By Ashley Rands, Marketing
Do you ever find yourself yearning to travel to far-off lands, but life’s obligations tether you to your current surroundings? Fear not, for literature has the power to transport you to distant places without ever leaving the comfort of your armchair. Immerse yourself in the vibrant streets of Paris, the mystical landscapes of Japan, or the bustling markets of Morocco through the pages of books set in these captivating locations. Here are some recommendations to satiate your wanderlust and ignite your imagination. Get ready for some literary travel.
Paris, France
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
Dive into the bohemian world of 1920s Paris with The Paris Wife. This novel follows the tumultuous relationship between Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson, amidst the backdrop of the City of Light. Experience the cafes of Montparnasse, the winding streets of Montmartre, and the artistic fervor of the Left Bank.
Someday in Paris by Olivia Lara
If you are a fan of happily ever after then pick this book up now. Zara and Leon first meet in a small French museum but the power was out and they never saw each other. Their journey of love takes the course of 20 years as they are thrown into each other’s path by so many coincidences but cruel fate as other plans for them.
The Cardinal’s Blades by Pierre Pevel
This book is part historical, and part fantasy. If you like dragons and lizardmen and swashbuckling high-action adventure then this book is for you. Pierre Pevel has woven some of the best-loved fantasy tropes – musketeer-style adventuring, daring swordsmen, political intrigue, non-stop action and dragons – into a stunning new fantasy series.
Japan
The Street of a Thousand Blossoms
by Gail Tsukiyama
This is a story about two brothers, set in 1939. One brother is all about sumo wrestling, while the other is enthralled with the art of Noh theater masks. If you are interested in learning more about these two very Japanese traditions while following the life of these brothers then be sure to add this to your TBR list.
In the Realm of Ash and Sorrow
by Kenneth Harmon
Set right before the bombing of Hiroshima, Micah Lund dies suddenly as his bombing plane crashes over Japan. His spirit remains trapped. Micah starts to learn more of the enemy and begins to fall in love with a young Japanese mother. Will Micah ever be able to rest in peace?
Daughter of the Empire
by Raymond E Feist
Magic and murder engulf the realm of Kelewan. Fierce warlords ignite a bitter blood feud to enslave the empire of Tsuranuanni. While in the opulent Imperial courts, assassins and spy-master plot cunning and devious intrigues against the rightful heir. Now Mara, a young, untested Ruling lady, is called upon to lead her people in a heroic struggle for survival. But first she must rally an army of rebel warriors, form a pact with the alien cho-ja, and marry the son of a hated enemy. Only then can Mara face her most dangerous foe of all–in his own impregnable stronghold. An epic tale of adventure and intrigue.
Memoirs of a Geisha
by Arthur Golden
Transport yourself to the enchanting world of Kyoto’s Gion district with Memoirs of a Geisha. Follow the journey of Chiyo, who rises from poverty to become one of Japan’s most celebrated geishas. Golden’s vivid descriptions evoke the beauty of Kyoto’s cherry blossom-lined streets and the intricate rituals of geisha culture.
Morocco
The Salt Road by Jane Johnson
When Isabelle’s archaeologist father, whom she’s been estranged from, passes away, he leaves her a cryptic inheritance—a box containing papers and a mysterious African amulet whose significance is unknown. As Isabelle delves into her father’s past during a trip to Morocco, she discovers the origin of the amulet. However, she narrowly escapes death due to the amulet’s damage. Taib, her rescuer, steps in and offers his assistance in unraveling the artifact’s history.
The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles
Lose yourself in the exotic allure of Marrakech, Morocco with The Sheltering Sky. This haunting novel follows an American couple as they journey through North Africa, immersing themselves in the mysteries of the desert and the labyrinthine streets of Marrakech. Bowles’ prose captures the sensory overload of the city’s souks and the timeless beauty of the Sahara.
The Caliph’s House by Tahir Shah
Embark on a literary journey through modern-day Marrakech with Tahir Shah’s memoir. The Caliph’s House recounts Shah’s experiences renovating a crumbling mansion in the heart of the city, offering insight into Moroccan culture and the complexities of expatriate life.
Indulge your wanderlust and embark on literary travel adventures to far-flung destinations through the pages of these captivating books. Whether you dream of strolling along the Seine in Paris or getting lost in the medina of Marrakech, let your imagination soar as you explore the world through the power of storytelling. Happy reading, and bon voyage!
