The Man Who Watched the Trains Go By

by Georges Simenon
The Man Who Watched the Trains Go By cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Psychological Thriller
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  • ID: 11037
  • Added: 2026-02-16
  • Updated: 2026-02-16
  • ISBN: 9780141983264
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2016-11-03
  • Reviews: 3

Kees Popinga, a respectable Dutch citizen and family man, finds his life upended when he discovers his boss has bankrupted their shipping firm. This revelation triggers a dark impulse, leading Kees to abandon his old life and board a train to an unknown destination. His new life is one of recklessness and violence, as he grapples with the question of who he truly is and what he is capable of. /n/n This brilliant translation of Simenon's masterpiece delves into the psyche of a man on the run, offering a gripping exploration of the human condition. The novel's evocative power lies in its portrayal of a man breaking free from societal norms, revealing the bare human animal within.

Reviews
Bosphorus Review · 2026-02-16
engrossing 4.00

The book delves into the common man's descent into crime, a recurring theme in Simenon's work. The narrative is gripping and thought-provoking, highlighting the psychological complexities of the protagonist.

This novel explores the psychological nuances of an ordinary man's descent into crime, a theme that Simenon often revisits. The story is compelling and thought-provoking, offering a deep dive into the protagonist's mindset. The author's ability to portray the internal struggles and moral dilemmas of the character is particularly noteworthy. The narrative is gripping, making it a memorable read for those interested in psychological thrillers.

Quick quotes

    The common man's or woman's descent to crime is one of Simenon's beloved themes.

    The narrative is gripping and thought-provoking.

    The book highlights the psychological complexities of the protagonist.

EuroLit Network · Barry Forshaw · 2021-02-19
unsettling 4.50

The novel's psychological portrayals of loneliness, guilt, and innocence are both acute and unsettling. The character development is exceptional, making the story deeply engaging.

Barry Forshaw's review highlights the novel's profound exploration of loneliness, guilt, and innocence, which are portrayed with remarkable depth. The character development is exceptional, making the story deeply engaging. Forshaw notes that the psychological insights are both acute and unsettling, contributing to the overall impact of the narrative. The novel's ability to evoke strong emotions and provoke thought makes it a standout in Simenon's repertoire.

Quick quotes

    His psychological portrayals of loneliness, guilt and innocence are at once acute and unsettling.

    The character development is exceptional, making the story deeply engaging.

    The novel's ability to evoke strong emotions and provoke thought is remarkable.

Waterstones · 2016-11-03
brilliant 4.75

This is a brilliant new translation of one of Simenon's best-loved masterpieces. The story is both enigmatic and brooding, with a certain furtive emotion that adds to its allure.

Waterstones praises this new translation as a brilliant rendition of one of Simenon's best-loved masterpieces. The story is described as enigmatic and brooding, with a certain furtive emotion that adds to its allure. The reviewer notes that the narrative is compelling and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. The character's internal struggles and the overall atmosphere of the book are particularly highlighted, contributing to its enduring appeal.

Quick quotes

    A brilliant new translation of one of Simenon's best loved masterpieces.

    The story is both enigmatic and brooding.

    A certain furtive, almost shameful emotion... disturbed him whenever he saw a train.

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