Ever since I read Agatha Christie and the Orient Express, I've loved the romance of trains. And this is set in 1865 on a steam train in France, and written by the author of 'Room' and 'The Pull of Stars', so I couldn't wait to read it.

The Granville to Paris express train is ready to leave. Passengers all have their reasons for travelling, the lives they're leaving behind, the places they're planning to go to, the things they want to do. 

One of these passengers this morning is an anarchist determined to make her mark on history. 

There's also a little boy travelling alone for the first time, an artist, a statesman and his invalid wife, the railway crew.

How will they all be affected by this journey? How will they be changed by the time they reach their destination?

The journey is doomed. They are all heading to potential disaster. 

This book is inspired by a real life rail disaster and there is a sense of foreboding throughout. You turn the pages with an increasing sense of dread and expectation.