2019 - Where in the World Have You Been? (Book Read and Review Linked)

[Carol]

I’m in Japan with Life of a Counterfeiter by Yasushi Inoue and also Japanese Ghost Stories by Lafcadio Hearn, and in England with Jane and Prudence by Barbara Pym. All are excellent.

[Andrea, Slow but steady]

I've been trudging through Mali for the past month or so, with The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu. I have to say I was a little disappointed that this one didn't meet my expectations, but I did learn a bit about Mali and Saharan Africa more generally, so that's a plus.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Nadine in California]

I've been in Barcelona and environs with The First Prehistoric Serial Killer and Other Stories

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Shomeret]

I've returned from the 1970's in the alternate historical matriarchy of Roma Nova possibly located in the Alps (maybe the Italian Alps), alternate England, alternate Italy, alternate Austria and alternate France with Nexus, the most recent book in the Roma Nova series by Alison Morton. I learned that in the 20th century France is ruled by a descendant of Napoleon Bonaparte in this universe. Alison Morton just mentions this sort of background and leaves me rather startled.

I did like it for character reasons. See my review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Andrea, Slow but steady]

I've been in Hong Kong in the 1960s with The Kowloon Kid by Phil Brown. Interesting that some of the issues prompting civil unrest at the end of the 1960s are back in the spotlight again 50 years later.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lilisa]

I was in the U.S./Haiti with Everything Inside - short stories. Was a bit disappointing - was expecting more as I enjoyed two novels by Edwidge Danticat, but still worth reading - gave it 3 stars.

Was in the U.K./U.S. with major influences from Germany, Canada, and Japan - WW II in Agents of Influence: A British Campaign, a Canadian Spy, and the Secret Plot to Bring America into World War II - non-fiction that reads like historical fiction - wow! It's scheduled for release next month. Review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Was in Mexico/U.S. With The Devil's Highway: A True Story - non-fiction, packs a punch, and the issue is still front and center today. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lilisa]

Was in Russia with Cilka's Journey following World War II with flashbacks to Auschwitz. A recommended read. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Andrea, Slow but steady]

Lilisa wrote: "Was in Russia with Cilka's Journey following World War II with flashbacks to Auschwitz. A recommended read. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

I'm reading that right now, so I won't read your review just yet. I'm about 25% in - pretty bleak so far.

[Lilisa]

Andrea wrote: "Lilisa wrote: "Was in Russia with Cilka's Journey following World War II with flashbacks to Auschwitz. A recommended read. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
..."

Will be interesting to see what you think Andrea. What did you think of the first one?

[Andrea, Slow but steady]

Lilisa wrote: "Will be interesting to see what you think Andrea. What did you think of the first one?..."

I really liked The Tattooist of Auschwitz, more than you did, it seems. I’ve always been a sucker for fiction based on fact. I haven’t yet turned to the end of Cilka's Journey to find out how much source material was available for this one.

I think this is the first time I’ve been to a Russian gulag. It’s really interesting because it’s also relevant to Beside Myself, which I read last month. Not that it was a feature of the novel, but at the author talk I attended, I learned that it’s a very taboo topic in Russia. The author’s family had members disappear, and they suspect they were taken to gulags but they don’t know. And there’s no way of knowing, because unlike the Nazis, who kept meticulous records, there is nothing on the gulags.

[Shomeret]

I have been to 20th century Laos with trips to 20th century France and Vietnam with the latest adventure of retired Laos coroner Dr. Siri in The Second Biggest Nothing. It was an entertaining outing as usual, but I also gained some insight into the Vietnam War.

See my review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Anna]

FRANCE
While I was in Paris this year I listened to Jojo Moyes' Paris for One and Other Stories! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

[Anna]

ENGLAND and SCOTLAND
I've been enjoying the Cotswolds in England with M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin mysteries https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and binging on M.C. Beaton's Hamish MacBeth in and around Lochdubh Scotland. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

I plan to travel there some day.
As for my favorite city for a book setting - it is a tie between Venice, Italy and Paris, France.
While I was in Paris I listened to Paris for One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes

[Andrea, Slow but steady]

I've been in Siberian Russia with Cilka's Journey, a companion novel to The Tattooist of Auschwitz. I enjoyed it, but rated it slightly lower than the first book.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lilisa]

Was primarily in China with Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao's Revolution. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


Was in Madagascar withReturn to the Enchanted Island: A Novel. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Shomeret]

I've been in Mexico and the U.S. in the 1920's tagging along with Mayan divinities and a wonderful Mexican woman character on a fantasy quest. The book was Gods of Jade and Shadow: A wildly imaginative historical fantasy by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

I consider this one of the best books I've read this year.

