BOOK BRIEF

The Railway Man

Eric Lomax
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The Railway Man

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1996

Book Brief

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Eric Lomax

The Railway Man

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

246

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

World War II • 1940s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Railway Man is a memoir by Eric Lomax, an engineering officer and former World War II prisoner of war. It recounts his experiences of captivity, forced labor on the Thai-Burma Railway, and subsequent journey towards healing and forgiveness. The story emphasizes resilience and reconciliation following unimaginable trauma.

Emotional

Challenging

Inspirational

Dark

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.3

14,697 ratings

83%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Railway Man by Eric Lomax is a compelling memoir that explores the horrors of war and the power of forgiveness. Readers praise its emotional depth and the author's candid storytelling. Criticisms include a sometimes disjointed narrative and an intense focus that may overwhelm. Overall, it is a poignant reflection on healing and reconciliation.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Railway Man?

A reader who would enjoy The Railway Man by Eric Lomax likely appreciates historical memoirs and stories of resilience. Similar to those who admire Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand or The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien, they seek narratives exploring the effects of war, human endurance, and the power of forgiveness.

4.3

14,697 ratings

83%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

246

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

World War II • 1940s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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