At Close Range (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

Francis Hopkinson Smith

9780484555005: At Close Range (Classic Reprint)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0484555006 ISBN 13: 9780484555005

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2017

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From US$ 43.13

A night ride through a freezing railcar reveals character, courage, and quiet humor.

A traveler’s long, all‑night journey unfolds in a series of small, vivid scenes—from a bitter cold car without heat to the intimate comedy of strangers sharing a cramped space. The narrator’s observations move from practical worries to moments of empathy, offering a window into the lives people carry with them on a single, unforgettable trip.

Through the details of the journey—dusty platforms, stoked stoves, staccato conversations, and improvisations to endure the cold—the reader encounters a cast of travelers: a determined narrator, a steadfast old woman, a Woman in Brown, and other colorfully drawn figures. The prose blends travelogue with quiet humor and human warmth, turning a tough night into a portrait of ordinary resilience and connection.

Vivid, character-driven scenes set against a stark winter backdrop.
Observations that blend humor, hardship, and humanity on a long night train ride.
Sharp, accessible storytelling that captures mood, setting, and small acts of kindness.
A window into everyday life and the small dramas that unfold in shared travel spaces.

Ideal for readers who enjoy travel writing with heart, humor, and a slice of life on the rails.

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