Hi all,
When I travel abroad I like to read at least one book about the country I am visiting, ideally written by an author from that country. Fiction or nonfiction, but ideally fiction. I am going to France, Germany, and the Netherlands in a couple weeks and I’m looking for a book that isn’t a huge bummer. A lot of European literature that I’m familiar with is primarily about mass death or antisemitism or other human misery, and right now that isn’t what I need. German literature in particular seems pretty bleak. I recently finished A Place of Greater Safety, and that book is terrific (pun intended) but I don’t want to start in on something just as sad.
I’m not looking for fluff, I’m just trying to find something a little lighter.
Thanks in advance!
by smokedoor5
3 Comments
Safekeep – Yael Van Der Wouden (Dutch), not all sunshine and rainbows, but it’s set post WW2 so a lot of themes about healing and facing past mistakes. Most of the book centres around the electrifying dynamics between two women who have to put up with each other for awhile.
Obviously not contemporary, but Alexandre Dumas is wonderful! Personally I’ve only read Count of Monte Cristo, but have heard great things about his other works too. Fun and quite accessible for their age (and sometimes length haha)
Crossings by Alex Landragin. I recommend the reading in the Baroness sequence.