A long train journey can be the perfect time to sit back and sink your teeth into a great novel. Free from the distractions of the day to day routine, you’ll find that the hours you spend getting from A to B can be extremely pleasurable when you have a good book to immerse yourself in. Luckily, this year’s crop of literary offerings are certain to please all kinds of readers and it should be easy to find a book that will be just the ticket for your train trip. One of this year’s most highly awaited tomes is from Jonathan Franzen, the author who brought us The Corrections. His new work, Freedom, has drawn widespread acclaim from readers and critics alike. Freedom has also provoked much debate - specifically among popular female writers such as best seller Jodi Piccoult, who have been questioning the amount of attention Franzen, and male writers in general, have been drawing. Find out whether all the fuss has been worth it, by digging into the book on your next trip. Another book sure to keep you enthralled is The Room, from Irish writer Emma Donoghue, the youngest writer on the 2010 Man Booker Prize shortlist. This tense novel explores the dark side of parent-child relationships and was inspired by the case of Elizabeth Fritzl, who was kept concealed in her father's basement for 24 years. C by Tom McCarthy is another novel in this year's Man Booker list, and another well worth a look. This is one you'll need your wits about you to really enjoy, and is a highly modernistic work that's sure to keep you engrossed for hours. If you're looking for a lighter yet equally gripping read, then why not delve into James Patterson's The Postcard Killers? The latest story from the prolific author delivers another captivating slice of life on the dark side. Readers who are looking for something a little friendlier could find just what they are looking for from the most recent Marian Keyes novel, The Brightest Star in the Sky. Known for her sympathetic hand and biting wit, you can rest assured Keyes delivers both in spades in this glittering story. Whether you’re an iPad fan, a Kindle devotee or you’re in love with good old paperbacks, you’re sure to find something excellent to while away the hours on your next train journey. So when you book your train tickets online, it might be an idea to add a couple of novels to your shopping spree.