Changing Trains: One boy's journey of discovery across 1980s Europe

by Mark Johnson

Sam had doubts about everything when he was 19! He had no idea where he fitted into the world, what he was going to do with his life, or how to deal with that 'small' issue of being gay? As older Sam boards a train to the Continent for the weekend, a chance encounter compels him back to that time of uncertainty and how he dealt with it. This sun-kissed, life-affirming coming-of-age adventure will take you on a journey from the present day back to the 1980s, as uncertain and unworldly Sam Interrail's across Europe in search of adventure, answers and self discovery. Changing Trains is a fictionalised memoire that will transport you back to that glorious time just before mobile devices, the internet and social media changed the world - and one boy's journey of discovery and sexual self awareness. Sam’s story will take you on balmy trek across France, Spain, Monaco and Italy in the late summer of 1985, with a fab soundtrack in the form of Sam’s Walkman. As well as being based on a true story this novel was also partly inspired by Christopher Isherwood's Berlin Diaries. Had Isherwood been a young man in the 1980s he would almost certainly have gone Interrailing, too. If only 'for the boys'This sensual, funny and evocative story is the perfect escape from wherever you are right now.

Genres: LGBT, Fiction, Travel

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2018

About the author

Mark is the author of gay coming-of-age adventure Changing Trains, The Blanket Seller and The Expat Commuter.

Librarian Note: There are more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Donald Reid · Rating 1 out of 5]

Amateur. The kind of journal you write when you’re a teenager. Boringly descriptive about mundane things (breakfast?) and two dimensional about important things - feelings, characters, intimacy, even - for a travelogue - places.

I bought on the basis of good reviews but it is not Gore Vidal, Alan Hollinghurst, Edmund White. It’s not even Barbara Cartland.

Don’t waste your energy.

[Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Billed as a novel, Changing Trains reads more like a memoir, perhaps a memoir of what could have been. Well written, the book takes Sam, our narrator, on an entrancing journey of discovering Europe and himself. I wish I could have been there sharing his travels with him. I'll just have to settle with sharing these beautiful moments vicariously through this enjoyable novel.

[Michael D G Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Amateur

Was it written by an A-level student? I made it through to the end but it was hard work. Must’ve seen at least five or 10 editing errors where there were missing words. Nice memoirs for the guy that wrote it, but not really very compelling reading

[elliot · Rating 1 out of 5]

Underwhelming. Its more a travel log than a Novel. Very disappointing

[Professor George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changing Trains

Is an evocative and elegantly written account of a nineteen year olds first overseas travel and of his sexual awakening. The detailed descriptions bring everything to life from his Post Office boss with the ugly comb over to Mme Gilbert mine hostess in a Nice pension. It is written as a flashback allowing the author to describe two of his journeys together and melds one with another with skill.
A wonderful read at any time but specially on long journeys away from the UK.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gentle travelogue, making you nostalgic for first steps abroad before the current obsession with control. Recall the feeling of being in a foreign world with every meeting redolent of the unknown, mixed with new experiences and the kindness of strangers. Journey in what is now a vhat is now a bygone age for most of us.

[n j hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read

Good read, enjoyable and descriptive of the places visited. Well drawn characters and some gentle humour.
Couple of gripes: found the use of 'one' a tad annoying - I mean would a young lad from Dundee really visit London and ask himself 'How does one make it here ' it just doesn't sound right somehow.
The encounters he had seemed a little 'easy' in my experience - maybe he was just lucky!!

[Joe Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travelling on your own

You are never really alone I have met some wonderful people on my travels.so take the chance and try it. This book should give you some inspiration.

[Louise Child · Rating 2 out of 5]

Exactly what it says

It is exactly what it says, a travelogue .It's a sort of coming of age in a gentle and slightly boring way .

[Mark Birkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable. A simple, clean read. The story lacks the traditional drama and conflict I usually enjoy in a good book, but it hooked me nonetheless. The prose maintains an honest, likeable voice throughout, the voice of an older, content man reliving his youthful experience of travelling across Europe in the 80s. If you’re looking for an easy, engaging, quick read, this is for you.

Filled with sharp & perceptive observation and reflection.

[Dominic Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable read. Sam, a young man on the verge of adulthood, takes a trip around Europe. He discovers new places, new people and new experiences but most of all be discovers who he is. Written with charging openness,this book will make you yearn for the permanent sunlit days of youth when the future stretches out like the train tracks with so many destinations possible.

[andrew barlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read

Brought back many happy memories of my own journeys just a few years later than this setting so very relatable. As a novel perhaps more places could have been visited but if based on truth then maybe the Author didn't wish to exaggerate.
There are few anomolies regarding timespan
but these can be overlooked as can the lack of proof reading !

[Graeme Whitton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. A warm big hearted tale of one boys coming out journey (literal and emotional journey). Beautifully evokes the joy of carefree youth and the lovely Mediterranean settings.

The protagonist comes from the same place as I grew up and has a similar background so I could easily identify with him and how he feels.

A total joy and a book I will defintely reread

[Martin Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat missing what could be more. It's a shame Sam didn't visit some edgier locations. Berlin, Hamburg and Vienna could have been more interesting and colourful. The Mediterranean coast, whilst beautiful and we'll described was without variety.

[Harley Casper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good Book

I really liked this book. I live in Texas but often thought of traveling through Europe like Sam did. I have traveled extensively in Italy, and this book brought back great memories.

[Matthew Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and relatable

I enjoyed this book with its descriptions of destinations nd travel, it reminds me of my travels. Great read for anyone who enjoys hearing about cultures and coming of age.

[P J · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read

Evoking the mid 80’s and fond memories of a time that was in so many ways easier and better. Beautifully written story.

[Mike Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable blast of nostalgia for wide eyed excitement of youth. Made me long for my own interailing trip, and a wish that I'd been as free as the protagonist

[Alex Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The basis of the story is excellent and makes for a really good read. Unfortunately it is let down by the glaring continuity errors, spelling mistakes and lack of depth.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple travelogue...

... but a most enjoyable read of a time before mobile phones and the Internet. Made me wish I'd the same - but 10 years earlier.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good novel.

Something we go through in some form or another and never realise how good it was until one stops in the office looking at the clock :-)