The Train Now Departing

By Martha Grimes

Book Overview

Featuring the two novellas: The Train Now Departing and When "The Mousetrap" Closes "Full of suspense and surprise. These carefully written little gems showcase Grimes at her best."-- Library Journal... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670891541
• ISBN13: 9780670891542
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Viking
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.8" x 0.8" x 5.9"

Customer Reviews

Brialliant psychological study -- Bravo! Martha Grimes!

I have read "The Train Now Departing" five times and may never tire of it. Each of the two novellas is an astonishingly true portrayal of the manner in which lonely, isolated people can end up passing their days and of the relationships in which they so often find themselves. As is often said of the homeless: IT could happen to ANY of us. We don't know the names of the characters in "The Train". Nor do we learn the name of the town in which they live. This anonymity is part of the portrait of two lives devoid of significant human interaction. (I'm sure I'm not giving anything away when I say that the travel writer, who surrounds himself with the "trappings" of a "normal" and active life, is at least as isolated as the woman, if not more so.)And if you're able to get yourself inside the mind of someone like this, you will see that her reaction at the end makes perfect sense. "When the Mousetrap Closes" paints a similar picture (with a difference that bears close inspection)of the life of someone so lonely and desirous of human interaction that she enters what on the surface might appear to be a genuine relationship, and,in this novella more than the first, sees something that just isn't there. I love these stories for so many reasons, among them: they are so obviously written by someone with a very deep understanding of the human condition; they are understated: there is none of that excessive drama to which a lesser writer might have resorted; and they make you THINK. Bravo! Martha Grimes!

The Train Now Departing - Two Novellas by Martha Grimes

Description from the book back cover: Subtle and perceptive, atmospheric and lyrical, these two beautifully accomplished novellas are deceptively profound in their exploration of emotional isolation and indentity within human relationships. Each of the two thematically linked stories centers on a single woman living a quiet, well-ordered, seemingly contented life. In each, those lives are gradually altered by meals shared with male acquaintances. Though distinct in characterization and mood, both tales are passionately told in Grime's inimitable voice. They combine the singular characters and richly textured narrative that readers have come to expect from this internationally bestselling storyteller.

A skilled departure for Grimes

I picked up this slim book by Grimes because I was intrigued that this novelist, perhaps most famous for her mysteries and mainstream novels, would embark on a decidedly literary and less popular format, the novella. In THE TRAIN NOW DEPARTING, Grimes proves herself a versatile writer as comfortable with the subtlety of human interaction as she is with murder. The two novellas contained within the 185 pages are thematically linked. Each protagonist is a lonely, intelligent woman who meets regularly, for lunch or tea, with a man she struggles to decipher. Through these encounters, each edges closer to understanding the core of herself. "The Train Now Departing" is the stronger (and longer) of the two; both the woman and her companion, a travel writer, are richly imagined and imbued with puzzling traits which humanizes them. While I cannot conceive of how the woman and the travel writer would have met and why they have established such an obviously painful routine, their exchanges illuminate the novella with touching realism. The contrast between the meals the two main characters share and the meals the protagonist consumes alone is a brilliant device that lends emotional force to the ending."When the Mousetrap Closes" is much more lively than the first novella, and the protagonist Edith's interest in Archie Marchbanks, a famous actor, is much more believable. However, the end of the novella suffers from gimmickry, cheapening everything that precedes it. I wished that Grimes had left the ends of the story unraveled rather than tying them up as she did. Despite this flaw, this novella has an almost irresistible charm.These novellas are quiet and studied, with the emphasis on the inner lives of their protagonists. Readers who expect Grimes's genre fiction will be disappointed, but fans eager to explore another side of this author will be impressed by her range. I recommend this book only to those who understand - and embrace - the kind of departure Grimes has made.

Very different but very good by Martha Grimes

"The Train now Departing" They share lunch, but he never is really there. All she wants from the renowned travel writer is for him to relate some of his adventures that would allow her to precariously live life through him. However, he cannot sense her total loneliness as he is only into himself even as he tells her to have her own adventures."When the Mousetrap Closes" Edith Parenger is excited about seeing actor Archie Marchbanks in her favorite tea shop. Behaving out of character for someone who debates with herself about leaving her bed, Edith goes to Archie's table to meet the rising star. Surprisingly, Archie is kind to his lonely admirer, who fawns over his every word. However, what will happen to her when he moves on as is expected of the handsome actor?The poignant stories center on vulnerable, lonely women. The novellas are well written and dig deep into isolated individuals living in an urban environment. Fans of Martha Grimes' Jury books should realize that these two tales are a radical departure from the author's probing mysteries, but provide an insightful character study of being alone amidst a sea of humans.Harriet Klausner 5/3/00

An excellent departure for Ms. Grimes!

I have been a Martha Grimes fan for 10 years now and have read all of her books. While I fell in love with Richard Jury and Melrose Plant, I still enjoy her other "non-Jury" mysteries. This book was no exception. The stories in this book are so wonderfully told. It was an excellent departure from her other characters. Martha Grimes prooves once again that she is a true writer. If you love Martha Grimes, pick up this book...you will not be disappointed...even though Jury, Plant, and the gang are nowhere to be found.