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Tram
351 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 27, 2025
I really didn’t expect to enjoy a story about the history of Melbourne trams (gifted from a friend) but I loved this book! It’s a quirky, engaging and entertaining tale of an older man who develops a possibly terminal illness, so elects to quit his job and travel the extensive network of Melbourne trams (the largest in the world I’ve now learnt!).
As he does so, we move around in history, not just from the protagonist’s childhood to present day, but from the 1800’s across the 20th and 21st centuries and into the future, with some ancient indigenous history tossed in to the mix. Our character relates an array of conversations with a wide diversity of fellow tram travellers - these are sad, funny, interesting and entertaining.
I learnt a lot about the history of trams, their various versions and models, the key figures involved and about a range of landmarks around Melbourne, some still with us and others sadly gone, but the tone is conversational and humourous, never dry and stuffy.
Whilst “Tram” will particularly appeal to Melbournians familiar with the city and tram network, it is a unique gem of a book which I would recommend to all.
As he does so, we move around in history, not just from the protagonist’s childhood to present day, but from the 1800’s across the 20th and 21st centuries and into the future, with some ancient indigenous history tossed in to the mix. Our character relates an array of conversations with a wide diversity of fellow tram travellers - these are sad, funny, interesting and entertaining.
I learnt a lot about the history of trams, their various versions and models, the key figures involved and about a range of landmarks around Melbourne, some still with us and others sadly gone, but the tone is conversational and humourous, never dry and stuffy.
Whilst “Tram” will particularly appeal to Melbournians familiar with the city and tram network, it is a unique gem of a book which I would recommend to all.
January 15, 2026
Tram is a surprise and a delight!
Greg has chosen a unique genre that allows him the freedom to combine his creative writing talent with his exceptional research skills, passion for Melbourne's history and all things trams. Who would have thought this subject could be so interesting and at times even compelling! He cleverly draws us into the personal stories of his characters so I genuinely wanted to know more about them and their lives.
I've learnt so much about my chosen city and how it's physical growth and social habits developed, largely in sync with our expanding tram routes throughout the late 19th and 20th century.
I highly recommend Tram for anyone who appreciates our wonderful city, values public transport and is after an entertaining, informative read.
Greg has chosen a unique genre that allows him the freedom to combine his creative writing talent with his exceptional research skills, passion for Melbourne's history and all things trams. Who would have thought this subject could be so interesting and at times even compelling! He cleverly draws us into the personal stories of his characters so I genuinely wanted to know more about them and their lives.
I've learnt so much about my chosen city and how it's physical growth and social habits developed, largely in sync with our expanding tram routes throughout the late 19th and 20th century.
I highly recommend Tram for anyone who appreciates our wonderful city, values public transport and is after an entertaining, informative read.
January 7, 2026
An extremely well researched and engaging history of Melbourne's trams and society.
TRAM follows multiple first person narrators from the storied establishment of the network in the late 1800s, to the present day, taking the reader on journeys on historic and present routes through the eyes of personal and historical characters. This makes for a captivating read that never feels dry, with impressive detail and description of how trams transformed Melbourne both physically and socially.
TRAM follows multiple first person narrators from the storied establishment of the network in the late 1800s, to the present day, taking the reader on journeys on historic and present routes through the eyes of personal and historical characters. This makes for a captivating read that never feels dry, with impressive detail and description of how trams transformed Melbourne both physically and socially.
November 12, 2025
Well I just loved this book, the people, the machines, the aspiration and inspiration , the history, the extraordinaryness layered under the ordinaryness of my familiar places. Who would have thought ? I certainly didn't until I read this.
November 11, 2025
Wow. What a fabulous romp through Melbourne history, all in the comfort of a tram. Wonderful story telling.
December 15, 2025
A wonderful read of trips on every tram route in Melbourne, the history of the buildings and areas, interspersed with stories of and from the current passengers met along the way.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews