There is nothing better than a good book. We love to read while we are on the road, long train rides are much quicker when you're into a great novel. Here are some of our favorite books set in different places around the world.
1. France -
Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah
Set during World War II this fantastic novel follows the plight of two French sisters struggling to survive the German occupation of France. This is an empowering story set in France during a perilous time to be in Europe.
2. Morocco -
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
A perfect novel for a the world nomad the Alchemist is a story of grand adventure. This short book follows the journey of a shepherd boy who crosses continents and deserts as he purses his destiny as he searches for the Alchemist and the philosopher's stone. Metaphorical and whimsical this book pairs perfectly with sweeping Moroccan landscapes.
3. Italy -
Inferno
by Dan Brown
Dan Brown's books make you want to become a history buff. They take you on a journey through a different vantage of history that is both bizarre and fascinating. His novel Inferno is a wild ride and definitely one of his best. Set in Florence, Italy, Inferno retraces the steps of the dark and famous poet Dante Alighieri while opening your eyes to issues that hit closer to home. If you are looking for a book on Italian history with a thrilling twist this is the book for you!
4. Nepal -
Into Thin Air
by Jon Krakauer
John Krakauer is a legendary mountaineer and novelist. One of his best pieces of work is Into Thin Air which is a real life retelling of the devastating 1996 Mount Everest climbing expedition. When a giant storm hits the Himalayas his climbing team suddenly finds themselves in a dire life or death situation. This thrilling and devastating story is guaranteed to make the reader's heart race
5. France -
A Year in Provence
by Peter Mayle
This classic novel is guaranteed to induce strong wanderlust and will likely influence any reader to book a one way flight to Provence. The author beautifully depicts a year spent in the French countryside, where time moves slowly and the most important things are your company, your food, and your wine.
6. India -
A Fine Balance
by Rohinton Mistry
This book is not for the faint of heart, but then again neither is India. This novel portrays a very raw and real side of India, and it doesn't leave anything out. Set in the bustling city of Mumbai the story follows a variety of different people across different levels of the Indian caste system. You will meet a limbless beggar in the slums, an independent Indian woman and a young man lost trying to find his way amid the chaos.
7. North Korea-
The Orphan Master's Son
by Adam Johnson
Okay, so you can't really travel to North Korea and I can bet that after you read this book you will never want to. This book won the Pulitzer Prize for it's daring story about what it's like inside North Korea with it's ridiculous propaganda campaigns and horrifying work camps.
8. United Kingdom -
The Other Boleyn Girl
by Philippa Gregory
Queen for only 1,000 days before her head was chopped off, Anne's Boleyn's reign is famous. Though it is often overshadowed by the many histories written about her daughter Elizabeth, who is often regaled as one of England's greatest monarchs. This book re-tells Anne's story from her sister Mary's perspective. Mary, another mistress to King Henry finds herself stuck in a court that is filled with deceit, lust and betrayal.
9. Spain -
The Sun Also Rises
by Ernest Hemingway
This classic novel follows Hemingway and his posse as they travel to Pamplona, Spain for the running of the bulls. Here they proceed to get deliriously drunk and get into all types of trouble. It's an entertaining and short read that leaves you feeling as if you are one of Hemingway's latest drinking buddies.
10. Japan -
Memoirs of a Geisha
by Arthur Golden
This gorgeously crafted novel takes you behind the scenes of the lives of the Japanese Geisha. With the exterior of a porcelain dolls and the grace of an angels, these geisha are classically trained escorts; masters in art, dance, and music. Being a geisha isn't all that it seems, there are many obstacles to overcome and it's all revealed in this epic novel.
We hope you found this list helped you find your next book. What are some of your favorite books from around the world? Leave us a note in the comment section below.
Cheers,
Ang and Jeff
