Travel & Hotspots
LITERATURE LIST FOR YOUR HOLIDAY
By Marion Pauw
Oh, how lucky you are if you are still going on vacation this summer. Yes, it was almost inhumane, all those vacation photos on sun-drenched beaches while we were suffering in the rain. I even know people who have taken a temporary Facebook break for this reason. But how much you will enjoy it later when you can finally seek the sun yourself.
For these lucky bastards, I have compiled a reading list with super nice vacation books. All personally tested by me on luxurious loungers by pools (gnagna). But lounging on the couch with a book while the rain taps against the windows is also quite nice. They are all books with substance, but that are still enjoyable to read. (you never have to worry that I will recommend books like ‘War and Peace’ by Tolstoy, ter-ri-ble). Because it is still vacation, and you just want to be drawn into a good book without having to grab the dictionary.
Heroes of the Border – Dave Eggers
The pleasantly neurotic Josie has lost her dental practice due to a lawsuit and is now traveling through Alaska with her two somewhat wild children. That doesn't go entirely well, you understand. The book is beautifully written and super gripping, but don't worry: it reads very easily and you want that on vacation. Once you finish it, you'll be pondering over it for hours, so you can enjoy it even longer.
The Book of the Baltimores – Joël Dicker
I hate it when you are reading a nice book that is already finished after a few hours. I prefer to take days over a book, and that is quite difficult with my high reading pace. That's why I was so happy with this book by Joël Dicker (that guy is also very handsome, check out that photo on the back cover!). ‘The Book of the Baltimores’ is a family drama with everything included. From the very beginning, it is clear that something dramatically went wrong in the history of the Goldman family, but what? You have 480 well-written pages to find that out.
Skin Pain – Saskia Noort
Our Sas has outdone herself with this book. Since Anne Koster, a successful presenter, was left by her boyfriend, things have been going downhill for her. In public, she tries to hold her ground, but in reality, she is distraught and lonely. And then her ex disappears. Tasty ingredients for a thriller, of course. But what struck me most was the raw, palpable pain of the main character.
The Visit of the Physician – Per Olov Enquist
A golden oldie on this list. I included it because I recently read this book and enjoyed it immensely. It takes place at the Danish royal court at the end of the eighteenth century. The Danish King Christian VII is not quite right in the head and is assigned a personal physician. This physician not only takes over the management of the country but also starts a relationship with the queen. I’m putting this a bit bluntly, but it is a very romantic and relatable book. And also handy: available as a Dwarsligger, a small book that fits conveniently in your suitcase.
Coming up: ‘The First Woman’ by Susan Smit
This book is not yet available, but her publisher was kind enough to send me a ‘preview copy’. What a won-der-ful book about the first Hollywood stars Geraldine Farrar and Lou Tellegen. I caught myself reading slower towards the end because I couldn't say goodbye to the main characters yet. Available in September, but already orderable...
