"Stamboul Train" by Graham Greene is a novel set on the Orient Express during the 1930s, taking the reader on a journey through Europe from Ostend to Constantinople. The story revolves around a diverse group of characters, including a Jewish merchant, a chorus girl, a communist agitator, and an aging journalist. As the train travels through different countries, the characters' lives intersect, touching on themes of fidelity, anti-Semitism, communism, and personal sacrifices. Greene's writing style in this book is described as sharp, masterful, and structured like scenes in a film, with a haunting ending that leaves characters grappling with their own inadequacies and doubts.

Characters:

Characters are richly developed, showcasing a spectrum from innocence to cynicism and often reflect the societal prejudices of their time.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is atmospheric and descriptive, featuring sharp dialogue and character depth while blending adventure with a noir sensibility.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a group of disparate characters traveling on the Orient Express, whose interwoven lives manifest themes of personal conflict, societal issues, and betrayal during their journey.

Setting:

The setting primarily takes place on the Orient Express during the early 1930s, characterized by atmospheric landscapes that contribute to the narrative's tension.

Pacing:

Pacing varies, starting slowly before picking up, although some readers note abruptness in the conclusion.

The purser took the last landing-card in his hand and watched the passengers cross the grey wet quay, over a wilderness of rails and points, round the corners of abandoned trucks. They went with coat-...

Notes:

Stamboul Train was published in 1932 and is one of Graham Greene's first major successes as a novelist.

The novel is set aboard the famous Orient Express as it travels from Ostend to Constantinople.

The story features a diverse cast of characters, including a Jewish businessman, a chorus girl, a journalist, and a mysterious doctor.

Themes of anti-Semitism and political turmoil are prominent, especially as the characters navigate pre-World War II Europe.

The narrative blends elements of noir, adventure, and social commentary, focusing on the characters' personal struggles.

Greene characterizes his protagonists with a mix of both naive and cynical tones throughout the novel.

Mabel Warren, one of the characters, is a lesbian journalist whose portrayal reflects stereotypes of the 1930s.

The book explores complex relationships and moral ambiguities among its passengers confined to the train.

Some readers noted the use of stereotypes and prejudices of the time, particularly regarding Jewish and lesbian characters.

The ending is described as cynical and unresolved, fitting Greene's often bleak perspective on human nature.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include anti-Semitism, alcoholism, violence, and discussions of sexuality.

Has Romance?

The romantic elements, particularly between Myatt and Coral, are significant but serve as a backdrop to larger themes.

From The Publisher:

Kriminalroman. En kærlighedshistorie udspiller sig i toget, mellem hvis passagerer også er en morder på flugt og en politisk flygtning i livsfare

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Stamboul Train

Graham Greene