Paul Theroux
Paul Theroux is an American travel writer and novelist, known for his highly acclaimed travel books such as 'The Great Railway Bazaar' and novels like 'The Mosquito Coast'.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Great Railway Bazaar
By Train Through Asia
"The Great Railway Bazaar" is a travelogue in which the author embarks on a four-month journey by train from London through Europe, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Siberia, and then back to Europe. The book is a vivid and insightful account of the people, cultures, landscapes, and experiences encountered during the journey, painting a unique picture of the world as seen from the perspective of a train window. The author's sharp observations and engaging storytelling make this journey as much an inner exploration as a geographical one.
The 1400th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. Riding The Iron Rooster
By Train Through China
In this captivating travelogue, the author embarks on an epic journey across China by train, offering a vivid tapestry of the country's diverse landscapes, cultures, and people. Through encounters with fellow passengers and locals, the narrative delves into the complexities of Chinese society during a time of significant change, blending historical insights with personal anecdotes. The journey reveals the challenges and wonders of traversing a vast nation, capturing the essence of travel as a means of discovery and understanding.
The 6428th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. The Mosquito Coast
"The Mosquito Coast" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that follows the eccentric and idealistic inventor, Allie Fox, as he uproots his family from suburban America to create a utopian society in the jungles of Honduras. As they face numerous challenges and dangers, Allie's obsession with his vision becomes increasingly destructive, leading to a thrilling and tragic climax that explores themes of disillusionment, the clash of cultures, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
The 7578th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. Dark Star Safari
Overland from Cairo to Cape Town
In this travel memoir, the author recounts an overland journey across Africa, starting from Cairo and ending in Cape Town. Along the way, he traverses a continent rich with diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories, while also confronting the stark realities of poverty, political turmoil, and the complex legacies of colonialism. His encounters with aid workers, missionaries, and locals provide a nuanced perspective on the challenges and beauty of Africa, as well as a critical look at the effects of foreign aid and development. The narrative is a blend of adventure, reflection, and social commentary, revealing the author's deep fascination with the continent and its people.
The 8712th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
5. Picture Palace
The novel follows the life of Maude Coffin Pratt, a celebrated photographer who has traveled the world capturing images of extraordinary events and people. Now in her seventies, she is attempting to organize a retrospective exhibition of her work. As she sifts through her extensive collection of photos, she finds herself reliving her past, particularly her tumultuous relationship with her younger brother, an affair that shaped her life and continues to haunt her. The narrative explores themes of love, obsession, and the power of photography to capture and preserve moments in time.
The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. Burma Sahib
"Burma Sahib" by Paul Theroux delves into the transformative early years of George Orwell, then known as Eric Blair, during his time as a British officer in colonial Burma. At nineteen, Blair embarks on a journey to India, where he faces the challenges of his role in the British Empire. As he navigates the complexities of colonial rule, social hierarchies, and his own internal struggles, Blair's experiences in Burma shape his future as a writer and his views on imperialism. The novel captures the pivotal moments that lead to his evolution from a young officer to a critical voice against colonialism.
The 17117th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
7. The Happy Isles Of Oceania
Paddling the Pacific
The book is a travelogue that chronicles the author's adventurous journey through the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Armed with a collapsible kayak, he explores the diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories of places like New Zealand, Australia, and the Solomon Islands. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, from indigenous peoples to fellow travelers, and reflects on themes of solitude, exploration, and the impact of Western influence on these remote locales. The narrative is infused with the author's keen observations, wit, and a sense of introspection as he navigates both the physical and emotional challenges of his voyage.
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8. The Last Train To Zona Verde
My Ultimate African Safari
In this evocative travel memoir, the author embarks on a poignant journey through the heart of Africa, traversing from Cape Town to Angola. As he navigates the complexities of the continent, he reflects on the stark realities of poverty, corruption, and the enduring spirit of its people. The narrative is a blend of vivid landscapes, personal encounters, and introspective musings, capturing the essence of a land that is both beautiful and challenging. The journey ultimately becomes a meditation on the nature of travel itself and the inevitable changes that time brings to both the traveler and the places visited.
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9. My Secret History
This novel intricately weaves the life journey of a man named Andre Parent, tracing his evolution from a curious and rebellious boy to a seasoned writer. Through a series of interconnected stories, the narrative delves into Andre's personal and professional experiences, exploring themes of identity, ambition, and the complexities of human relationships. The protagonist's secretive nature and introspective reflections reveal the duality of his existence, as he navigates the challenges of love, betrayal, and the pursuit of artistic fulfillment across various continents and cultures.
