Top Ten Tuesday – Books for Armchair Travellers
Today’s Top Ten Tuesday is an interesting topic. When I started thinking about this week’s Top Ten Tuesday – Books for Armchair Travellers post, I was curious to see what variety of books and genres I could include on this post.
When I mentioned this in my Sunday Summary at the weekend, I shared my suspicion that I’d feature a lot of historical fiction here. However, I think I’ve got a respectable mix! Yes, there are four of ten on this list that fit in that category. However, I’ve also got non-fiction, mysteries and literary fiction on the list.
Curious to see what made the cut? Let’s take a look!
Books for Armchair Travellers
Literary Fiction
The Great Passage
Based in Japan, The Great Passage is a fun literary fiction that gave me some real insight into Japanese culture.
I really enjoyed this book recently. If, like me, you read more in the way of westernised books and settings, The Great Passage is an eye-opener. This also appeals to fans of books, words and language. That’s what drew me to the book. As a lover of language and the meaning of words, a protagonist who shares that passion is a refreshing change. Whether the culture or the plot of this book appeals, its a fabulous read for anyone looking to read outside of their normal parameters.
Historical Fiction
The Saxon Stories
Events of The Saxon Stories span the entirety of the United Kingdom. Whilst that’s not really much in the way of exploration for me, there are readers checking out my blog that don’t live quite as close as I do.
What I also love about this series is that it doesn’t stay in one place for long. Throughout the series, travel itself is a significant part of the narrative – and its not forced. The nature of the storyline has the protagonist Untried up and down the country on a regular basis. Sometimes at King Alfred’s request, other times… not.
I’m only seven books into this thirteen book series and already Bernard Cornwell’s set a precedent for the rest of the books.
All the Light We Cannot See
Set across European soil, All the Light We Cannot See spans two main protagonists and a few chapters from Marie-Laure’s father.
This World War II fiction novel is split predominantly across France and Germany, although the characters also move around somewhat. The biggest draw for me into this narrative is reading the perspective from a blind character. I’ve read a lot of WWII books, but it’s completely different visualising an unfamiliar place not from the appearances, but from it’s feel, distance judged by paces and drain covers and by its smells.
It’s very unique, and it was my favourite part of the narrative.
Warrior Prince
Most Viking stories I’ve read are set in the UK and I’ve already featured one of those here. However, Warrior Price is set across Eastern Europe including Russia. In the grand scheme of things, it makes sense that the UK isn’t the only landmass the Vikings would travel to. There well-known travellers after all!
Warrior Prince is a totally different setting, but one that really works. We have all the action and drama, battles and conflict we expect from the Vikings. However, there’s an extent of political intrigue in Warrior Prince as well.
Three Sisters
A traditional WWII historical fiction set in the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp in Poland. Heather Morris does a fantastic job of memorialising the stories of individuals who suffered through the atrocities that took place here. It’s a tough one to do well. It’s a difficult subject to tackle, but Heather does a fantastic job.
Of course, Heather has written all the books as part of this series, so if it’s a rabbit hole you enjoy exploring (like I do), then this is definitely up your alley!
Mystery/Thriller
The Atlantis Covenant
I confess, I didn’t expect to feature mysteries/thriller novels on this list. However, a recent read of The Atlantis Covenant makes this book an easy pick. The events of this particular book, and the characters involved, span the globe.
Some secrets managed to survive across the globe and an international effort from UK, US and other national citizens globetrot to uncover lost history and civilisations.
Eruption
A high octane read if you want to explore the isles of the United States, is Eruption by Michael Crichton.
Bonus points if you love reading how the geography of a place like Hawaii could be devastated by a volcanic eruption. As someone who went to Iceland last year and indulged in museum visits and learning more about the power of mother nature, eruption suited me.
In Eruption we roam volcanoes on foot and fly over partial eruptions in daring helicopter pursuits. Dare-devils be warned, you’ve met your match in John MacGregor.
Non-Fiction
The Woman Who Would be King
Pre-historic Africa also features on today’s Top Ten Tuesday – Books for Armchair Travellers.
The Woman Who Would be King is the story of Hatshepsut, an unusual figure in history. One of just a few female pharaohs of her time, she ruled for around twenty years. Egypt prospered under her reign. Whilst her successors and history has not been so kind to her, she is one of the best-known female Pharoahs for her feats and the countries prosperity under her rule.
Twelve Years a Slave
Set in South America, Twelve Years a Slave tells the story of Solomon Northup, born a free American man. That’s not to last, however. He is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Hard labour and cruel conditions mark the next 12 years of Solomon’s life.
Deep South America, particularly Louisiana, is the feature of this book. Solomon spends his servitude in lumber mills, cotton fields and sugar plantations. He has many owners before he is able to secure his release via his family.
A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
This books features on this list in a way the others don’t – I haven’t read this one. Rather, I was recommended this book by a colleague Isabelle at work at lunchtime. Whilst Izzy is more of a quiet reader than I am, I’ve taken a few recommendations from her now.
This book is about murders that take place in Rome. I don’t know much more than that, but I’m intrigued. I hope it catches your eye too…
Summary
Whilst I haven’t managed to quite span the 7 continents in this Top Ten Tuesday – Books for Armchair Travellers post, we’re pretty close. Not only that, but I’ve done so with a variety of book and genres.
Regardless of your preferred genres or types of books, I think there’s something here for most readers.
Where is your next book adventure taking you?
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