FICTION

Midnight Train to Prague

by Carol Windley
Atlantic Monthly. Nov. 2020. 352p. ISBN 9780802119735. $26. F
COPY ISBN
A fateful 1927 train journey with her mother introduces Natalia to several people who will be influential in her life, including a female doctor called to assist a sick man and a dashing motorist whom Natalia spies from the train window. She soon learns the motorist is Miklos Count Andorjan, a journalist who also owns a large estate in Hungary. Marriage to Miklos allows Natalia a welcome escape from her flighty, immature mother, but the arrival of World War II forces Natalia and Miklos apart. When her path crosses in Prague with that of the doctor’s young daughter, Anna, the two women’s stories intertwine.
VERDICT In her second novel (following 1998’s Breathing Underwater and two story collections), Canadian writer Windley delivers well-researched descriptions of daily life in 1920s–40s Eastern Europe that will appeal to readers who enjoy immersive scene setting. The number of characters and the frequent jumps between them give the book a slightly crowded feel that is particularly noticeable in the first half, but the second half is more consistently engaging. Recommended for those readers who can’t get enough of World War II historical fiction, particularly for those interested in civilians’ experiences in Eastern Europe.
Reviewed by Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign P.L., IL , Oct 01, 2020

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

The Keepsake Sisters
by Wilde, Lori
FICTION

The Garden of Angels
by Hewson, David
FICTION

Maybe Next Time
by Jones, Christina C
FICTION

Whisper Down the Lane
by Chapman, Clay McLeod
FICTION

The Consequences of Fear
by Winspear, Jacqueline
FICTION

Certain Dark Things
by Moreno-Garcia, Silvia
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?