Small World

Small World follows multiple storylines across different time periods in American history, centering on a train accident in contemporary times. The narrative moves between present-day characters connected to the railway incident and their ancestors from the 1850s. The central present-day story focuses on Walter, a train conductor, and several passengers including a young basketball player, a disabled teen, and a woman facing financial troubles. Their lives intersect against the backdrop of America's modern railway system. The historical sections trace the characters' forebears through pivotal moments in American expansion, including the construction of the transcontinental railroad and the immigrant experience of Irish and Chinese laborers. The parallel timelines reveal connections between past and present characters. Through these interwoven stories, Small World examines themes of migration, family legacy, and the complex web of human connections that shape American identity. The novel considers how individual journeys contribute to a larger national story, while exploring questions of belonging and displacement.

Readers found this novel ambitious in scope but uneven in execution. Many praised the parallel storylines and connections between characters across different time periods, noting how it illuminates America's railroad history and social inequalities. Liked: - Complex character development, especially Walter and Malik - Historical details about railroad construction - Commentary on class and race in America - Fast-paced chapters that maintain momentum Disliked: - Too many characters and plotlines to follow - Some storylines feel underdeveloped - Shifts between timelines can be jarring - Resolution feels rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (1,100+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.9/5 (280+ ratings) Several reviewers compared it to "Cloud Atlas" in structure but found it more accessible. One common critique noted by Goodreads reviewer Sarah M.: "The historical sections were fascinating, but modern storylines didn't have the same depth."

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🚂 Jonathan Evison was inspired to write Small World after discovering that one of his ancestors worked on America's first transcontinental railroad in the 1860s. 📚 The novel weaves together multiple storylines spanning 170 years of American history, connecting diverse characters through their shared connection to the railroad. 🏆 Small World debuted at #1 on the Pacific Northwest Bestseller List and was named a "Most Anticipated Book" by USA Today, Esquire, and The Millions. 🎭 The book's structure mirrors that of Charles Dickens' novels, with multiple plotlines that gradually converge, a technique Evison specifically chose to reflect America's interconnected stories. 🌟 Before becoming a successful author, Evison worked numerous jobs including as a caregiver, a bartender, and a syndicated radio host, experiences that helped shape his diverse character perspectives in Small World.