Paul Theroux, the acclaimed travel writer known for his extensive literary career spanning over five decades, continues to produce new work at the age of 85. With more than 50 books published since 1967, Theroux has established himself primarily through his travel literature, with his latest, "True North: On the Road in Canada," released this month. The book completes a trilogy exploring less glamorous regions of North America, following his previous works on Mexico and the American South.

Theroux, who divides his time between Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Hawaii, discussed his lifelong passion for travel, writing, and storytelling in a recent interview. Raised in a "dysfunctional" family of seven children in Medford, Massachusetts, he credits reading and family dynamics with instilling in him a strong desire to leave home and explore. Initially planning to become a doctor, he was inspired by John F. Kennedy’s Peace Corps initiative to teach in Malawi in 1963. It was there and later in Uganda that he developed his interest in capturing the stories of everyday people, emphasizing the histories of "the common man" rather than celebrated figures or tourist landmarks.

Theroux’s early work includes his debut novel "Waldo" (1967) and the travel classic "The Great Railway Bazaar" (1975), which documents his journey by train from London to Southeast Asia. He has acknowledged the acerbic nature of some of his early descriptions of foreign cultures, remarks he frames as ironic but which have drawn scrutiny for their harshness. For instance, his portrayals of Afghanistan, Laos, and various South Asian populations reflect a blunt, sometimes controversial tone.

He reflects on changes in travel writing since his early days, criticizing the modern trend toward self-centered travel narratives and social media performances. According to Theroux, true travel requires immersing oneself in local culture and prioritizing the stories of people encountered along the way. He expresses concern that constant communication with the outside world, such as through smartphones, can prevent travelers from fully experiencing new places. Similarly, staying in comfortable, exclusive accommodations may isolate travelers from meaningful interactions.

Theroux also discussed his mentorship under Nobel laureate V.S. Naipaul, who taught him the importance of precise, careful writing and the discipline of writing in longhand—a practice Theroux still follows with his current projects. He emphasized the need for writers to write daily and to edit rigorously, advising aspiring authors to copy their work longhand to improve clarity and remove superfluous material.

Personal experiences also shaped Theroux’s career. His 1972 journey from London to the Far East strained his marriage, a subject absent from his published travel accounts. He described how his writing was often met with indifference by his family, recalling his mother’s dismissive response to his first novel.

Theroux’s sons, Louis and Marcel, have continued the family tradition as travel writers and documentary makers. He takes pride in their achievements but also notes the challenges of being recognized independently of his legacy. He spoke candidly about aging and identity, observing that older writers often become "invisible" and overlooked in discussions about identity in literature.

Despite his age, Theroux remains active and vital, engaging in activities such as kayaking and driving alone. He acknowledges having "mellowed" over time and continues to work on new novels. Through conversations with locals on his travels across Canada, he paints a complex portrait of a nation grappling with divisions and external pressures, quoting Indigenous author Niigaan Sinclair to highlight ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

True North: On the Road in Canada was published on September 22 in the United States and is slated for release on October 29 in the United Kingdom.