Mornings In Jenin by Susan Abulhawa.
This promises to be a multi-generational epic about a Palestinian family after 1948. Whilst I was at university completing my psychology degree, I took a module in International Politics with an inspirational professor and have been interested in the Israel-Palestine conflict ever since. Plus, this comes recommended by Michael Palin, which is always a bonus!
Minaret by Leila Aboulela
I've heard good things about Aboulela's writing and have decided to start with Minaret, the story of Najwa, a cleaner in London who was once part of a wealthy family in the Sudan. I have high hopes for this one, it promises to deal with the immigrant experience, romance and religious awakening.
The House of The Mosque by Kader Abdolah
This novel starts in Iran in 1950 and follows the life of an ordinary family in a country that is on the verge of revolution. I must admit that my knowledge of the Iranian revolution is based mainly on Persepolis, so I'm hoping that this book will give me another perspective.
The Novel In The Viola by Natasha Solomons
And now for something completely different - the story of a Jewish refugee in 1930s London who becomes a maid and falls in love with the owner of the grand country house she works in. I've bought this one purely based on the similarity of the plot with Eva Ibbotson's The Secret Countess, which I adored. I'm hoping this will be a lovely escapist reading experience.
I believe it's published as something else in America, something Tyneford?
Once I finish my backlog of library books, I'm looking forward to cracking the spine on a few of these! I think my spending choices reflect the fact that I'm itching for travel at the moment. We've decided not to go away this year so we can save more money in our house deposit-fund, but that doesn't stop me dreaming. My top two choices would be Marrakech or Istanbul, both destinations I've wanted to go to for years.
What books are your favourites for armchair travelling?
Book buying can be a real pick-me-up. It's even better once you can relax and enjoy the books. These sound like good ones. When I armchair travel I like historical fiction - I like the perspective of all the tragedy and romance of the past. Then I can return to the present and, if things aren't much better at least they aren't exactly worse.
ReplyDeleteSusan, this is one of the reasons I read a lot of historical fiction too. I also like learning from it whilst still getting caught up in the story.
DeleteAnd you're right, book buying is a pick me up, even if doing so makes me feel a bit consumerist!
I like the sound of Minaret but I'm looking forward to seeing your reviews on all of these. If you can't travel for real, travel-by-book is the next best thing :)
ReplyDeleteIstanbul is a place I've always wanted to go too. Also Budapest and Prague - don't they all sound so exciting and exotic?! I think reading Dracula and The Historian a few years ago put me in mind of those places.
Minaret is supposed to be fab, I think it is the one I will read first.
DeleteTwo of my friends went interrailing around Eastern Europe a few years back and they just had the most amazing time. They even went to Dracula's castle. I've got my eye on Lake Bled in Slovenia, I think that would be a perfect relaxing holiday away.
I look forward to your reviews. :)
ReplyDeleteGeisha of Gion serves well for my armchair traveling experience. I'll never get to to go to Japan, but I can dream I am in the Gion district among the geisha.
Geisha of Gion looks great, I hadn't heard of it before but have now added it to my wishlist. I'm sure I will enjoy it :)
DeleteWhen you have an urge to buy books you just have to give in!
ReplyDeleteI have The Novel in the Viola on my shel, just reading her first novel at the moment, a gentle story.
I'm actually pretty good about not giving in (we're trying to save for a house deposit, which is slow work!), but every now and again it can't be helped.
DeleteWhat's her first novel called? It sounds good.
I had to laugh - I was reading through your book description and went, "Hmm...that sounds an awful lot like a book I just read." The House at Tyneford/The Novel in the Viola was excellent. Bump it to the top of the pile!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it, Lindsey. I often wonder why publishers give books different titles in the UK/USA....it seems unnecessary and I'm sure it just causes confusion. Both titles for this book would have worked in both markets.
DeleteI've heard wonderful things about Minaret. I've been eyeing up my Godmother's copy for a while now and I plan to run off with it at the first opportunity :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your review!
That's a lot of books for 20 pounds - it wouldn't be enough to even buy one book here in Australia!
ReplyDeleteHey there,
ReplyDeleteAll the book listed above sounds like a delicious read. Have fun reading them. I'm looking forward for the reviews.
cheers,
Vithya
Mornings in Jenin is a fantastic book! I say this from the point of view both of myself, who has visited Jenin, and from my sister, who lived in Jenin for three years, and my brother-in-law, who is a Palestinian refugee who has lived in Jenin nearly his entire life. All three of us loved it and thought it was very accurate.
ReplyDelete