In her book Moonlight Express, Monisha Rajesh explores the art of slow travel by sleeper train with wit, warmth and enthusiasm. The wonder of the night train: headlamps ablaze, passengers boarding after sunset and leaving before sunrise, slipping in and out of compartments unseen. For Monisha Rajesh, the singular thrill of sleeper trains inspired a journey around the world filled with moonlit landscapes, cosy compartments and quirky companions. From Austria’s Nightjet to Scotland’s Caledonian Sleeper and Finland’s Santa Claus Express, Rajesh invites us on a multi-year adventure aboard the world’s most wondrous awe-inspiring trains. A decade ago night trains were giving way to budget airlines and high-speed rail. But as people search for slower and more environmentally friendly ways to travel, night trains are in the midst of a renaissance. Join us for the ride!

Monisha Rajesh is a British journalist whose writing has appeared in Time magazine, the New York Times, and Vanity Fair. Her first book, Around India in 80 Trains, was named one of the Independent’s best books on India. Her second book, Around the World in 80 Trains, won the National Geographic Traveller Book of the Year and was shortlisted for the Stanford Dolman Travel Book of the Year. In 2024 she was named in Condé Nast Traveller's Women Who Travel Power List, alongside Eva Longoria, Padma Lakshmi and others. She lives in London.

Under 25s can save £2 per ticket, just select the correct option when purchasing.

Event starts at 12pm and finishes at 1pm.

This event is part of the Borderlines Carlisle Book Festival.