Ten books that will take you around the world

To celebrate World Book Day on April 23, we at Civitatis would like to share with you a selection of 10 books that transport readers to dazzling destinations.

If you’re passionate about literature and travel, this article may inspire your next escapade. So, calling all readers, let’s read!

The Island by Victoria Hislop

There are many books that can help you escape reality and discover the world, but what better way to do so than to go back to your roots? This is just what Victoria Hislop does with her book The Island. The author invites you to follow in the footsteps of a young Englishwoman who travels to Greece to discover the history of her family past. Her journey will take her to the island of Spinalonga, in Crete, where a colony of lepers once lived…

If after devouring this book you have an urge to further satisfy your curiosity, you should know that it’s now possible to visit the island of Spinalonga to learn more about the island’s dark past.

On the Wandering Paths by Sylvain Tesson

Let’s continue this discovery of cultures and territories in literature with On the Wandering Paths by Sylvain Tesson. The author, a seasoned world traveler, brings us on a journey walking from the southeast to the northwest of France.

This voyage takes readers into rural France, such as on the wild paths of the Ardèche, a region that you may be familiar with thanks to the famous town of Vallon-Pont-d’Arc; or through the green valleys of Normandy, better known for the stunning Mont-Saint-Michel than for the endless rolling plains and farmland. This invitation to travel across France will certainly make you want to explore these numerous pastoral territories for yourself!

How to Live Japanese by Yutaka Yazawa

Are you a fan of Japan? Through his book How to Live Japanese, Yutaka Yazawa, from Tokyo, reveals everything you need to know about his culture. The author gives you the secrets of the perfect balance between tradition and modernity.

Through Japanese cuisine, philosophy of life, cultural identity, and many other aspects, this book will immerse you in the best this country has to offer. Soak up the spirit of Japan in the ultimate insider’s guide!

The Braid by Laetitia Colombani

Through the intertwined destinies of three women, Laetitia Colombani takes you back and forth between Montreal (Canada), Palermo (a town in Sicily, Italy), and a village in northern India. The Braid will take you on a journey into the lives of Sarah, Guilia, and Smita, who are undeniably linked in unequal and patriarchal societies.

You’ll be moved by the courage and solidarity of these three women of the world who, thousands of kilometers away from each other, are in the same fight for equality.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

In his novel The Alchemist, Paulo Cohelo invites us to dream. By making his protagonist travel in search of a treasure, the author turns the life of Santiago, a nomadic shepherd, upside down. His pilgrimage, from his native Andalusia (Spain) through Tarifa, Tangier, and the Sahara desert to the pyramids of Giza in Egypt, will be marked by hardships, but also great discoveries…

An intimate and moving journey that leads to a profound reflection on the meaning of life and one’s soul.

Prayers for the Stolen by Jennifer Clement

Our next destination is Mexico with the book Prayers for the Stolen, a novel by Jennifer Clément. The author tells the story of Ladydi, a 14 year old who lives with her mother in the Guerrero mountains, a region where drug cartels are rampant. In this cruel world where most of the men have left in search of a better life, the women have to fight for their own safety. The mothers decide to disguise their daughters so that they won’t be “stolen” by the drug dealers.

This novel, with its striking and poetic language, will simultaneously make you think and keep you on the edge of your seat. You’ll be carried away by its touching portraits of women whose daily lives are marked by violence.

The Tango Singer by Tomás Eloy Martínez

The next stop on our literary world tour is in Argentina, the land of tango. Tomás Eloy Martínez, in The Tango Singer, immerses you in the bustling city of Buenos Aires. It tells the story of an American music student researching the life of a famous tango singer.

This novel will take you on a journey to the birthplace of tango, as you follow this deeply human story. You’ll visit places like the Club del Vino and the La Recoleta neighborhood with its famous cemetery while reading this novel. And if you travel to Buenos Aires, you’ll have to attend a tango show at the Palacio Tango or the Tango Porteño theater…

On the Road by Jack Kerouac

Writer and poet Jack Kerouac brings us On the Road, a novel protagonized by Dean Moriarty, who decides to travel the United States in search of a new way of life.

This novel, a real invitation to travel, will allow you to cross the United States and discover a very particular philosophy of life: the need for independence, freedom, and creativity. Dean Moriarty and Sal Paradise, the protagonists of this novel, revolt against the moral hypocrisy of America and decide to go on a road-trip through this vast country. Sal, a young academic and writer’s apprentice living with his aunt in New Jersey, dreams of travel. He meets Dean, from the West Coast, and together they scour the bars of New York philosophizing and planning to meet in Denver. That’s where the adventure begins!

The Time in Between by María Dueñas

The Time In Between by María Dueñas transports readers to Casablanca (Morocco). Just like Casablanca, the novel is rich in culture, history, and vibrant settings. The book ocurrs against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, World War II, and the post-war period, taking readers on a journey that spans continents and cultures. With vivid descriptions of bustling bazaars, narrow alleyways, and sprawling cities, the novel captures the essence of the city.

The novel follows the story of a young seamstress named Sira Quiroga, who is thrown into a world of espionage and danger after being abandoned by her lover. On the edge of your seat, you’ll be immersed in a vibrant blend of cultures, explore historic landmarks, and learn about Morocco’s delicious cuisine.

No Word from Gurb by Eduardo Mendoza

What better way to discover a culture than from the point of view of an alien landing on Earth? This is what Eduardo Mendoza proposes in his novel No Word from Gurb.

Two aliens land for a research mission. Where? Planet Earth. The subject of study? Humans. This novel takes the form of a logbook, written by one of the two alien researchers. Gurb, the other alien, lands in Barcelona, Spain, but loses his way after a few hours. Then, the narrator is forced to go looking for him and ends up exploring Barcelona. The perfect opportunity to learn more about Spanish society, its customs and habits, all in a very humorous tone. You’ll be captivated by the quirky alien narrator who wanders around this legendary city looking for his sidekick.