Trip Fiction: Astounding Australia Asia
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 more Australia, Papua New Guinea, Palau and Manila to Hong Kong. If you like this kind of thing check out the posts for the other legs.
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.
Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect (Ernest Cunningham #2) by Benjamin Stevenson I love this guy. We read his ‘Everyone In My Family has Killed Someone’ in my book club last year, so when I saw he had a book that travels through Australia it had to go on the list. It’s a little bit Agatha Christie, a bit Bill Bryson. It made me want to take the Ghan train from Darwin to Adelaide myself. And be a crime writer. Fun stuff.
Walking With Ghosts in Papua New Guinea by Rick Antonson This is all about trekking the Kokoda Trail, and reflecting on the war and the impact on the country. It’s worth the read if you’re going for sure. My first book attempt for PNG was Port Moresby Mixed Doubles, which I just couldn’t enjoy. It’s written from a very condescending expat perspective. Nothing wrong with expats (i’ve been one) but the way this particular one sees things, especially women, I just couldn’t get behind.
Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay Ok, this is a really strong read. It’s almost YA, with a teenage protagonist, but the story runs deep. An American-Filipino boy goes in search of what happened to his cousin, but the real story is Duterte’s War on Drugs. Highly recommend, even if you’re not going to the Philippines.
Let me know if you try any of these out, and what other location based fiction you have loved. I’m always on the lookout.
Thanks so much for reading, and don’t forget to sign up for updates to follow along on the adventure!