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Train Dreams

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Denis Johnson's 'Train Dreams' is a novella that delves into the life of Robert Grainier, a day laborer in the Pacific Northwestern US during the early 20th century. The story follows Grainier through various hardships, including the loss of his family in a fire, as he navigates the changing world around him. Johnson's writing style is described as spare, stark, and evocative, capturing the essence of the American West with vivid and detailed imagery.

Characters:

The characters, particularly Grainier, embody the struggles faced by ordinary laborers, with rich inner lives presented through sparse interactions.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by its sparseness and lyricism, creating vivid imagery and emotional impact within a concise structure.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows Robert Grainier, capturing key moments of his life and the profound losses he faces, portrayed in a non-linear and episodic manner.

Setting:

The setting is rooted in early 20th century Idaho, portraying a rugged landscape that reflects both isolation and the encroachment of modernization.

Pacing:

The pacing is non-linear and episodic, allowing for brief yet impactful moments that resonate with emotional depth.
In the summer of 1917 Robert Grainier took part in an attempt on the life of a Chinese laborer caught, or anyway accused of, stealing from the company stores of the Spokane International Railway in th...

Notes:

Train Dreams is a novella by Denis Johnson, spanning about 116 pages.
The story follows Robert Grainier's life, a laborer in the early 20th century American Northwest.
Grainier is an orphan who arrives in Idaho on a train in the 1880s to live with his uncle.
He works in various jobs including as a railroad laborer, logger, and hauler.
Grainier's life is marked by the loss of his wife and daughter in a forest fire.
After losing his family, he lives alone in a cabin, often reflecting on his past.
The novella explores themes of grief, isolation, and the passage of time.
Johnson's writing style is described as spare yet evocative, often compared to poetry.
The story blends realism with elements of the supernatural, such as visions of wolves and a 'wolf girl'.
Train Dreams was a Pulitzer Prize finalist but did not win, sparking debate about its omission.
Training and working on the railroads is a significant part of Grainier's identity.
Johnson's portrayal of the American West captures both its beauty and harshness.
The narrative is episodic, reflecting the fragmented nature of Grainier's life experiences.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Train Dreams include themes of grief, loss of family, and the effects of a devastating fire, which may be distressing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

A New York Times Notable Book

An Esquire Best Book of 2011

A New Yorker Favorite Book of 2011

A Los Angeles Times Favorite Book of 2011

Denis Johnson's Train Dreams is an epic in miniature, one of his most evocative and poignant fictions. It is the story of Robert Grainier, a day laborer in the American West at the start of the twentieth century-an ordinary man in extraordinary times. Buffeted by the loss of his family, Grainer struggles to make sense of this strange new world. As his story unfolds, we witness both his shocking personal defeats and the radical changes that transform America in his lifetime. Suffused with the history and landscapes of the American West, this novella by the National Book Award-winning author of Tree of Smoke captures the disappearance of a distinctly American way of life.

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About the Author:

Denis Johnson (1949-2017) is the author of eight novels, one novella, one book of short stories, three collections of poetry, two collections of plays, and one book of reportage. His novel Tree of Smoke won the 2007 National Book Award.

 
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