Off the Tracks: A Meditation on Train Journeys in a Time of No Travel

An avid train travel enthusiast, Mulloy (As Little as Nothing) reflects on train travel in this work penned during the COVID lockdown when travel was limited. She recounts her solo journeys and trips with friends and family, weaving in the rich history of railways and discussions with those who have traveled on them. Mulloy offers delightful historical anecdotes dating back to the 1850s when the idea of traveling at high speed raised concerns about its effects on the human body, including fears that internal organs might be expelled. She recounts dramatic events such as Charles Dickens’s train crash and Sarah Bernhardt being trapped in a blizzard in the 1890s. The book is a wide-ranging discussion of what travel means to Mulloy, touching on both the historical aspects of train travel and the joy of slower journeys. It is divided into three categories: historical stories, the author’s personal reminiscences, and general philosophical thoughts on travel. Jennifer Wigmore’s gentle delivery may remind listeners of hearing a good friend. Her nuanced, easygoing style enhances the experience and lends itself well to Mulloy’s contemplative tone.