Characters
Who is Tom Walsh?
The narrator and protagonist who travels.
Why does Tom like to travel south in the winter?
It prefers a warmer climate.
Where was Tom at the beginning of the story?
In Venice, Italy.
How old is Tom?
23 years old.
What is the main theme of the story?
Trust and betrayal.
Who are Melanie and Carol?
Two American women who become friends with Tom.
What happens after the police search Tom's bag?
They find US$200,000 and arrest Tom.
Which countries does the train pass through?
Italy, Yugoslavia, and Bulgaria.
What does Tom think about Melanie and Carol?
He likes them and they are fun to talk to.
How does the theme of trust play a role in the story?
Tom trusts Melanie and Carol, but they betray him.
Where is Tom’s mother from?
Burnham-on-Sea, UK.
What did Melanie and Carol do to Tom?
They put $200,000 in his bag and framed him.
Where does Tom plan to go after visiting Bulgaria?
Cyprus or North Africa for the winter.
What makes Tom enjoy meeting new people?
He loves to learn about new cultures and places.
How does the idea of freedom and adventure connect with Tom’s lifestyle?
Tom is constantly traveling from one place to another, without staying in the same country.
What is Boris’s role in the story?
A man Tom meets in prison and plans to travel when they are released.
Why did Tom accept Melanie and Carol’s offer to buy him dinner?
He was hungry and they offered to pay him.
What was the atmosphere like on the train to Sofia?
It was slow and quiet, with people coming and going.
How does Tom react to his arrest by the police?
He is surprised and confused, saying that the money is not his.
How is the theme of deception highlighted in the story?
Melanie and Carol cheat on Tom while setting a trap for him
How do Melanie and Carol manipulate Tom?
They use your sympathy but then put the money in your purse to frame you.
Why does Tom end up staying in Bulgaria instead of going south?
He is arrested after police find $200,000 in his bag.
Where is Tom at the end of the story?
In prison in Bulgaria.
What kind of person is Tom, based on his actions and choices?
He is a free-spirited traveler who loves adventure but is very confident.
How does the theme of survival play out in the story?
Tom learns to adapt to life in prison, accepting his fate.