Around The World in 80 Books 2020-2023

[Angela]

The Cellist of Sarajevo is also an excellent book.

[Angela]

Having just finished Honourby Elif Shafak for the World Book Night challenge, I would also like to count it for this challenge - to be added on the map for Turkey.

[Ian]

Angela wrote: "Having just finished Honourby Elif Shafak for the World Book Night challenge, I would also like to count it for this challenge - to be added on the map for Turkey."

Added to the map

[Ian]

And I've just finished Small Wars. Set in Cyprus in the 1950s, tells the story of the troubles in Cyprus and the British army response. A bit thin in parts but some interesting insights into that period. Characterisation and themes could have been better developed - had more potential than the finsihed product revealed.

[Angela]

Oops - I forgot to add Small Wars to my list. I enjoyed revisiting Cyprus whilst reading it, but the story was unsatisfying. Just starting our next RG choice: Liberty by Garrison Keillor - fingers crossed!

[Sue]

Scotland: The Ice Twins Sad. Story of a twin who dies and the effect on the family, who move to a remote part of Skye. Part ghost story. Good read with lots to think about.

[Sue]

Iran. The Temporary Bride. A memoir of food and love. Interesting insight into the culture and cuisine. As a veggie I found some of the descriptions a bit difficult and I would put on so much weight with the sweets! Despite that I enjoyed this cross between romance, cookbook and travelogue.

[Ian]

Sue wrote: "Iran. The Temporary Bride. A memoir of food and love. Interesting insight into the culture and cuisine. As a veggie I found some of the descriptions a bit difficult and I would put..."

Thanks Sue - you are the first visitor to Iran on this challenge - you have been added to the map - link here to see it. Looking much busier now. http://www.mapcustomizer.com/map/Read...

[Sue]

Sure is, Ian. Wonder who'll be the first to get to South America? Don't think it will be me with my current library stash!

[Ian]

Sue wrote: "Sure is, Ian. Wonder who'll be the first to get to South America? Don't think it will be me with my current library stash!"

I'm expecting to head that way shortly. Watch this space

[Sue]

Albania (and Washington DC) but claiming Albania: Sworn Virgin. Over time have read 3 books based in Albania and each one makes me want to go there more! This novel is about a clever girl, brought up by grandparents in the mountains of the north. As there is no male in the family and does not want an arranged marriage she becomes, according to custom, a man- a sworn virgin. She eventually agrees to go to US to her cousin and has to reclaim her femininity, her identity and her name. Brilliant portrayal of life in both countries.

[Angela]

Just completed Liberty by G Keillor, set in small-townn Minnesota, USA. The story hinges around preparations for the annual 4th July parade.

[Ellen]

Another few to add to my list for this challenge:
Bel Cantoby Ann Patchett, set in a small, un-named Central American country (if you put Central America into mapcustomizer it puts the pin in Nicaragua so that'll do!). An interesting story about a set of kidnappers and hostages held during a siege.
A Guide to the Birds of East Africa. Nicholas Drayson by Nicholas Drayson. Set in Nairobi, Kenya. A fun romp in the style of McCall-Smith's No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, but a lot better!
The Tiger's Wife byTéa Obreht. Set in an un-named Balkan country. The "City" is very obviously similar to Belgrade, Serbia so that's what I've put on my map. Although the locations are fictional it is very obviously recognisable as the Balkans and various places are very obviously styled on real towns in the former Yugoslavia. It's a great read- full of myths and legends interwoven into the story.
The Free by Willy Vlautin. Set in Washington state, USA. A tragic story about a young Vietnam veteran who after being injured in the war ends up in a home for disabled men. He tries to commit suicide and ends up in hospital. The story revolves around his stay in hospital and interweaves the lives of the nurse who cares for him there, the night carer at his home, and his mother and girlfriend. You get a really interesting insight into their lives and circumstances as the main character lies unconscious in hospital. It is a very clever way of telling the story, and alongside the real lives you get the unconscious dreams/nightmares that the main character lives through in his drug-induced coma in hospital. I won't tell you how it ends. A very good read- I would recommend it! I'm going to look up more by this author as I enjoyed this one so much.

