253
Geoff Ryman
A very modern novel about the 253 characters on a full central
line tube train. Each character has a page consisting of 253
words and all the footnotes consist of 253 words. It's an easy
read but ultimately a bit pointless.
Andrew 21/3/99
This is an unusual book that was originally published on the
internet and could be read in any order. It consists of a series
of portraits of the 252 tube passengers, and the driver on a
southbound Bakerloo line train. Each portrait is written in
exactly 253 words. There are also some footnotes, some of which
are true and some fictitious. Each portrait describes the
appearance of the character and what they appear to be doing or
thinking, and also what they are really thinking. An element of
drama is introduced at the start of the book when we realize that
the train is probably going to crash. This lends a potency to
some of the characters' impulse decisions to stay on the train,
or to get off at a different stop. Not a book to read through at
one sitting but ideal for hospital/doctor/dentist waiting rooms
or anywhere where it's difficult to concentrate. Tube journeys
will never be the same again...
Jean 19/5/02
In this book you meet everyone on a tube train that is going to
crash. It is a clever idea and a very entertaining read.
Doreen 30/6/02
The frames have
gone all funny - click to make it good.