Explore the World from Your Armchair... Via a Good Read
Strap on your reading glasses, folks! We've got a lockdown itinerary lined up that'll transport you from the comfort of your couch. Let's take a literary voyage without the long airport lines and excessive luggage fees.
First stop: Venice, Italy. Fancy moving yourself from house arrest to house ABANDELONI? Give Donna Leon's murder-mystery series a whirl. As our inspector Brunetti strolls through the winding streets and canals, you'll be sipping cappuccino alongside him while listening to the exotic local dialect. Proving that sometimes the journey is just as thrilling as the destination, the intriguing mysteries coupled with the vibrant Venetian ambiance make this series a must-read.
Next up: Rome, Italy. Ngaio Marsh's "When in Rome" will have you spinning tales of basilicas, crypts, and bustling city streets in the 1960s. The 2,000-year-old history peeks out like layers of a cake from the ancient crypt to the burly contemporary Rome, leaving you breathless and eager for more. Gladiators and Mithras, side by side!
Then we're hopping over to Vienna, Austria. With Edmund de Waal's "The Hare with Amber Eyes," immerse yourself in a charming blend of family memoir and art history. Join de Waal in exploring the Wiener Moderne, a time when Vienna's cultural scene was dazzling. By the way, did we mention the bit where you inherit an exotic collection of 264 Japanese netsuke that serve as your tour guide in Vienna?
Lastly, strap on your hiking boots for an adventure across the Appalachian Trail in the USA! Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" recounts his and his lesser-fit (and endearing) companion's attempt to traverse this 2,200-mile trail. Some retail therapy, historic sites, a bit of wilderness, and even a sprinkling of serial killers... yeah, that should hold your interest!
So, pack your imagination and off you go! Travel the globe from your armchair while keeping the spirits of lockdown at bay. Happy (virtual) travels!
Without Further Ado: Escape the Four Walls
- Stick it out in Venice with "The Assassin of Venice" by Alyssa Palombo, an intriguing historical mystery featuring espionage, intrigue, and politics.
- Get lost in the sensuous intrigue of "Venetian Blood" by Christine Volker, a gripping murder mystery set in the beautiful city of Venice.
- In Rome, delve into the fascinating world of Italian crime fiction by authors such as Andrea Camilleri and the adaptations of Italian crime dramas like "Pale Mountains: Murder in the Italian Alps."
- Give "A Quiet Death in Italy" by Tom Benjamin a shot for a politically charged murder mystery that captures the essence of Bologna.
- For a blend of memoir and historical exploration, look into the lives and cultural heritage of Vienna's artistic or historic figures.
- Inspired to explore different vistas during lockdown? Dive into Italian and European travel memoirs, each capturing the unique charm of various destinations.
Our new mottos: "From couch to Cuba" and "Thread those cobblestones, we'll take it street by street in Venice" have never sounded better! So pack your bags and armchair, set sail for your next adventure. When life gives you lemons, make lemon granita and read your way through Europe!
embedded in a captivating murder mystery, delve into "The Venetian Miracle" by Alyssa Palombo for an espionage-filled adventure set against the backdrop of Venice's grandeur.
transport yourself to the allure of the Italian Riviera with the insightful travel memoir, "Under the Tuscan Myth" by Frances Mayes. Follow her journey as she discovers the hidden gems tucked away along the picturesque coastline, all without leaving your living room.
