Can you recommend a good book to read before our trip to Barcelona and Morocco?
Dec 6th, 2006, 01:23 PM
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Can you recommend a good book to read before our trip to Barcelona and Morocco?
I love to read historical fiction, particularly before I travel to a new place. Some of my favorites are "London" by Rutherford and "Agony and the Ecstasy" by Irving Stone. We will be travelling to Barcelona and Morocco in March. Would love to read some novels that take place in these locales. Thanks for any recommendations.
Dec 6th, 2006, 01:34 PM
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Dec 6th, 2006, 01:39 PM
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... and The Nautical Chart by Reverte Perez:
http://tinyurl.com/yccox7
Actually, ANYTHING by Reverte Perez if you are interested in Spain in general. My favs are the Flander's Panel and Dumas Club. Seville Communion is also quite interesting.
http://tinyurl.com/yccox7
Actually, ANYTHING by Reverte Perez if you are interested in Spain in general. My favs are the Flander's Panel and Dumas Club. Seville Communion is also quite interesting.
Dec 6th, 2006, 01:59 PM
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For Morocco: "Leo Africanus." One of the best books I've ever read. I was hooked on the first paragraph. Last sentence of para 1: "... I come from no country, from no city, no tribe. I am the son of the road, my country is my caravan, my life the most unexpected of voyages." His adventures are amazing! Better than fiction. From Fes to Timbuctu to Egypt to Rome with adventure all the way.
If you can find it: Paul Bowles Their Heads Are Green, Their Hands Are Blue, (could be the other war around) a book of essays about Bowles life in the Arab world. Some excellent essays on his time in Morocco.
If you can find it: Paul Bowles Their Heads Are Green, Their Hands Are Blue, (could be the other war around) a book of essays about Bowles life in the Arab world. Some excellent essays on his time in Morocco.
Dec 6th, 2006, 05:07 PM
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Although it's set in Madrid, "The Nationalist," by Rebecca Pawel, gives a great sense of the conflict between Republicans and Nationalists after the Spanish Civil War. It's a mystery with a love story sandwiched in. I really enjoyed it.
Dec 6th, 2006, 05:55 PM
#8
I read James Michener's Iberia before I went to Spain last month. You may not be interested in the whole thing, but maybe just the chapters on cities you will be visiting. I felt it was an extremely rewarding read.
Dec 7th, 2006, 03:21 AM
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The Knopf Guide (Morocco) doesn't just tell you places to stay and eat. It tells you about cities and regions with lots of pictures and illustrations. It also gives one some history.
Even though set in Algeria rather than Morocco, I enjoyed Albert Camus' books and stories of North Africa when I lived in Rabat, Morocco many years ago.
You might also want to view 'Blackhawk Down,' a movie about Somalia, much of which was filmed near Rabat Morocco. I recognized some of the landmarks there and it brought back some fond memories
I have visited Barcelona several times but haven't read any books set there: sorry about that!
Even though set in Algeria rather than Morocco, I enjoyed Albert Camus' books and stories of North Africa when I lived in Rabat, Morocco many years ago.
You might also want to view 'Blackhawk Down,' a movie about Somalia, much of which was filmed near Rabat Morocco. I recognized some of the landmarks there and it brought back some fond memories
I have visited Barcelona several times but haven't read any books set there: sorry about that!
Jan 22nd, 2007, 06:22 AM
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I finished The Shadow of the Wind last night. I started the day about half way through it and just HAD to finish it (feeding my kids a dinner of pizza rolls at 9:30 pm because of it!) Good book. Thanks for the recommendation everyone!
I am debating whether to let my 16 year old son read it before our trip to Barcelona. I know he'd like it (he loves mysteries and LOVES books), but there is a bit of sex, language and violence. There are some great lines from that book, my favorite of which is "one must pay some price for the ablity to pee standing up." I'm going to use that on my husband some time.
I am debating whether to let my 16 year old son read it before our trip to Barcelona. I know he'd like it (he loves mysteries and LOVES books), but there is a bit of sex, language and violence. There are some great lines from that book, my favorite of which is "one must pay some price for the ablity to pee standing up." I'm going to use that on my husband some time.
Jan 22nd, 2007, 05:38 PM
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Missypie,
Yes, have your 16 year old son read it--there's nothing in there he doesn't know about already, and besides, it's a fantastic read (as you discovered.)
Did your version have the map? Mine doesn't, but one of my bookgroups read it and the newer ones did, so I'm going to have to get a copy for our trip in April.
Yes, have your 16 year old son read it--there's nothing in there he doesn't know about already, and besides, it's a fantastic read (as you discovered.)
Did your version have the map? Mine doesn't, but one of my bookgroups read it and the newer ones did, so I'm going to have to get a copy for our trip in April.
Jan 22nd, 2007, 06:01 PM
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Missypie- I started reading Sheltering Sky first (the one in Morocco), I didn't really care for it, and apparently left it in a hotel room last weekend - oops! So now I am anxious to start Shadow of the Wind!!
Jan 23rd, 2007, 06:20 AM
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I have a hard time with Mitchener. Is his non-fiction better than his fiction?
Yes, the version of Shadow of the Wind (that I bought from Barnes & Noble.com earlier this month) has two maps and a walking tour at the back.
Yes, the version of Shadow of the Wind (that I bought from Barnes & Noble.com earlier this month) has two maps and a walking tour at the back.
Jan 31st, 2007, 10:02 AM
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Missypie, for your son I would also suggest Captain Alatriste by Reverte-Perez:
http://tinyurl.com/2or7vl
I have read all of this adult books (a great writer). This books and others in the series were written for his daughter to give her some insight into the glory days of Spain, so very proper. Its a swashbuckling tale of adventure that should amuse a 16 year old buy.
http://tinyurl.com/2or7vl
I have read all of this adult books (a great writer). This books and others in the series were written for his daughter to give her some insight into the glory days of Spain, so very proper. Its a swashbuckling tale of adventure that should amuse a 16 year old buy.
Jan 31st, 2007, 12:07 PM
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As others have suggested, read The Shadow of the Wind. The trade paperback I bought has walking tours in the back so you can follow the areas where the story takes place. It is a fabulous, well written book.
