Hello,

In preparation for my upcoming trip in October, I have been pouring over guidebooks already. I find that while they give good recommendations on things to do, I'm still left wanting to get a bit more of the "spirit" of the area. I am by no means a history buff nor do I enjoy long elaborate nonfiction historical books, but would definitely like a light read that gives a good sense of the history, culture, food, traditions etc of the areas listed. Does anyone have anything that they could recommend?

Thanks for the help!

I loved reading Hugo's "Notre-Dame de Paris" (aka "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"), but it's not light reading. For easier reads that a feel for Paris, I enjoy Cara Black's mysteries ("Murder in the Marais" is the first in the series).

A great choice would be Arturo Pérez-Reverte's "The Club Dumas". Parts take place in Madrid & Paris, and it's a fun page-turner. Best if you're at least familiar with Alexander Dumas' "The Three Musketeers."

Hemingway's "A Moveable Feast" puts you in the heart of 1920's Paris.

There are two excellent books set in Madrid at the time of the Civil War: "Winter in Madrid," by C. J. Sansom, and "Shadow in the Wind," by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Not light reading, but really, really good.

The Basque History of the World was fascinating, to me.

I agree with StCirq, a very good book to help you understand the Basque history and people.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-france.cfm

On a lighter note, here is a thread with books on living in France. Many of them in Paris.

I'm making my way down these lists and enjoying them all. I hope this will help you.

I really enjoyed The Shadow of the Wind, but it is set in Barcelona, not Madrid.

Thanks to all!

A Movable Feast is definitely my next read and I am going to have to pick up a few more for Basque area/Madrid. Looks like I have a book store trip ahead of me.

I read The Count of Monte Cristo a while back and the post on Dumas reminded me that I could thumb through the last couple of chapters that are set in Paris...I love that book, anyways.

Michael Jacobs writes excellent about all things Spanish, and I suggest you take a look at his "Madrid for pleasure": http://www.amazon.co.uk/Madrid-Pleas.../dp/187342924X

Haven't yet read Dave Boling's 2009 "Guernica - A novel" about the Basque region, but it gets great reviews:
http://www.daveboling.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Guernica-Novel.../dp/1596916370

kimhe-
These books look great, particularly Guernica as I'll be in this area next month. This one's already in my "cart"!

Thanks!

Excellent book that should be better known; much emphasis on food but also discusses culture, "sights," etc:

http://www.amazon.com/Discovering-Sp.../dp/0679765697

"A Load Of Bull - An Englishman's Adventures in Madrid" by Timothy Parfitt. A Load Of Bull is the true story of an Englishman finding his way in Madrid. In the late 80's, Tim Parfitt blagged his way into a job at Conde Nast in London and, from there, into a six week stint in Madrid to help launch Spanish "Vogue". Six weeks turned into nine years. He discovered a booming city in hedonistic reaction to years of fascism, where sleep was something you only did at work. Tim Parfitt's rise from unwanted guest to paparazzi pursued mover in Spain's glamorous social scene is a hilarious comedy of errors.

Did you get enough? Will you be in the French Basque country as well as the Spanish?

Iberia by James Michener

Life and Food in the Basque Country, but María José Sevilla.

I read "A Movable Feast" which gave me some great 1920's cafe ideas and then read "A Basque History of the World" which left me hungry to learn more about the people of the Basque country. We spent a few days in Hondarribia and San Sebastian and I found the area fascinating. It definitely sparked my interest in planning to spend more time in the region! A trip report will follow soon.

I think the Spain edition of the "Travelers' Tales Spain: True Stories" of the Travelers' Tales Guides series is fantastic! Several real experiences vignettes of differents aspects of the culture, food, sights as told and experienced by wonderful writers. Definitely recommend it.

The Basque Country, A Cultural History by Paddy Woodworth is well researched and has some nice insights. Enjoy, the Basque Country is an amazing place!

I just finished reading Dave Boling's 2009 "Guernica - A novel". It was absolutely incredible. I couldn't believe this was written by a first time author. It was such an emotional and enjoyable book - would be a great movie. The book provided a great deal of information about the Spanish Civil War without getting bogged down in historical facts. I so want to return to Guernica and visit the Museum of Peace again.

Thanks for the recommendation kimhe!