Which Novels to Pack for a Trip Abroad and Where to Read Them
14 May 2021
In terms of travel, 2021 still looks like it might go either way. The best-case scenario is that we get the green light for a journey to a picturesque destination. The worst case results in ending up at a last available bed and breakfast. Regardless, we must prepare ourselves with abundant reading material, making this summer potentially a spectacular time for literature. From splashy debuts to notable releases by established authors, here’s our guide to what to read and where to enjoy it.
The Spanish City Break
Barcelona Dreaming by Rupert Thomson
This novel immerses you in Catalonia’s beautiful capital, painting vivid scenes of the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The stories build, cleverly linked into a beguiling love letter to this great city.
The European Train Journey
To The End Of The World: Travels With Oscar Wilde by Rupert Everett
This memoir showcases Rupert Everett’s writing prowess as he cross continents to realize his passion project, detailing delightful experiences across various European cities.
The New York City Caper
Luster by Raven Leilani
The novel revolves around a young black painter entangled in an unconventional love affair in the bustling heart of New York, exploring themes of identity and relationships through a vivid narrative.
The Greek Island Getaway
A Theatre for Dreamers by Polly Samson
Samson crafts an impressionistic world filled with nostalgia, embodying the essence of bohemian life on the Greek island of Hydra during the 1960s, evoking memories of carefree summer days.
The Scottish Escapade
Sea State by Tabitha Lasley
In her candid memoir, Lasley explores the Scottish offshore oil rigs while presenting an intimate portrait of the people living in the shadows of Britain’s periphery.
The Take-Anywhere Summer Smash Hit
No One is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood
Lockwood’s debut novel dissects modern internet culture and its impact on personal tragedy, providing an insightful look at contemporary communication in a beautifully fragmented style.
The Coastal Retreat
Second Place by Rachel Cusk
This novel revolves around a middle-aged woman’s intricate reflections on existence and art, set against the backdrop of a coastal cottage where a famous artist is invited.
The Roman Holiday
Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
Though unnamed, the city is recognizably Rome, serving as a contemplative backdrop for Lahiri’s poignant exploration of isolation and introspection through her exquisite prose.
The Weekend in Berlin
The Hiding Game by Naomi Wood
Wood’s atmospheric novel unveils the complex relationships of six friends at the Bauhaus art school in the bustling 1920s, set against the impending darkness looming over Europe.
