The Christmas Train by David Baldacci, the 3rd book in my holiday reading list, is mixed genre novel. It has mystery in it, adventure, a little bit of adult drama, and romance. And a lot of cheesiness that I can usually tolerate but not this time. I think the main problem (and there were many) with this book is its tendency to overwhelm readers. It's trying to be so many things at the same time that sometimes, it just feels so messy.
For one, info dump. There are few dialogues here and more narrating and so much information about trains and the weather. That's cool and all if I wanted to study trains but in this case, it bored me. Despite the book being short, it had a lot of dragging moments.
Second, the characters. What is up with Tom? Why is he so dense? He is seriously the most dense character I've read in a long time. For a journalist, it's a shame that he couldn't figure out what went wrong with Eleanor. And Eleanor... I couldn't relate to her at all. She was described as smart and brave and a go-getter and yet in a short span of time, she falls for Tom again. It just seemed to easy to me.
The minor characters were okay, except Lelia, Tom's then-girlfriend. She's horrible.
I should also mention that there's a thief on board the train, probably to make things more interesting. Apart from that, his book was mostly cheesy, it was like watching Love Actually after a breakup. Don't get me wrong, I love Love Actually (favorite holiday movie!) But I wouldn't want to watch it after I get my heart broken. Same thing with this book. I found it corny and pretentious a lot of times.
But the worst thing about The Christmas Train is THE ENDING. I felt disappointed and cheated after that conclusion. Sigh...
I will not try to stop you from picking up this book. I know that some readers enjoyed it so maybe you will enjoy it. It's just not for me. But I still want to read another David Baldacci book someday.
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Well, it's too bad you didn't enjoy this one that much but one can always move on...hehehe! haven't read anything from this author though.
ReplyDeleteBtw, finally finished the book you gave me :)
I've always been curious about this author. One of these days, I'll satisfy that curiosity. Though probably not with this book. Lol.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like it's not only the main character who's disillusioned, what was the author thinking with so much commentary about trains? Trains! I love Love, Actually too and I can see what you mean just by your review. Sadly I'm still searching for that ultimate Christmas read that IS actually about Christmas and not just a crap story set during that time of year.
ReplyDeleteGreat review Joy and hopefully your next read is much, much better <3
Great! How was it? Did you like it? Which story did you enjoy most?
ReplyDeleteI often see David Baldacci books in my favorite bargain bookstore but never bought his books. I was looking forward to finally reading one... I hope the next Baldacci book I read will be better.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Kelly. I think the problem, if you can call it that, is that we all have different perceptions about Christmas. Authors do, too. So it all translates differently in books. But that's just one way to look at it.
ReplyDeleteLove Actually should be a required viewing every holiday season. Hahahaha!
I never saw a character qualified as ''dense'' so I'm not sure what it means lol. As for that girl, ah too bad you couldn't connect with her :( And, oh gosh, I hate it when an ending disappoints you!! Great and honest review, Joy :)
ReplyDeleteSorry you didn't like it :/
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't really sound like anything I'd like either.
- Love, Felicia
Oh no this sounds like a...wait for it...train wreck. Ba dum tssssk! Buahaha I found that way too funny :P
ReplyDeleteSo sorry that this one wasn't all that enjoyable Joy. In such a short book, the author should really hold off on trying to cram everything in. I have absolutely no idea what the book is even meant to be about, so that's not a good sign. Hope your next read is much better! xx