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Literary Fiction· Switzerland

Night Train to Lisbon

by Pascal Mercier
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2004German
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About This Book

When Pascal Mercier published Night Train to Lisbon in 2004, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of literary fiction. Night Train to Lisbon is a philosophical novel that follows a Swiss teacher's journey to uncover the life of a mysterious Portuguese doctor. The book explores themes of identity, destiny, and the search for meaning. Mercier's intricate narrative and profound reflections on life have earned it critical acclaim and a place in contemporary Swiss literature. Themes of identity, destiny, search for meaning run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorPascal Mercier
Published2004
Country of Origin🇨🇭 Switzerland
LanguageGerman
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780802143976
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇨🇭 Switzerland

This book is part of Switzerland's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Switzerland →

Editorial Assessment

Pascal Mercier published Night Train to Lisbon in 2004, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Switzerland. The book's treatment of identity, destiny, search for meaning, philosophy accounts for much of its enduring reputation. With an editorial score of 30/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. What distinguishes Night Train to Lisbon is how it handles its central concerns — identity, destiny, search for meaning, philosophy — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Night Train to Lisbon reflects Pascal Mercier's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Switzerland's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
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20080
✍️
About the Author
Pascal Mercier
Switzerland
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Pascal Mercier is a Switzerland author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Night Train to Lisbon about?

Night Train to Lisbon is a philosophical novel that follows a Swiss teacher's journey to uncover the life of a mysterious Portuguese doctor. The book explores themes of identity, destiny, and the search for meaning. Mercier's intricate narrative and profound reflections on life have earned it critical acclaim and a place in contemporary Swiss literature.

Who wrote Night Train to Lisbon?

Night Train to Lisbon was written by Pascal Mercier, from Switzerland. First published in 2004.

What awards has Night Train to Lisbon won?

Night Train to Lisbon has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Night Train to Lisbon worth reading?

Night Train to Lisbon is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in identity, destiny, search for meaning.

Where can I buy Night Train to Lisbon?

You can buy Night Train to Lisbon on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Night Train to Lisbon?

Night Train to Lisbon is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Night Train to Lisbon from?

Night Train to Lisbon originates from Switzerland's literary tradition. Explore more books from Switzerland on our country page.

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