Around the World discussion

Hi all,

This Around the World in 52 Books challenge seems like fun so I thought I could join.

In 2013 I read books set in 30 different countries. I won't list those for the current challenge, so I'm starting anew, making it a challenge to read books set in at least 52 different countries in 2014.

I don't know which books I am going to read nor the countries they are going to take me, so I might just add the books as I go along.

Here's a link to my Bookshelf dedicated to this challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

So far, I have listed these books as possible reads:

Albania: ✔Sworn Virgin Read #21 ★★★
Algeria: ✔Tomboy Read # 34 ★★★★
Argentina: ✔ De eeuw van Carlos Moreno Amador Read #45 ★★★★
Australia: ✔On the Jellicoe Road Read #17 ★★★
Bali: ✔ Balilicious - The Bali Diaries Read #50 ★★★★
Bangladesh: ✔Innan floden tar oss Read #38 ★★★
Belgium: ✔ De laatkomer Read #15 ★★★★
Canada: ✔A Tale for the Time Being Read #8 ★★★
China: ✔ Five Star Billionaire Read # 22 ★★★
Denmark: ✔The Murder of Halland Read #9 ★★★
England: ✔ Life After Life Read #7 ★★★★★
Estonia: ✔Everything is Wonderful: Memories of a Collective Farm in Estonia Read #19 ★★★★★
Faroe islands: ✔ The Old Man and His Sons Read #23 ★★★
Finland: ✔ Lola uppochner Read #31 ★★★★
France: ✔ La Grand-mère de Jade Read #1 ★★
Germany: ✔ Nullzeit Read #29 ★★★★
Greece: ✔ Eurydice Street: A Place in Athens Read #5 ★★★
Greenland: ✔ The Day is Dark Read # 44 ★★★★
Iceland: ✔ Reykjavíkurnætur Read #39 ★★★
India: ✔The Lowland Read # 20 ★★★
Indonesia: ✔ The Black Lake Read #6 ★★★★
Iran: ✔ Godnattsagor för barn som dricker Read #40 ★★★
Ireland: ✔ Brooklyn Read #14 ★★★★
Israel: ✔ Zeven vette jaren Read #27 ★★★★
Italy: ✔ Ur vulkanens mun Read #30 ★★★
Japan: ✔ The Diving Pool: Three Novellas Read #2 ★★★★
Kazakhstan: ✔ The Dead Lake Read # 43 ★★
Laos: ✔ The Coroner's Lunch Read #42 ★★★
Libya: ✔ The Letter Bearer Read #28 ★★★★★
Mexico: ✔Quesadillas Read #3 ★★★★
Netherlands: ✔ Het gym Read #4 ★★
New Zealand: ✔Nobody Is Ever Missing Read #36 ★★★★★
Niger: ✔ Harmattan Read #41 ★★★
Nigeria: ✔ Looking for Transwonderland: Travels in Nigeria Read #12 ★★★★
North Korea: ✔ Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea Read #32 ★★★★★
Norway: ✔ Unformed Landscape Read # 16 ★★★
Pakistan: ✔Mule Train Read #13 ★★
Palestine: ✔ The Almond Tree Read #24 ★★
Poland: ✔ A Meal in Winter Read #26 ★★★★
Romania: ✔ No One is Here Except All of Us Read #48 ★★★★
Russia: ✔ The Underground Read #46 ★★★
Saudi Arabia: ✔ Eight Months On Ghazzah Street Read #52 ★★★★
Singapore: ✔ Crazy Rich Asians Read #25 ★★★
Somalia: ✔ Infidel Read #18 ★★★
South Korea: ✔ Please Look After Mom Read # 37 ★★★
Spain: ✔ The Vacationers Read #47 ★★
Sri Lanka: ✔ Reef Read #33 ★★★
Sweden: ✔ Egenmäktigt förfarande: En roman om kärlek Read #10 ★★
Thailand: ✔ The Bangkok Writers Read #49 ★★★
US: ✔ The Goldfinch Read #11 ★★★★
Vietnam:✔ Mãn Read #35 ★★★★★

Mars: ✔ The Martian Read #51 ★★★

DONE

Welcome! It's nice to have you along. I liked Five Star Billionaire very much.