[Ian]

Angela wrote: "Just completed Liberty by G Keillor, set in small-townn Minnesota, USA. The story hinges around preparations for the annual 4th July parade."

Sue wrote: "Albania (and Washington DC) but claiming Albania: Sworn Virgin. Over time have read 3 books based in Albania and each one makes me want to go there more! This novel is about a cle..."

Ahh The first Albania entry

[Ian]

Angela wrote: "Just completed Liberty by G Keillor, set in small-townn Minnesota, USA. The story hinges around preparations for the annual 4th July parade."

added to the map

[Ian]

Ellen wrote: "Another few to add to my list for this challenge:
Bel Cantoby Ann Patchett, set in a small, un-named Central American country (if you put Central America into mapcustom..."

Thought youd been quiet for a while Ellen! A great selection and good to know you have your own map too.

[Emily]

'Weep Not, Child' is the second novel by Ngugi wa Thiong'o (published in 1962) and set in Kenya during a time of political turmoil and trauma. The story is told through the coming-of-age eyes of Njoroge, a young boy growing up to witness the intertwined tragedy of both a country and a family. Conflicting loyalties, trust and love all play a part in this short but complex novel. There is humour, too.

Ngugi is one of Africa's most respected writers; he went on to publish 'Petals of Blood', 'The Wizard of the Crow' and several plays, short stories and memoirs. He originally wrote in English but now writes in Gikuyu: a bold and political decision which amplifies the multi-layered theme of power relationships that so often figure in his work. A highly recommended novel and author.

[Angela]

Hi Emily -I have read and enjoyed The Wizard of the Crow,so it's good to have another recommendation for this author. Hope to see you again soon at the Bideford bookshop event.

[Emily]

Hi Angela.Good to know that you enjoyed The Wizard of the Crow....I'm looking forward to reading it. I hope you are well - look forward to seeing you up in Bideford.

[Ellen]

Read Jo Nesbo's The Snowman, as previously mentioned on this thread, it's one of his best. Set in Oslo, Norway.
Also just finished A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka. It's mostly set in the UK but it's a lot about Ukrainia so that's where I'm sticking my pin for this one.

[Alison]

I've just finished The Language of Hoofbeats by Catherine Hyde. It's set in the small, remote town of Easley, California. It's a heartwarming tale that, if a little predictable, was none-the-less well written and kept me drawn in and wanting to read more. The story is told from the perspective of 2 characters - Jackie; who is married to Paula and mum to adopted Quinn and foster mum to Armando and Star, and Clementine; the old, unlikeable neighbour across the road. The author covers the difficulties of fostering children with troubled backgrounds well, as well as human behaviours linked to loneliness, mental heath etc. really well and you grow to understand and empathise with Clem, sympathise with Star, feel anger at social injustices that amount to racial discrimination, and more. I enjoyed this book.

[Ian]

Ellen wrote: "Read Jo Nesbo's The Snowman, as previously mentioned on this thread, it's one of his best. Set in Oslo, Norway.
Also just finished [book:A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian|8283..."

Glad the Snowman was good. Our book group read The Bat earlier this year (the first in the Harry Hole series) and it was pretty poor. I swore not to read another - can you tempt me back? I read A short history of tractores some years ago and loved it.

[Ian]

Alison wrote: "I've just finished The Language of Hoofbeats by Catherine Hyde. It's set in the small, remote town of Easley, California. It's a heartwarming tale that, if a little predictable, was none-the-less..."

Sounds good - and timely to start expanding the group's reach into the US. Added to the map

[Sue]

France. Not Quite Nice by Celia Imrie. It is described as 'a romp' which is what it was but an enjoyable one. A tale of ex-pats living by the sea not far from Nice, most coping with grown-up children.
Ireland. The Commitments. Group of lads form a soul group. Funny in parts but I just couldnt hear the accent. On to the second part of the trilogy!

