Theroux, Paul

(US, 1941– )

Theroux, the author of over twenty-five books (several of which have been adapted for film) is a best-selling travel writer. His accessible and often witty novels tend to have a sharply sinister undercurrent, centring on extremely realistic but complicated, evasive heroes, who continually wrestle with contradictory inner impulses. Begin with The Mosquito Coast (1981), the disturbing story of Allie Fox, an inventor, and his attempts to create a private utopia with his family in the Honduran jungle. Move on to My Secret History (1989), the story of a writer's life, his loves, and betrayals. Also try Theroux's energetic, honest travel writing, especially The Great Railway Bazaar (1975), an account of a haphazard, frustrating train journey from London Victoria to Tokyo Central.

Philip Roth, Bruce Chatwin  SR