#1 France La Grand-mère de Jade: Finished January 1, 2014
Rating: ★★

Not my cup of tea, this book. I found the story a bit boring and implausible. Also, that "twist" at the end... saw it coming a mile away (admittedly because I had read reviews hinting at a peculiar ending)

My favourite French book still is the wonderful Thérèse Raquin

#2 Japan The Diving Pool: Three Novellas: Finished January 2, 2014
Rating: ★★★★

Brilliant. I like this Guardian review, in which Joanna Briscoe says: "To read Ogawa is to enter a dreamlike state tinged with a nightmare, and her stories continue to haunt."

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2008...

Other Japanese books I like: Manazuru, Sputnik Sweetheart

Jenny wrote: "Welcome! It's nice to have you along. I liked Five Star Billionaire very much."

Thank you! I am very much looking forward to Five Star Billionaire. Waiting for it to come in at the library :-)

Judy wrote: "Good start, An. A lot of books I haven't seen before - that is good!"

Thank you!

From the Land of Green Ghosts: A Burmese Odyssey for Myanmar. I enjoyed reading that one. Good Luck with the challenge,Happy reading!!!

I really liked Five Star Billionaire too, although I don't know whether I would have counted it for China (setting) or Malaysia (author). (I had already read other books for both countries, so the question did not arise.)

Krittika wrote: "From the Land of Green Ghosts: A Burmese Odyssey for Myanmar. I enjoyed reading that one. Good Luck with the challenge,Happy reading!!!"

Thank you, I'll have a look!

Val wrote: "I really liked Five Star Billionaire too, although I don't know whether I would have counted it for China (setting) or Malaysia (author). (I had already read other books for both co..."

I'm going to go for setting (like many people listing Burial Rites for Iceland). If I would have gone for author, I would have chosen the new novel by Xiaolu Guo for China, which I am very much looking forward to reading.

An wrote: "Hi all,

This Around the World in 52 Books challenge seems like fun so I thought I could join.

In 2013 I read books set in 30 different countries. I won't list those for the current challenge, so..."

An - for Greece, I read The House on Paradise Street last year and enjoyed it. I plan to read Eleni this year as I've heard great things about it.

Hi Lilisa - Thank you for the tips. I checked my library to see what they have stocked and found another book by Sofka Zinovieff, which also looks really promising: Eurydice Street: A Place in Athens. I think I might try that one, as they don't have The House on Paradise Street available.

#3 Mexico Quesadillas: finished January 4, 2014
Rating: ★★★★

I liked this book very much. It's funny, inventive, and pictures a vivid image of the corruption and arbitrary political regime in 1980's Mexico.

An wrote: "Hi Lilisa - Thank you for the tips. I checked my library to see what they have stocked and found another book by Sofka Zinovieff, which also looks really promising: Eurydice Street: A Place i..."</i>

There's a series of detective books set in Greece that I've enjoyed - lighter read - it's the Inspector Kaldiis series - first book is [book:Murder in Mykonos.

I made a little change to my list and replaced De man zonder ziekte by Het gym. It's about a Surinamian girl who lives in the Netherlands, and struggles to find her place in society and more in particular the posh school she goes to.

#4 The Netherlands Het gym: finished January 5, 2014
Rating: ★★

I enjoyed reading this book. It was ok, that's all.
If you read Dutch, you can read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

#5 Greece Eurydice Street: A Place in Athens: Finished January 6, 2014
Rating: ★★★

The author moves to Greece with her Greek husand and two daughters. This book describes her experiences of the first year there.
Interesting insights in modern Greek society.

#6 Indonesia The Black Lake: Finished January 9, 2014
Rating: ★★★★

I listened to the Dutch audiobook version of this book (Oeroeg). It is read by Hella Haasse herself, and it is wonderful! It's a very well written, beautiful story about the friendship between a Dutch and an Indonesian boy, at the time of the Dutch colonisation of Indonesia (or what later became Indonesia), and the faith of that friendship after Japanese occupation in 1945 ended Dutch rule over the archipelago.

#7 England Life After Life: Finished January 13, 2014
Rating: ★★★★★

Wonderful book. I'm sure this will be one of my favourite books this year.

Judy wrote: "You are off to an awesome start, An!"

I've been having fun with this challenge so far. Now trying to decide if A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki counts as set in Canada. I don't know if there are rules for books set in different locations...

