Books to read if you’re going to Australia
Isolated and a world away, Australia is a unique country and, truly, a land of adventure. The landscape, wildness and spirit of the place have inspired many a ripper of a yarn (Australian for ‘good story’). Whether you are looking for outback adventure, books set in penal colonies, stories about Australia’s gold rush or are interested in Australia’s more recent history or an Aboriginal perspective, you will have plenty to read. Here, in no particular order, are some of my favourites. Fiction The Secret River / The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville Set during the British colonial period, The Secret River is an atmospheric tale of an English man convicted of…
English Bookshops in Paris
Paris is a city of bookshops, but is even spoiled for English bookshops. It seems despite the heyday of the writers of the left bank being long over, If the number of English bookshops is anything to go by, Paris remains a firm global hub of literature. As a bookworm, or in French, rat de bibliotheque (library rat), this pleases me greatly. Are you looking for English books in Paris? Here’s where you need to go. Shakespeare and Company Probably the most famous of the English Paris bookshops, Shakespeare and Company, opposite Notre Dame Cathedral, has long been attracting book fans due to it’s history as a gathering place…
Books to Read if You’re Going to Japan
What do you think of first when someone mentions Japan? Is it Mount Fuji, the ‘Hello Kitty’ culture, manga, the food? (Hmmm, sushi, yum!) The years Japan spent closed to the world preserved its traditions and behaviours making it a very unique and interesting country. Fortunately, the works of many Japanese authors have been translated into other languages, making them accessible to the non-Japanese audience, and providing a fascinating window into this world. Perhaps I ought to start with a disclaimer. You see, unlike the other posts in my ‘Books to read before you go’ series, I’ve never been to Japan. If it weren’t for Covid-19, I would have visited…
Books to Read if You’re Going to France
One of the world’s most visited countries, the wealth of literature about life in France comes as no surprise. With so many people jotting down their take on the country, there really is something for everyone. Memoirs, tick. Historical fiction, absolutely. There’s loads of non-fiction for those wanting to learn more about France too, and foodie books, bien sur. What a pleasure for Francophiles the world over! My bookshelf is pleasingly overflowing with titles about or set in France. It is probably the largest collection, by country, in my possession. This is the longest list I’m publishing in my little series of ‘Books to read before you go’. Obviously, I…
Books to Read if You’re Going to Italy
Glorious Italy, what a country! The food, the art, architecture, scenery, and again, the food! It’s little wonder people are constantly falling for its charms. Poor Italy is probably the European country hit hardest by the Covid-19 crisis though. All the more reason to keep visits to those of a literary or imaginary nature, for now. From its simple pleasures like delicious fresh gelato, to it’s exquisite details like the architecture in the centre of Florence, an Italian life seems very rich indeed, and often quite loud! I have visited Italy several times and always enjoyed myself there. In fact, I would be preparing for a trip to Rome next week,…
Books to Read if You’re Going to Greece
Here we are, another week of Covid-19-induced lockdown later, and here’s another post from me containing book recommendations; this time books to get you in the mood for Greece…or perhaps you’re reminiscing? Either way, a literary feast awaits. Unique to Greece’s literary offerings are the many incredible sagas of Greek mythology. Or perhaps you prefer fiction, memoirs, poetry? Greece has inspired it all. My visits to Greece started with childhood family holidays and I’ve been lucky enough to continue visiting over the years. The Greek islands hold a special place in my heart (the sea, the sunsets, the food!) Here, in no particular order, are some reading recommendations from me.…
Books to Read if You’re Going to Turkey
Having been a keen traveller for years, I have also been an avid reader. These two passions easily overlap as, while planning trips, I love reading about places I will visit to see if I can improve my cultural understanding and appreciation of a new place and I also enjoying revisiting, through books, places I have been. While we’re all temporarily grounded (thanks Covid-19), I thought I’d share some posts about travel literature during this period of solitude. I’m going to start with Turkey. Having lived in Turkey for a number of years myself, albeit a while ago now, these days I am mostly reminiscing when I read books set…
Exploring Britain with British Authors
One of the things I love most about Britain is the history and what better way to explore Britain’s history than through Britain’s authors who can transport you to a specific time and place in only a few pages? If you are even half the bookworm that I am, and are interested in understanding how some of Britain’s best writing came to be created, I suggest visiting some of the places that inspired Britain’s authors. There are too many magnificent British authors to list them all here. The following are five of my favourites and five that were clearly associated with certain places that are great to visit in their…
