This month, it being December and all, I wanted to read a Christmas book. This year I chose The Christmas Train by David Baldacci.
I had seen the movie that's based on this book a few years ago. Somehow it always disappoints me to find out that a movie is based on a book, because that means I could have enjoyed the story sooner. Not to mention be genuinely surprised at any twists or turns the story might hold. Luckily for me it had been quite a long while since I last saw the film and therefore could sparsely recall much of the details.
The story is about a journalist initially plans to fly. Given that his journey is from Washington to Los Angeles I can understand why. Being from the small country in Europe that I am, I have not yet had the opportunity to travel such an immense distance by train. As it so happens this journalist, the main character, Tom Langdon is forced to do exactly that. Which is lucky for me I suppose, because I do love trains. Especially when they take journeys through snowy landscapes.
The journey has a few purposes, two of which are spending time with his voice actress girlfriend and fulfilling a wish made by his father who has passed away. On this train he meets many colourful characters. Some with hidden identities. Others he knows quite well indeed. Eleanor Carter, the one who got away. Once a journalist like him, now a screenwriter travelling with Max Powers, a big time movie director. As Tom tries to reconnect with her, he also connects with some of the other passengers and staff. I have to say my favourite characters would have to be the ones who work on the train. Their enthusiasm and passion for the job was palpable.
I also enjoyed the little mystery sprinkled in the background in the form of a thief stealing valuable items from passengers.
The twist at the very end was thankfully a bit more subtle than I remember it being in the movie. I may have remembered it wrong, but in the movie it seemed a bit outlandish? In the book it was a nice additional element that actually made the entire story feel less coincidental. Allowing the reader to ease up on their suspension of disbelief.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this journey. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who, as the dedication reads, loves trains and holidays.
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