See my review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Yrinsyde]

I have finally finished Arch and the Butterfly, my second book for Morocco. I finished reading Harraga for Algeria a few weeks ago. I really enjoyed both Butterfly and Harraga. Next up are some short stories from Tunisa and then something from Libya. Looking forward to it! Glad I started this challenge.

[Andrea, Slow but steady]

I’ve been mainly in Greenland with They Came On Viking Ships. Even though it was written for a middle school audience, it includes a bit of the violence and gore you’d expect. I enjoyed it.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Shomeret]

I've been in England during WWII and in contemporary England with
The Light Over London by Julia Kelly which is a dual period novel. There are characters who engaged me in both periods, but I was most interested in the WWII protagonist who became a Gunner Girl.

See my review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Andrea, Slow but steady]

I’m still reeling a bit from my trip to Nigeria with Stay with Me.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lilisa]

I've been in Vietnam with A Hundred Suns. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lilisa]

Andrea wrote: "I’m still reeling a bit from my trip to Nigeria with Stay with Me.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

"Reeling" is an apt word - sounds like it was a bit of an impact.

[Carol]

Andrea wrote: "I’m still reeling a bit from my trip to Nigeria with Stay with Me.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

I can imagine.

[Andrea, Slow but steady]

Here's my review for The Far Field by Madhuri Vijay (Kashmir), which I think I may have enjoyed more than some other members.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lilisa]

Was in Kazakhstan with The Dead Wander in the Desert. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Andrea, Slow but steady]

I've been in Greenland with Cold Fear by Mads Peder Nordbo. It didn't thrill me anywhere near as much as the previous instalment, but was still worth reading.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lilisa]

Andrea wrote: "I've been in Greenland with Cold Fear by Mads Peder Nordbo. It didn't thrill me anywhere near as much as the previous instalment, but was still worth reading.

http..."

Laughing at your "in full-post holiday slump" descriptor! That must mean you had a great time. Where to next?

[Andrea, Slow but steady]

Lilisa wrote: "Where to next?..."

A few ideas simmering away, but nothing coming to the surface yet.

[Shomeret]

I've just returned from Nigeria with Girl by Edna O'Brien which dealt with a Boko Haram kidnap victim. O'Brien went to Nigeria to do research and this is a story that should be told. I thought that I needed to read it.

It wasn't very graphic. I was even more upset by the aftermath after she returned to her village.

See my review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Nadine in California]

I was in Ireland in the Middle Ages with Nobber. Mindblowing! My review. Fagain is a young author and his only other book is short stories, Hostages, which I ordered as soon as I finished Nobber.

[Andrea, Slow but steady]

I was in 1960s Tunisia with The Tremor of Forgery, which is not the best Patricia Highsmith book I've read. Sadly, I can't recommend it unless you really need something for Tunisia. It was at least good on the location, which is probably the main reason I finished it.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Andrea, Slow but steady]

Nadine wrote: "I was in Ireland in the Middle Ages with Nobber. Mindblowing! My review. Fagain is a young author and his only other book is short stories, Hostages, which I ordered..."

Nobber sounds intriguing!

[Carol]

I've been in Japan and posted 2 5-star reviews. One for The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa, and another for Japanese Ghost Stories by Lafcadio Hearn (edited by Paul Murray.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jenny (Reading Envy)]

Andrea wrote: "I was in 1960s Tunisia with The Tremor of Forgery, which is not the best Patricia Highsmith book I've read. Sadly, I can't recommend it unless you really need somethin..."

The book I have for Tunisia is This Tilting World - I haven't read it yet but it looks promising (and short.)

[Andrea, Slow but steady]

Jenny (Reading Envy) wrote: "Andrea wrote: "I was in 1960s Tunisia with The Tremor of Forgery, which is not the best Patricia Highsmith book I've read. Sadly, I can't recommend it unless you reall..."

That sounds really good Jenny - thanks for mentioning it.

[Yrinsyde]

I was finding it difficult to locate a English language version of something written by a Tunisian about Tunisia - I ended up buying two short collections - one of short stories and the other, proverbs (many lost on me - they are really culturally specific).

[Carol]

I remain in Japan with Ian Buruma’s Inventing Japan: 1853-1964.

