Travel is often an opportunity to relax and indulge, and one way to really maximize your experience is to read. After all, you’re off work and when do you ever get the opportunity to really get stuck into a good book? We’re not talking flimsy ‘beach reads’; we’ve put together a selection of truly amazing fiction and non-fiction books to pair with destinations and fully immerse yourself on your travels.
Ladies Lit Squad founder, Sheree Millington, shares insights about the books that captured her while traveling.
Barcelona, Spain
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Set in Barcelona in 1945, this thriller tells the story of a boy named Daniel searching for a mysterious author in post-war Spain. Full of subplots, twists, and turns, this is the perfect page-turner to pack for bustling Barcelona.
Gaudí: A Biography by Gijs van Hensbergen
While looking at the majestic La Sagrada Família church, most famous for, err, not being finished, you might wonder about the architect responsible for many of Barcelona’s incredible buildings. This book is the seminal biography of Gaudí, and you can impress fellow tourists with your knowledge.
Morocco
Tangerine by Christine Mangan
Set in 1950s Morocco, Tangerine bears a resemblance to The Talented Mr. Ripley. A gripping psychological thriller, it’s a perfect reprieve whether you’ve been catching waves in Taghazout or haggling in the souqs of Marrakesh.
A House in Fez by Suzanna Clarke
After a few days in Morocco, you’ll inevitably want to move there, which is exactly what Suzanna Clarke did. This book documents her renovation of a crumbling riad, alongside the customs, festivals, history, and foods of the region. Fascinating.
Italy
Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman
Set in the steamy summer of 1987, bookish teen Elio falls for scholarly (and gorgeous) houseguest Oliver. Set in Liguria, read it on the beaches of Monterosso and Manarola, reminiscing about young love. Here, you can literally feel the sea breeze on your face as you read this coming-of-age story.
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard
All hail Mary Beard, bad-ass female classicist. If you’re enjoying Italy’s stunning architecture, this book will help you learn more about the Roman Empire that was responsible for it.
Great Britain
White Teeth by Zadie Smith
The debut of British author Zadie Smith tells the tale of the real London: multicultural, diverse, and brimming with life. If you’re exploring the East End, this’ll help you gain a sense of what modern Londoners are like.
Brit(ish) by Afua Hirsch
British–Ghanaian journalist Afua Hirsch’s book is part memoir, part commentary on Britain’s imperial past. It makes race-politics palatable and, though it deals with the UK’s situation, it’s a relevant read wherever you’re from.
Croatia
Circe by Madeline Miller
This feminist reworking of Homer’s Odyssey, told from the perspective of the Goddess Circe, is set in the mythical island of Aeaea (said to be off the coast of Italy). However, we recommend reading it in idyllic Pula with its crystal-clear waters to live your best goddess life.
Café Europa: Life After Communism by Slavenka Drakulić
This insightful collection of essays portrays life in several Eastern European countries after communism. Even the title reflects Eastern Europe’s attempts to imitate the West by installing a ‘Cafe Europa’ in each town.
India
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
This brilliant novel, set in southern India, won the 1997 Booker Prize and is the perfect companion for the beaches of Goa (try tranquil Cola beach). The writing is beautiful, making it a must-read classic.
India After Gandhi: The History of the World’s Largest Democracy by Ramachandra Guha
This authoritative account of the world’s largest, and most unlikely, democracy details India’s myriad history, from intense conflicts to Gandhi’s lasting inspiration and influence. Impeccably researched, this non-fiction read will enhance your experiences in India.
Ireland
A Star Called Henry by Roddy Doyle
This is the most entertaining crash course in Irish revolutionary history you’re ever likely to get. Tracing Henry’s life from slum boy to legend, the famous Irish author brings cynical humor to history.
Notes to Self by Emilie Pine
An astonishingly raw collection of personal essays covering everything from addiction to infertility, it’s struck a chord with the nation.
Iceland
101 Reykjavík by Hallgrímur Helgason
This offbeat comedy set in Reykjavík offers a 30-something’s first-person account of how their life changes once their mother comes out as a lesbian. Dark, sexual, and witty, this novel provides a great overview of Iceland’s cool capital.
The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland by Alda Sigmundsdottir
Even though this book deals specifically with Iceland, it provides valuable insights into the country’s tourism boom since 2010 and its impact on the inhabitants.
Gili Islands, Indonesia
The Pisces by Melissa Broder
The Gili Islands are a water-lover’s paradise, with turquoise seas, turtles, and plenty of chances to splash around. This hilarious aquatic-themed book about a human–merman romance is just the ticket.
The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss
While you’re in stunning Indonesia, surrounded by ‘digital nomads’, you’ll undoubtedly be plotting how to make island life a 24/7 affair. This cult classic explains how to work less and enjoy life more.
USA
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
This classic American novel was published posthumously, so the author never knew how beloved his work became (it even won a Pulitzer). You’ll adore the oddball protagonist Ignatius J. Reilly, who lives with his mother in New Orleans.
Educated by Tara Westover
This incredible biography is the not-so-classic American dream. Westover grew up in a survivalist Mormon family in the mountains of Idaho, never attended school, and endured abuse. Through sheer grit and wit, she made her way to school, college, and eventually Cambridge University.
Singapore
Ponti by Sharlene Teo
This young writer’s searing debut is set in Singapore, which allows you to explore the book’s themes while experiencing the locale. Ponti delves into the relationship between mothers and daughters, sprinkled with touches of horror.
This is What Inequality Looks Like by Yenn Teo
This collection of essays aims to convey the reality of living on a low income in Singapore and illustrates how these experiences are intertwined with structural inequality. This book does not seek to shame readers into greater charity; rather, its goal is to inform and inspire actions toward a more sustainable future.
