Closely Watched Trains
Closely Watched Trains
Fiction | Novella | YA | Published in 1965
Book Brief
85
Novella • Fiction
Czechoslovakia • 1940s
1965
YA
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Closely Watched Trains is an absurdist portrayal of young Miloš Hrma, who works at a train station in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia during World War II, navigating his coming-of-age amidst eccentric colleagues and surreal events. Sensitive topics include suicide and sexual content.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jiri Menzel's film Closely Watched Trains masterfully blends dark humor with poignant drama, capturing the absurdity and tragedy of war through the eyes of a naive train station guard. Praised for its sharp direction and compelling performances, the film’s leisurely pace and subtle nuances may not appeal to all viewers. However, its artistic merit and emotional depth are widely celebrated.
Who Should Read Closely Watched Trains?
Readers who appreciate the tragicomic blend of satire and humanism found in Catch-22 will enjoy Closely Watched Trains by Jiri Menzel. Those intrigued by the nuanced portrayal of war, coming-of-age themes, and dark humor, similar to that in Slaughterhouse-Five, will also find this novel compelling.
85
Novella • Fiction
Czechoslovakia • 1940s
1965
YA
18+ years
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