

Reviews

Donoghue establishes an intricate web of human relationships as the narrative speeds toward an unexpected yet plausible finale.Readers ought to jump on board. -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

Donoghues particular forte lies in showing how confined circumstances shape interactions. Her characterization is a marvel as she dexterously illustrates peoples outward appearances and innermost desires. In her hands, the novels long-ago setting becomes an exciting place buzzing with fresh life and technological ideas on the cusp of a new century, even as horror strikes. -- Booklist, starred review

Author Bio

Emma Donoghue is the author of sixteen novels, including the award-winning national bestseller Room, the basis for the acclaimed film of the same name. Her latest novel is The Paris Express. She has also written the screenplays for Room and The Wonder and nine stage plays. Her next film (adapted with Philippa Lowthorpe from Helen Macdonalds memoir) is H Is for Hawk. Born in Dublin, she lives in Ontario with her family.