[Ian]

Sue wrote: "France. Not Quite Nice by Celia Imrie. It is described as 'a romp' which is what it was but an enjoyable one. A tale of ex-pats living by the sea not far from Nice, most coping wit..."

NOt familiar with the first but had heard of her second though havent read it.

[Ellen]

Read Six and a Half Deadly Sins, another Dr Siri Paboum story from Colin Cotterill. Set in Laos this completes my little tour of east asia. The story is set around the ageing ex-national coroner of Laos and the "sins" referred to in the title are "pha sins", the colourful traditional woven skirts of Laos. Dr Siri is sent a pha sin with a finger sewn into the hem and has to unravel the clues to solve the case. Colourful and sensitive view of the crazy socialist regime included! It helps if you've read the preceeding books in the Dr Siri series.

[Ian]

Ellen wrote: "Read Six and a Half Deadly Sins, another Dr Siri Paboum story from Colin Cotterill. Set in Laos this completes my little tour of east asia. The story is set around t..."

Congratulations on completing Asia! I think that makes an amazing 29 books already towards this challenge. An interesting sounding book. Have added to the map

[Sue]

Bringing up my no 20 is Wales. . Well this book is absolutely beautiful. Life in a quiet valley through the generations in 153 pages.

[Ellen]

One to add to South America, Guyana (I had to look up where that was in the world when I first picked up the book!): Sly Company of People Who Care by Rahul Bhattacharya. It was a wonderfully evocative part travelogue/part romance. The style it is written in is interesting: partly in English, partly in the Guyanese creolese/pigeon English/dialect. Makes it very atmospheric, and the ending is just heart-breaking... such a good read!

[Ian]

Ellen wrote: "One to add to South America, Guyana (I had to look up where that was in the world when I first picked up the book!): Sly Company of People Who Care by [author:Rahul Bhattacharya|467..."

Both those books mapped Ellen and Sue - thanks for the reviews

[Ian]

Just finished A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz. A jacket cover comment says "It gives off the unmistakeable whiff of a book that might just contain the secret of life."

It is a wonderful book, though hard to describe. Set in Australia, it is largely narrated by Jasper, initially as a boy, then as an adult but one section is from the perspective of his father. It focuses on his bizarre relationship with his father and uncle (the latter gaining notoriety after a high profile campaign of murdering cheats and hypocrties, after starting life with huge promise as a sportsman - whilst central to the story, this is actually a small part of the narrative). How does the family live with this notoriety? Why did the brother switch from a life of sporting promise to one of such high profile criminality? The impact on Jasper and his father is far reaching.

The story is funny (honestly), acutely observed, incisive, and very thought-provoking. The relationships and events that are narrated are, at times, surreal but the story keeps moving at pace and is an easy read. It does weigh in at 710 pages though, so settle in for quite a journey.

I would thoroughly recommend this if you like to read something unconventional. It is a book that will stay with you for quite a while after closing the cover.

Steve Toltz has just published his second novel. I shall certainly read it.

[Ellen]

by Lawrence Osborne. Set in Morroco. A couple drive through the desert to the house of friends in Morocco for a weekend party. On the way they have an accident and knock over a local boy... the story follows their actions and consequences for all involved. The characters are wonderfully developed and the story shows different sides of each character so it is easy to feel empathy for even the worst characters. This author was a Mr B's recommendation- well worth the read!

[Ellen]

Ian wrote: "Just finished A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz. A jacket cover comment says "It gives off the unmistakeable whiff of a book that might just contain the secret o..."
That sounds an interesting read, Ian, thanks for the review- I'll add that to my ever-growing list! :-)

[Ian]

Ellen wrote: "Ian wrote: "Just finished A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz. A jacket cover comment says "It gives off the unmistakeable whiff of a book that might just contain ..."

Id be interested to know if anyone else has read it - a truly unusual book and I suspect ot to everyone's taste but I loved it.

[Alison]

Thanks for the review Ellen - I've added it to my to read list!

