Best Books to Read on Location in Europe: A Vacation Reading Guide
Picture yourself meandering through the charming streets of Europe, surrounded by centuries-old architecture, vibrant cultures, and the aroma of delicious local cuisine. What if you could make this experience even more immersive and unforgettable? The answer lies in reading books set in the very cities you're exploring. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to some of the best books to read on location in nine major European cities, allowing you to dive deeper into the culture, history, and atmosphere of each destination. So, whether you're savoring a cappuccino in a quaint Italian café or admiring the view from a park bench in Paris, let these literary masterpieces transport you on a captivating journey through Europe's most enchanting cities
Florence, Italy: A Room With a View
Set in the early 1900s, "A Room with a View" by E.M. Forster transports readers to the enchanting city of Florence, Italy. The novel follows the story of Lucy Honeychurch, a young upper-middle-class woman who visits Italy under the charge of her older cousin Charlotte. Reading this book during your vacation in Florence will enhance your experience by providing insights into the city's atmosphere and culture during that time.The story begins at Pension Bertolini, a guesthouse in Florence, where Lucy and Charlotte are initially disappointed with their rooms' views. Mr. Emerson, a fellow guest, generously offers them the rooms belonging to himself and his son George, which overlook the picturesque city. As Lucy explores Florence, she encounters unconventional characters and experiences that challenge her understanding of life and love, ultimately transforming her from a docile young woman into a more determined and independent individual.
As you wander through the captivating city of Florence, "A Room with a View" will immerse you in the charm and allure of early 20th-century Italy. You can visit iconic locations mentioned in the novel, such as the Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio, connecting these sites to the events and characters in the book. Hemingway's vivid descriptions of Florence's beauty and charm will enhance your appreciation of the city's architecture, art, and natural scenery.
To make the most of your reading experience in Florence, consider finding a cozy café, a sun-soaked piazza, or a quiet park bench to enjoy the novel while soaking in the atmosphere of the city. Indulge in delicious Italian dishes, like those enjoyed by the characters in the novel, to further connect with the story and the city. Discuss the book with fellow travelers or locals, exchanging insights and recommendations for other literary works set in Florence.
By reading "A Room with a View" during your vacation in Florence, you'll not only gain a deeper understanding of the city's history and culture but also create a more memorable and immersive travel experience.
Paris, France: A Moveable Feast
"A Moveable Feast" by Ernest Hemingway is a memoir that captures the essence of Paris in the 1920s, a time of artistic and cultural flourishing. Reading this book during your vacation in Paris will enhance your experience by providing a unique perspective on the vibrant life of Paris in the 1920s, allowing you to better understand and appreciate the city's artistic and literary scene during this period.
As you stroll through the streets of Paris, you can visit the places frequented by Hemingway and his contemporaries, such as the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore, the Café de Flore, and Les Deux Magots. Many of these locations still exist today, allowing you to connect these sites to the events and characters in the book. Hemingway's vivid descriptions of Parisian life will deepen your appreciation of the city's charm, beauty, and cultural richness.
The memoir explores themes of personal growth, artistic development, and the pursuit of one's passion, which resonate with the transformative nature of travel. To make the most of your reading experience in Paris, consider finding a cozy café, a picturesque park, or a quiet spot along the Seine to enjoy the book while immersing yourself in the Parisian atmosphere. Explore locations mentioned in the memoir, such as the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore, to deepen your connection to Hemingway's Paris. Indulge in French dishes and pastries, like those enjoyed by Hemingway and his friends, to further connect with the story and the city. Discuss the book with fellow travelers or locals, exchanging insights and recommendations for other literary works set in Paris.
By reading "A Moveable Feast" during your vacation in Paris, you'll not only gain a deeper understanding of the city's history and culture but also create a more memorable and immersive travel experience.
Pamplona, Spain: The Sun Also Rises
Set in the 1920s, "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway is a classic novel that explores the lives of a group of American expatriates in Paris and their travels to Pamplona, Spain.
Reading this book during your vacation in Pamplona will enhance your experience by providing insights into the city's atmosphere and culture during that time.
The novel follows a group of disillusioned expats as they travel from Paris to Pamplona for the Festival of San Fermín, where they witness the running of the bulls and the bullfights.
Hemingway's vivid descriptions of the festival and the city's vibrant atmosphere will deepen your appreciation of Pamplona's traditions and history.
As you explore the streets of Pamplona, you can visit the locations mentioned in the novel, such as the Plaza del Castillo, where the characters gather to socialize and watch the festivities.
Reading "The Sun Also Rises" will help you connect with the city's past and the experiences of Hemingway and his contemporaries.
To make the most of your reading experience in Pamplona, consider finding a cozy café, a sun-soaked plaza, or a quiet park bench to enjoy the novel while immersing yourself in the city's atmosphere. Indulge in Spanish dishes and tapas, like those enjoyed by the characters in the novel, to further connect with the story and the city. Discuss the book with fellow travelers or locals, exchanging insights and recommendations for other literary works set in Spain.
By reading "The Sun Also Rises" during your vacation in Pamplona, you'll not only gain a deeper understanding of the city's history and culture but also create a more memorable and immersive travel experience
London, England: Pride and Prejudice
"Pride and Prejudice," first published in 1813, is one of the most celebrated novels in the English language and a classic work of Western literature. Set in early 19th-century England, the novel tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist, who learns about the repercussions of hasty judgments and comes to appreciate the difference between superficial goodness and actual goodness. Reading this book during your vacation in London will enhance your experience by providing insights into the city's atmosphere and culture during that time.
As you explore the streets of London, you can visit locations mentioned in the novel or places that inspired Jane Austen, connecting these sites to the events and characters in the book. Austen's vivid descriptions of the manners and social interactions of the time will deepen your appreciation of London's history and the customs of early 19th-century England.
To make the most of your reading experience in London, consider finding a cozy café, a sun-soaked park, or a quiet spot along the Thames to enjoy the novel while immersing yourself in the city's atmosphere. Indulge in traditional English dishes, like those enjoyed by the characters in the novel, to further connect with the story and the city. Discuss the book with fellow travelers or locals, exchanging insights and recommendations for other literary works set in London.
By reading "Pride and Prejudice" during your vacation in London, you'll not only gain a deeper understanding of the city's history and culture but also create a more memorable and immersive travel experience.