#8 Canada A Tale for the Time Being: Finished January 19, 2014
Rating: ★★★

I liked this book a lot, but mainly because of the story of Naoko, which is set in Japan. The Canadian part of this book fell a little flat in my opinion, but I loved the description of the desolate landscape and atmosphere of the island in British Columbia where the Canadian protagonist lives.

#9 Denmark The Murder of Halland: Finished January 20, 2014
Rating: ★★★

The book starts with a murder, but it's not your average whodunit. I liked this novella about loss, estrangement, guilt, relationships... Written in a beautiful, cool, Scandinavian tone.

#10 Sweden Egenmäktigt förfarande: En roman om kärlek: finished January 22, 2014
Rating: ★★

This book won the Swedish August Prize 2013 and generally gets positive reviews so I had high expectations. But... No. Not for me. A cliché story about a young woman falling in love with an older man, unrequited love, ... I kept thinking Get A Grip, Girl!! Was basically annoyed with her (and the book) the whole time.

Still two stars because the prose is lovely (if now and then overwrought). Lena Andersson clearly can write, I just didn't like this story.

If I can just give a tip about books set in Sweden I really like (and available in English): the crime novels written by Åsa Larsson, set in Swedish Lapland, are very good.

#11 US The Goldfinch: finished January 25, 2014
Rating: ★★★★

I really liked this book, not in the least for its setting in New York, Las Vegas and Amsterdam (and even a little bit in my almost-hometown Antwerp). Each of these places was described really well, had its own feel and atmosphere, both scenery and people.

An wrote: "#11 US The Goldfinch: finished January 25, 2014
Rating: ★★★★

I really liked this book, not in the least for its setting in New York, Las Vegas and Amsterdam (and even a little bit ..."

I'm currently reading The Goldfinch and definitely agree with you about the sense of place the author evokes in this novel. It is very rich and I'm enjoying it very much!

I really liked this book, not in the least for its setting in New York, Las Vegas and Amsterdam (and even a ..."

Thank you for commenting. I hope you enjoy the rest of The Goldfinch!

Good to see you enjoyed The Goldfinch An. I really can't decide whether to add it to my TBR or not as there are so many conflicting reviews on it! Maybe I should just read it so I can make my own mind up on it!

Sarah wrote: "Good to see you enjoyed The Goldfinch An. I really can't decide whether to add it to my TBR or not as there are so many conflicting reviews on it! Maybe I should just read it so I can make my own m..."

I would recommend it. It's an enjoyable story, that never got boring. And despite its length, it's an easy read. It only took me a few days to finish.

#12 Nigeria Looking for Transwonderland: Travels in Nigeria: finished February 3, 2014
Rating: ★★★★

From the first page I loved this book. It gives great insight in Nigerian life and politics, written in an intimate and down to earth style.

#13 Pakistan Mule Train: finished February 10, 2014
Rating: ★★

A book about two inexperienced backpackers travelling to Pakistan. A recipe for disaster, yes indeed. The first half of the book was ok, but the second part (in which the two are chased by a local criminal) did not draw me in.

A book set in Pakistan which I've read earlier and liked better: Maps for Lost Lovers by Nadeem Aslam.

Also recommended: Moth Smoke by Moshin Hamid, and all books by Kamila Shamsie

#14 Ireland Brooklyn by Colm Toibin: finished February 23, 2014
Rating: ★★★★

A beautiful story set in Ireland and Brooklyn in the 1950s.

# 15 Belgium De laatkomer by Dimitri Verhulst: finished February 26, 2014
Rating: ★★★★

Excellent. I dont't think this one is available in English (yet) but other novels by Dimitri Verhulst are (The Misfortunates for example)

# 16 Norway Unformed Landscape by Peter Stamm: finished February 27, 2014
Rating: ★★★

I was planning to read Ambulanse for Norway but I'm still waiting for it to come in at the library. Unformed Landscape was available, though, and it's a lovely little book, featuring the Hurtigruten, a nice touch I particularly appreciated.

#17 Australia On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta: Finished March 1, 2014
Rating: ★★★

Oh, the pathos. Maybe that's typical for YA, I don't know.

Happy to have come across a book by an Albanian author, Sworn Virgin. I have never read anything Albanian before, so I'm excited about this one. Having polished off most of my "easy" countries, i.e. countries in my comfort zone, it will be fun to look for books set in (to me) lesser known territories.

