The novel tells the story of Aliocha, a 20 year old Russian conscript who is attempting desertion from the army as he travels on a trans-Siberian train heading east.

[4][5] Writing in the New York Times, author Ken Kalfus believed that the book's setting, on board a speeding train in the vastness of Siberia, complemented the characters' relationship elegantly.

The insecurity of existence across this vastness and on board the train emphasizes the significance of human connection.

Writing for The New Yorker, Lauren Oyler stated that de Kerangal vividly portrayed urgency and the fleeting passage of time as the protagonists try to escape, stating: "It takes immense skill, patience, and clarity to paint time, to render the melee of past and present, symbolic and real.

"[6] Writing for The Wall Street Journal, Sam Sacks stated: "Eastbound briskly unfolds the events of this crazy but thrilling little Mission: Impossible, allowing itself speedy diversions into the backgrounds of both Aliocha and his accomplice", while further stating: "The crisp cascading sentences; the delicious mixture of fear and romance; the harmonious balance of story and language: these are characteristics of each of Ms. de Kerangal's books.