[Claire]

Carol wrote: "I've been in Japan and posted 2 5-star reviews. One for The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa, and another for Japanese Ghost Stories by [author:Lafcadio He..."

Good to hear you so enjoyed Yoko Ogawa's new translation, it's on my list to read, when I feel ready to return to fiction.

[Carol]

Claire wrote: "Carol wrote: "I've been in Japan and posted 2 5-star reviews. One for The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa, and another for Japanese Ghost Stories by [auth..."

Thanks, Claire. It's quiet and compelling, which is how I'm liking my fiction best right now. I don't need dire circumstances and all conflicts ratcheted up to infinity. There's a time for that, I suppose, but it's not now, for me.

[Claire]

Carol wrote: "Claire wrote: "Carol wrote: "I've been in Japan and posted 2 5-star reviews. One for The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa, and another for [book:Japanese Ghost Stories|417..."

That does sound enticing Carol, Ogawa is exactly that, quiet, compelling and thought-provoking.

[Carol]

I finished Inventing Japan: 1853-1964 by Ian Buruma and posted a 5-star review. It wouldn't be 5 stars for everyone, though, so hopefully, my review provides enough detail so those likely to enjoy it can self-identify.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Kim]

Ivory Coast
Yesterday spent a couple of hours on The Ivory Coast in the 1970s with a bunch of young people. Aya was trying to study to become a doctor despite her father's protests and a couple of others were partying on and then dealing with the consequences in their own ways. An excellent graphic novel by Marguerite Abouet and the only one I've added on this around the world list. The art makes the time and place come alive.
My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Might end up in a China Dream next with Ma Jian

Total Read for the Challenge 29/30

[Andrea, Slow but steady]

Catching up on reviews today; I loved The Twentieth Man (Yugoslavia/Australia) but was a bit disappointed with Breakfast in Bogota (Colombia).


The only reason I didn't give this one 5 stars was because the sections set in Yugoslavia (present day Bosnia) dragged a little for me, despite being really informative. I guess it's the war-ry bits I didn't enjoy so much!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


This one had so much potential, but failed to deliver on a number of levels.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Kim]

Andrea wrote: "Catching up on reviews today; I loved The Twentieth Man (Yugoslavia/Australia) but was a bit disappointed with Breakfast in Bogota (Colombia).

by Ingrid Rojas Contrerasone I'd recommend for anyone wanting read a book set in Columbia.

[Lilisa]

Was in France, (secondarily in the U.K., and the U.S.) with The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire - an interesting read about the history of the rise of the once family-owned Cartier business. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lilisa]

Kim wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Catching up on reviews today; I loved The Twentieth Man (Yugoslavia/Australia) but was a bit disappointed with Breakfast in Bogota (Colombia).

[bookc..."

Sounds like a good one, Kim.

[Andrea, Slow but steady]

I've been back in the Czech Republic with Slaughter and Forgetting - this is proving to be a worthwhile crime series.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Shomeret]

I've been in 18th century Vienna with The Mozart Conspiracy, a YA historical mystery that is a sequel to
The Musician's Daughter.

I liked it and appreciated its themes of gender inequality and anti-semitism.

See my review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Shomeret]

I've now been in Germany during the Weimar Republic and WWII , plus France during WWII. I was traveling with a real Jewish bookstore owner whose memoir was originally published in French in 1945. It's recently been translated into English under the title A Bookshop in Berlin: The Rediscovered Memoir of One Woman's Harrowing Escape from the Nazis.

It's great that we're finally getting to read her in English. See my review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Kamlesh]

Hi Friends,

Trust you are doing well.

By way of introduction, I am Kamlesh Kaltari - a Chartered Accountant by profession and traveler by passion.

Happy to share that I have penned down my 1st ebook titled "Tenu Main 'Leh' Javanga - Journey of 8 ordinary men". This is based on my recent travel to Leh Ladakh - a road trip with friends. It is a small attempt from my side to promote traveling through this eBook.

Through this book, I want to inspire readers to:
1. explore new places;
2. re-connect with near and dear ones;
3. apply learnings from experiences had;
4. crave for funny/ light moments;
5. take up new hobbies; and
6. enjoy life to the fullest.

Link of the book

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07Y5PZ46F

I would request you to take out some time to read my book and share your feedback/ reviews.

Also, if you can spread the joy around by sharing the book link
within your network, if possible.

Best Regards,
Kamlesh.