Travel the World in Books
As we fast approach holiday season I have been looking at books set in locations across the world. It is a great way to learn about different cultures and sometimes even find out more about their history through the characters and their stories.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah follows the fictional account of a family who move to the Alaskan wilderness – not primarily a holiday destination although there are many cruises which travel there these days. I find it fascinating to read about the challenges that are faced by such a drastic lifestyle move and especially when they are based on the author’s own experiences.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid, (eAudiobook) set in California as the title suggests, is the story of a dramatic 24 hours around a glamorous end-of-summer party in the chaotic and nostalgic 1980’s. The party is held in a beautiful cliffside beach house but the story is primarily one of sibling rivalry, and of secrets that go back a generation – a riveting read that may put you in the mood for a bit of Californian sun.
Across the world in New Zealand Pet by Catherine Chidgey is set in a Catholic girl’s school. A new teacher comes to the school – and her charisma quickly makes her popular with the girls but all is not as it seems and it quickly becomes a dark story of deception, with twists and turns that keep you turning the page until the end.
Hidden Beach by Karen Swan is an addictive story of heartbreak, loyalty and hope, set in the historic city of Stockholm and along the beautiful archipelagos of the Swedish coast. Bell is working as a nanny to a family with three young children when she gets a call that changes everything. The calm Swedish life we expect to experience is rudely interrupted but the landscape of the coastal islands remain as steady and dependable as always.
Until August by Gabriel Garcia Marquez was published after the author’s death and is set in an unnamed Caribbean island. Every August Ana Magdalena Bach returns to the island where her mother is buried– but we soon learn that she has other things on her mind too as she travels alone leaving her husband of 27 years at home. The seductive Caribbean scenery and atmosphere pervades every page of this short novel – you can almost feel the soft sea breeze as you read!
I hope these short tasters have put you in the mood for escaping into some great holiday fiction whether you are travelling or staying at home this year. I know that I will be adding plenty of books to my Libby account soon with holiday time fast approaching!
Bon voyage!
Catalogue links:
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Hidden Beach by Karen Swan
Until August by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
