Last train to Toronto

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

In a spellbinding mixture of history, travel, sociology and nostalgia, Pindell again displays the fine eye for detail previously demonstrated in Making Tracks . The New Hampshirite's recent year-long, 18,000-mile rail journey through Canada has given him worthwhile insights on a number of topics. The book's main political thesis--that the government's cutback in passenger rail service pared to the core the transportation of Canadian culture--becomes secondary to the stories of the building of the various rail lines the author travels and the range of people he meets. Also included are thoughtful observations on separatists in Quebec, the profound differences between Western and Eastern Canadians, the nature and cause of the anti-American sentiment which seems pervasive in Canada, and the Canadian penchant for nude dancing. Whether discovering the isolation of Northern British Columbia, chatting with immigrants and fellow travelers or describing the superhuman effort involved in laying track across the Rockies, Pindell is on target in presenting the variety of Canadian life. (Jan.)

Library Journal

Upon learning of the Canadian government's proposed rail cutbacks to its passenger system, the author of Making Tracks: An American Rail Odyssey ( LJ 6/15/90) decided to venture North to explore almost 20,000 miles of Canada's diverse rail system. The product of this journey is not only an informative book that fully documents an interesting adventure and the history of the railroad, but a good narrative on the history of Canada itself. Though the prose initially appears disjointed, one quickly adapts to the author's style of alternating between his personal experiences and Canada's history. One will delight in Pindell's colorful portrayal of the characters he encounters, descriptions of topographical transitions, and his ability to capture the uniqueness of each rural community he visits. In addition, Pindell addresses many pertinent topics related to the technology of the industry. This is a positive book on the joys of train travel, and essential for railroad enthusiasts or those interested in the impact of the rail industry in Canada. Recommended for most travel or history sections.-- Jo-Anne Mary Benson, Osgoode, Ontario

Booknews

Pindell (Making Tracks; an American Rail Odyssey) does a similar account of rails, trainmen, passengers, and the history of passing places for Canada. (That country does continue to run transcontinental trains.) Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)