Trip Fiction: Repositioning AROUND AFRICA
If you’re anything like me, reading a book in a place you’re traveling to brings it to life in a whole new way. I made a reading list of 25 Novels Around the World to accompany my trip around the world onboard the Azamara Onward. The trip was broken up in to 10 segments. This one covered our repositioning around Africa. We’d planned to go through the Suez Canal, and I had all kinds of good books picked out for that, but I found some good subs. If you like this kind of thing check out the reading posts for the other legs as well.
Here’s what I actually read, including a quick impression of each book and a link to download it if you’re planning to go to these places (on a plane or in an armchair, both are great ways to travel) and want to check them out.
West With The Night by Beryl Markam Beryl Markam was the first woman commercial pilot in africa, and the first pilot period to cross the Atlantic East to West. Her story and her writing are fabulous. My mom’s been telling me to read this for years, but i’m glad I waited until I was in Africa. Listening as I sat on our patio carving a linocut and looking at the African coastline felt pretty special
Out Of Africa by Isak Dinesen I’d read this years ago, but we watched the movie on the ship one night, and it inspired me to download the audiobook. It’s an interesting companion to Beryl’s book as they ran in the same circles, and most likely shared a lover or two. The combo painted an interesting picture of a place and time for sure.
The Tremor Of Forgery by Patricia Highsmith From the Author of The Talented Mr Ripley, one of my favourite movies ever. This story is moody and odd and a perfect window into Tunisia. Funny, I watched the new Ripley series when I got home, and although it is set in Italy she sneaks a little Tunisia into that story too.
Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies by Catherine Mack
I don’t know if Catherine Mack and Benjamin Stevenson from my Australia read know each other, but it’s not only their titles that are similar. They’re like the his and hers of tongue in cheek murder. This was a perfect fit as we were bombing around Sorrento and Pompeii. Fun, light and entertaining.
Let me know what your favourites are from this part of the world, and what other location based fiction you have loved in the comments below. I’m always looking for another good read.
Thanks so much for reading, and don’t forget to sign up for updates to follow along on the adventure!