Paul Theroux

Date of Birth: April 10, 1941

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Biography

Paul Theroux is an American novelist and travel writer born on April 10, 1941, in Medford, Massachusetts. He is best known for his travelogues such as “The Great Railway Bazaar” (1975) and “The Old Patagonian Express” (1979), as well as his novels, including “The Mosquito Coast” (1981) which was adapted into a feature film starring Harrison Ford. Theroux’s writing career began after he joined the Peace Corps and was stationed in Malawi, Africa. This experience profoundly influenced his early works and set the stage for a prolific career spanning more than five decades. Theroux’s works often explore themes of travel, adventure, and the human condition, blending his keen observations with a narrative style that captures the essence of the places he visits and the complexities of the people he meets. He has received several accolades, including the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for his novel “The Mosquito Coast” and the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters Award for Literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Paul Theroux

1. Paul Theroux is the father of acclaimed documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux and writer Marcel Theroux.

2. He was expelled from the Peace Corps in Malawi due to accusations of political involvement, which he denies.

3. Theroux taught English at the University of Singapore, where he began writing his first novels.

4. His novel “The Mosquito Coast” was adapted into both a 1986 film and a 2021 television series.

5. In addition to his writing, Theroux is an accomplished painter and has held several exhibitions of his artwork.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Paul Theroux

1. “Travel is glamorous only in retrospect.”

2. “The difference between travel writing and fiction is the difference between recording what happened as it was and writing what happened as you wish it had been.”

3. “The measure of a society is found in how they treat their weakest and most helpless citizens.”

4. “Fiction gives us a second chance that life denies us.”

5. “The best travel is not just a journey to a place, but a journey into the mind of the traveler.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Paul Theroux’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Paul Theroux has two children: 1. Louis Theroux – An acclaimed British-American documentary filmmaker and broadcaster, known for his immersive and often controversial documentaries. 2. Marcel Theroux – A British-American author and broadcaster, known for his novels and television presenting.