An wrote: "#17 Australia On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta: Finished March 1, 2014
Rating: ★★★

Oh, the pathos. Maybe that's typical for YA, I don't know."

I don't know what's typical for YA but I get your comment about the pathos in regard to OtJR. I thought it was a good story. I think I gave it four stars.

#18 Somalia Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Finished March 7, 2014
Rating: ★★★

I listened to Somalian Ayaan Hirsi Ali reading her autobiography. She caused quite a stir in the Netherlands a few years ago, and it was interesting to hear her tell her story from the beginning.

An wrote: "#18 Somalia Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Finished March 7, 2014
Rating: ★★★

I listened to Somalian Ayaan Hirsi Ali reading her autobiography. She caused quite a stir in the Netherlands..."

An - I bought this book at least three years ago but haven't read it - one of these days I'm going to read it. What did you think of it?

Lilisa wrote: "An wrote: "#18 Somalia Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Finished March 7, 2014
Rating: ★★★

I listened to Somalian Ayaan Hirsi Ali reading her autobiography. She caused quite a stir in the ..."

Lilisa - I thought it was a very interesting book. She tells her story in a very direct style, honest and open. It's an inspiring story, too, a woman who really took her life in her own hands, against all odds. The only problem I had with it was that every now and then the story wasn't entirely coherent. If I would have read it instead of listened to the audio version I would have gone back to re-read and see if I had missed anything.

Thanks An - great insight. I'm going to move it up on my reading list. I have the book so sounds like that's a good thing. Thanks.

# 19 Estonia Everything is Wonderful: Memories of a Collective Farm in Estonia by Sigrid Rausing: Finished March 14, 2014
Rating: ★★★★★

I really enjoyed this book, both for the insights in the lives of the Estonians trying to get by right after privatisation of their collective farm, as for the glimpse behind the scenes of the anthropological fieldwork that led to the book, from going flat to flat to carry out a survey, to accidentally setting the landlord's kitchen on fire.

Thanks An - I haven't read a book about Estonia - added it to my TBR list. Thanks for the recommendation.

#20 India The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri: Finished March 18, 2014
Rating: ★★★

I had hoped to learn a bit more about the Naxalite movement in India, and I did, but it wasn't such a big part of this novel after all. Having enjoyed Lahiri's short stories, this book as a whole was a bit of a disappointment. I hesitate between 2 and 3 stars.

#21 Albania Sworn Virgin by Elvira Dones
Rating: ★★★

The subject of "Sworn Virgins" was unknown to me before reading this book. It's quite fascinating. According to Albanian tradition, a woman can "choose" to become a man, and swear to remain a virgin, in order to be able to enjoy all freedoms and rights men have. She will dress in male clothes, use a male name, is entitled to carry a gun, smoke, drink alcohol, take on male work, act as the head of a household, play music and will be accepted by the community as a man.

Have a look at these pictures: http://www.messynessychic.com/2013/09...

The book by Elvira Dones explores this topic, by focusing on Hana, who lived as Mark almost all her adult life. When she emigrates to the US in her mid 30's, she again assumes her female identity, and faces the many challenges that come with that.

An - Thanks for the info on the sworn virgins in Albania - that is really interesting.

Lilisa wrote: "An - Thanks for the info on the sworn virgins in Albania - that is really interesting."
You're welcome!

I'm really enjoying my novel set in Shanghai, Five Star Billionaire by Tash Aw. You really get a feel for what the place is like.

An wrote: "I'm really enjoying my novel set in Shanghai, Five Star Billionaire by Tash Aw. You really get a feel for what the place is like."

I loved that novel.

#22 China Five Star Billionaire by Tash Aw
Rating: ★★★

As mentioned before, I enjoyed reading about Shanghai. The struggle of these young Malaysians trying to make a life for themselves in that sprawling city made for good reading.

My problem with books alternating between different narrators is that I usually like one or two points of view very much, whereas others don't appeal to me. And so in this book I was always looking forward to Phoebe's story, and skimmed a little in the chapters about Justin, for example. So in the end it was a little uneven.

I haven't been making much progress with this challenge lately. I did however purchase a few books I'm really looking forward to read, set in Argentina, Singapore and the Faroer islands. So a lot of good stuff to look forward to.