Tokyo-Montana Express

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The stations along the route of the Tokyo-Montana Express--a grand train of exciting speed and unusual itinerary--tell its story and their own, some with confidence, some with uncertainty

302 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1980

About the author

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Richard Brautigan was an American novelist, poet, and short-story writer. Born in Tacoma, Washington, he moved to San Francisco in the 1950s and began publishing poetry in 1957. He started writing novels in 1961 and is probably best known for his early work Trout Fishing in America. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in 1984.

Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
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100 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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Richard Brautigan continues with his unique way of writing and his perspective on life, but now it's amplified by 100%. He remains as meticulous as ever when it comes to details, creating a blend that combines elements of the surreal, the fantastical, and the innocence of a 6-year-old.

We encounter a tiny snowstorm, a taxi with a temple dedicated to the carp, a lady who manages a taxi company with just a single vehicle, and a party where the same 5 dialogues are repeated over and over again... and the list goes on and on. His imagination seems boundless, and even his titles possess a poetic quality.

Brautigan's works are a captivating exploration of the extraordinary within the ordinary, inviting readers to step into a world where the boundaries of reality are blurred and the possibilities are endless.

His ability to notice the smallest of details and transform them into something magical is truly remarkable. Whether it's a snowflake or a conversation, he has the gift of making it come alive on the page.

Brautigan's writing style is both engaging and thought-provoking, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and a desire to explore more of his imaginative universe.
July 15,2025
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Another hit-or-miss-but-worthwhile-for-the-hits Brautigan collection.

It is truly a compilation that offers a diverse range of experiences.

I found myself particularly drawn to the bits about Montana.

Even though the area where I resided in Montana was nowhere near the place where Brautigan lived, his descriptions managed to capture the essence and charm of that state.

The way he wrote about Montana made me feel as if I was right there, experiencing it along with him.

It was interesting to see how his perspective differed from my own, yet still managed to resonate with me on some level.

Overall, this collection is a testament to Brautigan's unique writing style and his ability to transport readers to different places and times.

Despite its hit-or-miss nature, the hits are definitely worth the read and make this collection a valuable addition to any Brautigan fan's library.

July 15,2025
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The book in question is a bit disjointed, more so than his other works.

However, it remains both beautiful and funny.

The disjointed nature might initially seem like a drawback, but upon closer inspection, it adds a unique charm.

It's as if the author is taking the reader on a somewhat unpredictable journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns.

The beauty lies in the author's vivid descriptions and the way he weaves words together to create a captivating world.

The humor, on the other hand, is often subtle and unexpected, bringing a smile to the reader's face at the most unexpected moments.

Despite its disjointedness, this book is a worthwhile read, offering a different kind of literary experience that is both engaging and entertaining.

It shows that even when a book doesn't follow the traditional narrative structure, it can still be a masterpiece in its own right.
July 15,2025
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When I was in my university days, I had the pleasure of reading this remarkable book of short stories. At that time, I firmly believed it to be one of the coolest things I had ever come across. The stories within its pages seemed to transport me to different worlds, filled with excitement, mystery, and unique characters.


Eager to share this amazing find with others and perhaps boost my own cool factor among my peers, I lent my precious copy to a so-called friend. I thought it would be a great way to bond over our shared love for literature. However, much to my disappointment, I never saw that book again. It simply vanished from my life, leaving me with only the memories of the wonderful stories I had read.


Looking back now, I realize that lending that book was a mistake. I should have been more careful with my possessions, especially something that meant so much to me. But despite the loss, I will always cherish the experience of reading those short stories and the impact they had on me during my university days.

July 15,2025
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What is the best way to get from America to Japan? Board The Tokyo-Montana Express and then you will find out.


Although I have enjoyed all of Richard Brautigan’s books that I've read, this fantastic trip seems to be my favourite.


A train is travelling from Cairo to Alexandria. It is a blue sky, white cloud day in Egypt. I am watching the train on television here in California, a long way from the Middle East.


Why do Egyptian clouds catch my attention as I look at the train? These are the first clouds I remember seeing in weeks or maybe months. I just haven’t been paying attention. When did I stop?


The train is carrying the President of the United States Jimmy Carter and the President of Egypt Anwar Sadat. They are trying to find peace between Egypt and Israel. It’s somewhere out there in the desert. While they are doing this, I am watching clouds and trying to figure out what they mean to my life.


We all have our roles in history.


Mine is clouds.


Everyone should find one’s place in the sun and play one’s own unique role in history.


The smallest snowstorm on record took place an hour ago in my back yard. It was approximately two flakes. I waited for more to fall, but that was it. The entire storm was just two flakes.


So it is with our lives – we have grandiose expectations, we dream of grandeur, we wait for a grand cloudburst of fame but all ends up just in the two wee teardrops of rain.


Sometimes, we may feel that our lives are not as significant as we hoped. We look at others achieving great things and wonder why our own efforts seem to amount to so little. But just like the two flakes of snow in the smallest snowstorm, our actions and experiences can have a profound impact, even if it may not be immediately obvious.


We should not be discouraged by the seemingly small or insignificant nature of our lives. Instead, we should focus on the present moment, appreciate the beauty and wonder around us, and do our best to make a positive difference in the world.


After all, every cloud has a silver lining, and even the tiniest teardrop of rain can make a difference in a dry and thirsty world.

July 15,2025
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This particular work stands out as being thicker than the majority of Brautigan novels. Arguably, it holds a more personal touch as well. It is incredibly funny, filled with witty remarks and humorous situations that will have the reader laughing out loud. However, beneath the humor lies a certain darkness that foreshadows Brautigan's tragic end. This book is a must-read for everyone. It offers a unique perspective into the mind of the author and takes the reader on a journey that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether you are a fan of Brautigan's work or simply looking for a good read, this book is sure to satisfy.

July 15,2025
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Franchement, I have to say that I did not like this book at all.


I consider myself a big fan of Brautigan. That's why I have listed my favorites, especially for those who are new to Brautigan's works. The list is ranked from the best to the worst.


1. So the Wind Won't Blow it All Away
July 15,2025
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Aizlasīties gluži nevar, bet, lasot lēnā garā, gabaliņi lielākoties ir ļoti jauki, kā jau parasti Brotiganam.


It is simply impossible to get bored. However, when reading slowly along, the passages are for the most part very nice, just as it is usually the case with Brotigan.


This shows that although one might not expect to be engaged at first, taking the time to read carefully reveals the beauty and charm within the text. Just like Brotigan's works often have hidden gems that become apparent only with patient perusal.


It also emphasizes the importance of not rushing through things but rather taking the time to appreciate the details. In this way, one can discover the true value and enjoyment that lies within.

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