Around the World in 80 Books discussion
TBR Takedown
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Lauri NC's 2022 TBR Takedown
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January#15. The Netherlands
Girl with a Pearl Earring
I saw the movie and I was not impressed. I was reluctant to read the novel believing that I would not enjoy it. I was surprised how much I did enjoy it. The novel is beautifully written, an imagining of the possible life of the model in Vermeer's famous painting.
4.5 stars
February#10. Greenland
The Greenlanders
I enjoyed this book of historical fiction, set in late 14th century Greenland, about the slow tragic decline of the Norse settlement. The Norse had a settlement for close to 450 years in Greenland, but now the Little Ice Age has set in. Europe has been ravaged by the Black Death and the Norwegian King and the Pope have forgotten the far-flung colony. The indigenous people of Greenland are encroaching on the settlements. The Norse do not foresee their demise and are having to deal with their dwindling population, starvation, "vomiting ill", and lawlessness. There are happy events in the book, such as marriages and successful seal hunts. Some may find this book too depressing, but I found it incredibly engaging and I wish the book had continued further.
4 stars
April#4 The Democratic Republic of the Congo
King Leopold's Ghost
A horrifying true story. Took me a long time to read, I could only consume it in small doses.
5 stars
August#11 Italy
The Enchanted April
A delightful tale, the descriptions of the Italian spring make me want to book a trip to Italy.
3 Stars
Around the World in 80 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Twelfth Transforming (other topics)Under the Volcano (other topics)
The Enchanted April (other topics)
The Queen's Vow: A Novel of Isabella of Castile (other topics)
Imperial Woman (other topics)
More...
2. Canada - Kamouraska
3. China - Imperial Woman
4. Congo (The Democratic Republic of the Congo) - King Leopold's Ghost
5. Egypt - The Twelfth Transforming
6. England - A Dangerous Inheritance
7. England - Restoration
8. Germany - The Reader
9. Germany - Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall
10. Greenland - The Greenlanders
11. Italy - The Enchanted April
12. Kenya - The Flame Trees of Thika: Memories of an African Childhood
13. Liberia - The House at Sugar Beach
14. Mexico - Under the Volcano
15. Netherlands - Girl with the Pearl Earring
16. New Zealand - Anne Perry and the Murder of the Century
17. North Korea - A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea
18. Norway - The Bridal Wreath
19. Scotland - The Game of Kings
20. Somalia - Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War
21. South Africa - Disgrace
22. Spain - The Queen's Vow: A Novel of Isabella of Castile
23. Sweden - A Man Called Ove
24. Switzerland - Heidi