Characters
Who is Tom Walsh?
The narrator and main character who travels often.
Why does Tom like to travel south in the winter?
He prefers warmer weather and finds life easier in the sun.
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 befriend Tom on the train.
What happens after the police search Tom's bag?
They find $200,000 in US dollars, and Tom is arrested.
Which countries does the train pass through?
Italy, Yugoslavia, and Bulgaria.
What does Tom think about Melanie and Carol?
He likes them and finds them friendly and 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 by setting him up.
Where is Tom’s mother from?
Burnham-on-Sea, UK.
What did Melanie and Carol do to Tom?
They planted $200,000 in his bag and framed him for smuggling.
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 the excitement of learning about new cultures and places.
How does the idea of freedom and adventure connect with Tom’s lifestyle?
Tom is constantly moving from place to place, never staying in one country for too long.
What is Boris’s role in the story?
A man Tom meets in prison who plans to travel with him after their release.
Why did Tom accept Melanie and Carol’s offer to buy him dinner?
He was hungry, and they offered to pay since he didn’t have much money.
What was the atmosphere like on the train to Sofia?
It was slow and quiet, with people coming and going at various stops.
How does Tom react to his arrest by the police?
He is shocked and confused, claiming the money is not his.
How is the theme of deception highlighted in the story?
Melanie and Carol deceive Tom, pretending to be friendly while secretly framing him.
How do Melanie and Carol manipulate Tom?
They use their friendliness and charm to gain his trust, then plant the money in his bag to frame him.
Why does Tom end up staying in Bulgaria instead of going south?
He is arrested and sent to prison after the 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 also somewhat naïve and trusting.
How does the theme of survival play out in the story?
Tom learns to adapt to life in prison, accepting his fate and even planning for his future after release.