Night Train to Lisbon: A Novel by Pascal Mercier - Best Literary Fiction Books for Travel Lovers & Book Clubs

**Some Spoilers**Many Americans did not like this book, they thought it was slow and too philosophical. It is an overwhelmingly philosophical book but despite being a bit slow I found the prose of this book intoxicatingly beautiful. Amadeu Prado, the main character is a man tormented and torn between his own yearnings and desires and the very high expectations his family (especially his father) placed on him. Gregorius found his book in an old Spanish bookshop in Bern, Switzerland where he works as a teacher of Ancient languages. He leaves in the middle of the lesson and without much planning is bound on a trip to Portugal that will lead him to discover almost everything about the life of Prado. In a way is a journey of self discovery as he learns more about the troubled life of Prado and what lead to his untimely death. Prado studied Medicine because his father wanted him to become a respected and prestigious Doctor but his true desire was to Study Literature and Philosophy. He questioned how different his life would have been had he follow his heart instead of doing what was expected of him. Growing up and living in the Portugal of the dictator Salazar he also questioned the existence of God and resented his father for working as a judge for the regime. I found this book fascinating because like Prado and many people around the world I have questioned myself about certains choices I've made throughout my life. It is a wonderful book but it is not meant for people who like light or what I call "fluffy" reading. This book is for enquiring minds and for people who appreciate the unfolding of a good story, albeit a slow one.