[Ellen]

Here's another one to add to the map for Nassau, The Bahamas: by Kate Furnivall. I very much enjoyed it and I've written a little more about it under the Summer Challenge #5

[Sue]

Egypt - . Story about the servant of Lady Duff-Gordon, when they go to Egypt for health reasons. Based on the letters home of LDG. Light reading and interesting details of the country.

[Ian]

Sue wrote: "Egypt - . Story about the servant of Lady Duff-Gordon, when they go to Egypt for health reasons. Based on the letters home of LDG. Light reading and int..."

Thanks Sue - on the map! Where are you travelling next?

[Sue]

Currently in Ireland with but have already been there for this challenge!

[Ellen]

Albania: byElvira Dones. One that Sue recommended on this thread- thanks for that, Sue, it was an interesting read :-)

[Ian]

Sue wrote: "Currently in Ireland with but have already been there for this challenge!"

Ahh - Ive never read him but have Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha on my shelf and ready to go

[Ellen]

Beau-Bassin, Mauritius: "The Last Brother" by Nathacha Appanah. A moving story about a little boy's brief friendship with a Jewish refugee boy interned on Mauritius in 1943 during WW2.

Also Mexico: "Down the Rabbit Hole" by Juan Pablo Villalobos. An odd story about a Mexican drug baron's son that shows how children can become accustomed to violence and atrocity without any understanding of it being wrong. Shows childhood innocence in an interesting light.

[Ian]

Ellen wrote: "Beau-Bassin, Mauritius: "The Last Brother" by Nathacha Appanah. A moving story about a little boy's brief friendship with a Jewish refugee boy i..."

Ive heard of Villalobos but never read him - will have a look at some point. I love South american writers - often such a different take on life

[Ellen]

Yemen, Middle East: "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" by Paul Torday
At first it seems a ridiculous concept as a story (introducing salmon fishing to the desert wadis of Yemen) but he somehow makes it believable and humorous!

[Ellen]

Florida Keys, U.S.A. "Summertime" by Vanessa Lafaye. Story of the great hurricane of Labor Day 1935 that struck Florida Keys and the WW1 veterans on a bridge-building program who'd been abandoned by the authorities and left to fend for themselves in the storm...

[Ellen]

Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil: "The Spies" by Luis Fernando Verissimo. An odd screwball comedy set in Brazil. A publisher is sent the first chapter of a book which intrigues him... the story results in him falling in love with the idea of the author of this mysterious manuscript and fearing she is in danger he sends a series of spies to her home town before following himself... I found it a short, easy read but a bit bizarre. It is translated from the Portuguese so perhaps something is lost in translation.. either that or I just don't get Latin American humour...

[Ian]

Ellen wrote: "Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil: "The Spies" by Luis Fernando Verissimo. An odd screwball comedy set in Brazil. A publisher is sent the first chapter of a bo..."

I like quirky - added to my list - and to the map of course

[Angela]

Just completed Canada by the Pulitzer prize-winning author Richard Ford. An amazing beast of a book which chronicles the build up to, and fallout from, an event which rips apart a small,rather insular family in 1960.The writing is beautiful and poignant.
Please place on the map in south western Saskatchewan, between the towns of Medicine Hat and Swift Current.

[Ian]

Angela wrote: "Just completed Canada by the Pulitzer prize-winning author Richard Ford. An amazing beast of a book which chronicles the build up to, and fallout from, an event which rips apart a s..."

Well, talk about demanding in mapping terms! I have plotted it at Piapot, which is half way between the two towns. Sounds like a good book. I haev heard good things about it. Think it was Sonia, who first recommended it on these pages some months ago

[Ellen]

Cephalonia (Kefalonia?), Greece: Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières. I actually listened to this one as an Audible audio-book read by Michael Maloney. Maloney did a fabulous job of the reading- absolutely superb. It was a good one to listen to as I would never have been able to correctly pronounce all the Greek and Italian names etc and he made it seem so natural and fluent. The story itself has gone straight to near the top of my best-books-ever list and I can't believe I have never picked up this book before. I highly recommend it as a "must-read" if you've never read it before!