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10. Far North
Set against the backdrop of the vast and unforgiving Alaskan wilderness, the narrative follows the journey of a solitary man who embarks on a quest for redemption and self-discovery. As he navigates the harsh terrain, he encounters a series of challenges that test his resilience and force him to confront the ghosts of his past. Through encounters with the land's indigenous people and the raw beauty of nature, he begins to unravel the complexities of his own identity and the meaning of survival in a world that is both beautiful and brutal.
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11. Strange Bodies
In a gripping tale that intertwines the realms of science fiction and psychological thriller, a linguist named Nicholas Slopen finds himself embroiled in a mysterious conspiracy involving body-swapping and identity theft. As he navigates a world where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, Nicholas grapples with questions of identity, humanity, and the essence of the soul. The narrative unfolds through a series of letters and journal entries, revealing a chilling exploration of what it means to be truly human in an age where technology blurs the lines between life and death.
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12. The Old Patagonian Express
By Train Through the Americas
In this captivating travelogue, the author embarks on an adventurous journey from the bustling city of Boston to the remote landscapes of Patagonia, primarily by train. The narrative unfolds as a vivid tapestry of encounters with diverse cultures, landscapes, and characters, each contributing to the rich mosaic of the journey. With keen observations and a touch of humor, the author delves into the essence of travel, exploring the contrasts between the familiar and the foreign, the mundane and the extraordinary, all while capturing the spirit of exploration and the transformative power of travel.
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13. On The Plain Of Snakes
A Mexican Journey
In this vivid travelogue, the author embarks on a journey through the vibrant and tumultuous landscapes of Mexico, exploring its rich cultural tapestry and complex socio-political dynamics. As he traverses the country, he encounters a diverse array of characters, from indigenous communities to migrants and artists, each offering unique insights into the nation's struggles and triumphs. Through his keen observations and personal reflections, the narrative delves into themes of identity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Mexican people, painting a nuanced portrait of a land marked by both beauty and hardship.
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14. Half Moon Street
Set against the backdrop of London's enigmatic streets, this gripping tale follows the life of a reclusive academic who becomes embroiled in a world of intrigue and deception. As he navigates the complexities of his dual identity, the protagonist is drawn into a shadowy underworld where the lines between reality and illusion blur. With a narrative that delves into themes of obsession and the search for truth, the story unfolds with a series of unexpected twists that challenge the protagonist's perception of himself and the world around him.
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15. Sunrise With Seamonsters
Travels and Discoveries, 1964-1984
This captivating collection of travel essays spans over two decades, offering readers a glimpse into the author's adventures and observations from around the world. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, the essays explore diverse landscapes and cultures, from the bustling streets of Asia to the serene beauty of the Pacific islands. The narrative is infused with humor, introspection, and a deep appreciation for the complexities of human nature, making it a rich tapestry of experiences that invites readers to journey alongside the author.
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16. The Consul's File
A sequence of linked tales narrated by an American consul in a remote Southeast Asian town, chronicling the quirks, scandals, and quiet tragedies of expatriates and locals who pass through his office. Through his dry, observant voice, routine case files become intimate portraits of cultural collision, loneliness, and compromise, revealing the lingering shadows of colonialism and the precarious intimacies of life on the margins.
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17. Under The Wave At Waimea
An aging big-wave surfing legend in Hawaii spirals after he fatally strikes a man with his car, shattering his public image and sense of self. With the help of his grounded, resourceful girlfriend, he sets out to learn the victim’s story, a quest that leads through the islands’ hidden corners and beyond, exposing tangled histories of class, culture, and exploitation. As he confronts addiction, fading fame, and past mistakes, the sea remains both sanctuary and reckoning, and his search for the truth becomes a path toward accountability and redemption.
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18. The Paperchase
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19. The Lower River
A middle-aged New Englander returns to the remote African village where he once served as a young volunteer, hoping to rekindle purpose and nostalgia, only to find a place ravaged by poverty, illness, and mistrust. His goodwill makes him a target and a resource, and the welcome turns into a subtle captivity as he’s manipulated by local power brokers. Stripped of illusions, he navigates moral compromise, cultural dissonance, and mounting danger while plotting a perilous escape through an unforgiving landscape.
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21. The Family Arsenal
A tense, gritty novel following a disaffected young man who becomes involved with a small, loosely organized urban guerrilla group in Britain; as the cell carries out a series of violent acts, internal rivalries, personal betrayals and ideological contradictions unravel their cause, forcing him to confront the moral costs of political extremism and the hollow promises of revolutionary rhetoric.
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22. A Dead Hand
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23. Blinding Light
Blinding Light is a 2005 novel by Paul Theroux. The novel had a mixed reception, with many reviewers not seeing it as entirely successful. The novel depicts an American writer and his female companion on their trip to Ecuador and its backcountry. After returning to Martha's Vineyard, the book explores their relationship against the backdrop of the social scenery of Martha's Vineyard, the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal, and the process of book writing and publishing, among other things.
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24. O Zone
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