Train Dreams

A Novella

A New York Times Notable Book for 2011
One of The Economist's 2011 Books of the Year
One of NPR's 10 Best Novels of 2011

From the National Book Award-winning author Denis Johnson (Tree of Smoke) comes Train Dreams, an epic in miniature, and one of Johnson's most evocative works of fiction.

Suffused with the history and landscapes of the American West—its otherworldly flora and fauna, its rugged loggers and bridge builders—this extraordinary novella poignantly captures the disappearance of a distinctly American way of life.

It tells the story of Robert Grainer, 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.

amazingly raw!

it is nothing short of raw unabashed reality. an amazing and quite frankly a must read!

Will Patton is excellent

Such a beautifully written and moving story. I read it first and then listened to the Audible version. Will Patton is excellent.

No one wasted word.

Still too spellbound to comment in earnest, this is an amazing accomplishment, en serio, holy shit!

Well written well read.

Combo of gritty story and Will Patton’s voice is moving. Sit by a fire and listen to this one. You won’t be disappointed.

Beautiful

Loved it. If you told me this was written by Cormac McCarthy’s cousin I’d believe it.

Haven’t seen the movie yet and glad for it. The book is ALWAYS better!