Dream Train

by Charlotte Vale Allen

Book Overview

An assignment to write about the Orient Express offers photojournalist JoannaJames a new view of herself and of others.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689119879
• ISBN13: 9780689119873
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: Atheneum Books
• Length: 326 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.

Customer Reviews

An Interesting Journey-Well Wriiten Book

Photojournalist Joanna James accepts a plum assignment with excitement and some trepidation-to ride the Orient-Express and spend five days in at the exclusive Cipriani Hotel in Venice, all expenses paid. Her life is complicated when, stopping over in London, she meets two very different men, leaving her with important decisions to make about herself.It turns out to be an eventful trip where lasting friendships are made, hearts are broken, and new love is found. Joanna will come to know herself as she has never done before.

Take a Ride on the Venice Simplon Orient Express

I loved the characters and setting of this book, and imagined that I was on the trip with them, so great is the author's ability to set a scene and populate it with fascinating people that you would like to meet. Joanna James is a highly successful world-traveling photojournalist who is assigned to ride the Orient Express and spend 5 days at the sumptuous Cipriani Hotel in Venice. The trip commences in London, where her solitary existence is disturbed by a passionate fling with a casual acquaintance, Tyler, and just days later with her charming, British agent of 10 years, Henry. She leaves town feeling that she needs to escape from both of them to sort out her confused feelings.Joanna meets the beautiful Lucienne, owner of a popular Paris bistro, on the train and they become immediate friends, sharing meals and long, revealing conversations. She also meets a dear old couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, and a precocious, captivating 14-year old boy who helps her discover Venice. People seem drawn to Joanna because she is attractive, friendly and inquisitive. However, she doesn't see herself in such a positive light, and is rather lonely and insecure.The author's descriptions of the Orient Express, as seen through Joanna's eyes and camera lens, are fabulous in their detail. It's easy to imagine yourself riding along in the cosseted luxury of this world-famous traveling hotel. The scenes in Venice are equally compelling and fascinating. In the 5 short days that Joanna is in Venice, she manages to form deep friendships, have an impact on the lives of others and sort out her feelings about both Tyler and Henry. Her sincere interest in others, her inner turmoil, and her insightfulness make her a heart-warming character with traits worth emulating.Dream Train is another satisfying, entertaining novel by Charlotte Vale Allen. I haven't been disappointed with any of her books yet, and plan to continue working my way through all of her novels.