A teenage girl and an exiled South American man navigate the complexities of a sudden marriage and a nomadic existence across Europe.

The protagonist enters a relationship with a man significantly older than herself, leading to a life defined by displacement and constant movement. As they traverse the continent, the couple faces the internal friction of their age gap and the external pressures of the man's status as an exile. The narrative framework captures the disorientation of youth and the instability of a life lived in transit. Their objective remains elusive, mirroring the aimless nature of their travels through various European landscapes.

Readers frequently highlight the prose style as evocative and introspective, noting how the author captures the specific melancholy of the exile experience. Discussion often centers on the unconventional nature of the central relationship and the protagonist's evolving perception of her partner. Critics observe that the pacing mirrors the slow, deliberate movement of the trains mentioned in the title, favoring atmosphere over rapid plot progression. The book is often cited for its ability to render the feeling of displacement with precision and clarity. Many readers appreciate the focus on the internal development of the narrator as she navigates a world that feels increasingly transient.