Ghost Train to the Eastern Star

A prolific and popular author takes a nostalgic train trip from England to the Orient, one he took 30 years before and now retraces. Some may enjoy his penetrating observations and opinions; some may find them little more than a wordy diary. John McDonough's gravelly voice, snail's pace, and lack of enthusiasm give the impression of someone nearing a night's sleep. He creates no special accents but pronounces the foreign names and places with ease. Theroux's observations of travel, from the drunken conductor to the rain on the windows, might pique one's attention for a while, but the average listener may want to leave the train before the long journey ends. J.A.H. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine