BOOK BRIEF

The Man Who Watched the Trains Go By

Georges Simenon
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The Man Who Watched the Trains Go By

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017

Book Brief

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Georges Simenon

The Man Who Watched the Trains Go By

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

251

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

The Hague • 1930s

Publication Year

2017

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Man Who Watched the Trains Go By by Georges Simenon follows Kees Popinga, a Dutch businessman whose life unravels as he abandons his mundane existence and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and rebellion. The novel explores themes of identity, existential crisis, and the consequences of breaking societal norms.

Mysterious

Dark

Melancholic

Gritty

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

4.0

6,076 ratings

67%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Man Who Watched the Trains Go By by Georges Simenon is praised for its taut psychological depth and captivating narrative. Readers appreciate Simenon's exploration of identity and morality through the protagonist's descent into chaos. Criticism occasionally arises over its bleak tone and pacing. Overall, it's a compelling study of existential crisis and despair.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Man Who Watched the Trains Go By?

A reader who enjoys psychological thrillers and existential crises will be captivated by Georges Simenon's The Man Who Watched the Trains Go By. Fans of Albert Camus' The Stranger and Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley will appreciate the novel's tense exploration of identity and morality.

4.0

6,076 ratings

67%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

251

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

The Hague • 1930s

Publication Year

2017

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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