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Reviews

TRAINSPOTTER is a successful non-fiction in Iran, which has been reprinted three times over a year and become very popular, although this genre is rather new in Iran and among Iranian writers. This book engages the reader in a constant discovery of the secrets of the history of Iran through one of its most modern symbols, that is, its national railway. It will surprise the readers how the contemporary history of one of the most important countries of the Middle East is so entangled with its railways. Norouzi takes us along with him on a long journey where nothing can be predicted.

TRAINSPOTTER would also be interesting for non-Iranians, especially English, Russian, and German readers, who can read about parts of their own histories in Iran and the Middle East from a new perspective. The book throws some light on the fact that Iranian railroad was one of the most important reasons for the Allied victory on the Eastern front during World War II: Equipment and forces were transported from the southern ports of Iran to the borders of The Soviet Union and migrants, casualties, and soldiers were brought from north to south by rail. This is why Iranian railway, or in fact The Veresk Bridge, was entitled as "The Bridge of Victory” at The Tehran Conference in 1943.

Considering this historical reality, Norouzi has traveled through this important bridge to narrate a diverse history and find people who have stories worthy of being heard. TRAINSPOTTER is thus a narrative non-fiction which not only tells the story of Iranian railways, but also takes a look into the past and the history that was formed along these railways.

Along with his cultural and political criticism and his enthusiasm to find the relation between the past and present problems, Norouzi's tone is intimate and humorous. The picture he gives of Iran, its nature, and history is accurate and real. His impartial yet observant narration penetrates Iranian culture, while simultaneously reconstructs carefully the Iranian railways passing through diverse and pristine nature of this country.

Author Biography

Ehsan Norouzi, born in 1979, is a well-known essayist and translator. He is one of the most important translators of detective stories as well as the works of “The Beat Generation” into Persian. He has also translated some works of Raymond Chandler and Tim Burton. Norouzi is a real wanderer. Before TRAINSPOTTER, he traveled to Europe following the journey of Hajj Sayyah - the first Iranian-American, a famous world traveler and human rights activist during Qajar era - and wrote an impressive book about Hajj Sayyah and his long journey. His latest work, TRAINSPOTTER, which is an unofficial history of the Iranian railways, is a popular nonfiction in Iran. Ehsan Norouzi lives in Tehran; though he is constantly traveling.

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Copyright © 2018, Nashre-Cheshmeh Publishing House, Tehran, Iran