Strangers on a Train, anyone?

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sarahmarlowe
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Strangers on a Train, anyone?

Post by sarahmarlowe »

Most fans of crime dramas have heard Strangers on a Train referenced at least once. Patricia Highsmith probably never envisioned that her 1951 book would find its way into pop culture the way it has. The plot finds two men who meet by chance while traveling. Each of them has a "problem" with someone they know. They decide to kill each other's problems, believing that the police would be unable to discover their identity as killers. I have heard it referenced at least three times on different television series. Does this help elevate it to "classic" status?

Has anyone else heard it alluded to in pop culture?
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lunablue_x3
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Post by lunablue_x3 »

Have you heard the song Shadow of a Doubt by Sonic Youth? The lyrics start out- "Met a stranger on a train." Later the words go "You take me & I'll be you/ You kill him & I'll kill her."
I've always though Sonic Youth was thinking of Strangers on a Train when they wrote that song, even though I think the killing in the lyrics is metaphorical.

I haven't read Strangers on a Train, although I quite enjoyed The Price of Salt.

Love the song.
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Post by nicole-adrianne »

I've had this book recommended to me, and you've convinced me to read it. I'll get back to you with my thoughts when I've finished!
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Post by ms_vinkel »

I've read this Patricia Highsmith crime fiction years ago but... I can't recall if it's been alluded to in modern or recent songs. I did read a review of a contemporary book (can't remember the title) that is being compared to Highsmith's Strangers on a Train, so there are probably books that follow its formula.

Anyway, I liked how Highsmith depicted the characters' internal conflicts in this book. But I don't like how the women are shown in the story. I'm not sure if it's just staying true for how women are viewed during their time or if it's something else.
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Post by Busisiwe_M »

This book is so interesting . Not too many characters so you are able to follow up with the story and it has great suspense
Would highly reccomend it !!
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Post by The quiet book lover »

Does anyone know if the 1951 movie is pretty accurate to the book?
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Post by Rizki Pradana »

It seems this book was interesting to read because there are not many characters. Thank you
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Post by Elendu Ekechukwu »

I haven't read this yet, but I would love to read this book
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