The 52 Book Club: 2025 / 2026 Challenge discussion

Set in a country bordering at least five other countries — For this prompt, we’re looking for a book set in a country that borders at least five other countries. It must touch at least five other countries (land borders) but may have more than five bordering countries.

Counties with five or more bordering countries include, but aren’t limited to: Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Chad, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, Ukraine, Zambia etc. (Please note, this is not an exhaustive list.)

The book may be fully or only partially set within one (or more) of these countries.

Land borders have changed throughout history. You may choose a country that currently has five neighboring countries (but perhaps didn’t at the time the book was set) or a country that used to have at least five neighboring countries but no longer does. You might also choose a fictional or fantasy country that fits the requirements.


Here is the link for our Goodreads List, feel free to add your suggestions to it!

I'll be reading Ungernrevolten by Artur Szulc, which borders to 7 countries, and I am also reading it for prompt #34 - Set in a landlocked country.

I'm planning to read The Forgotten 500: The Untold Story of the Men Who Risked All For the Greatest Rescue Mission of World War II by Gregory A. Freeman. It takes place in what used to be Yugoslavia.

I was excited to see Italy on the list. I had kind of wished I chosen this book for the Volley Ball prompt in the summer challenge, but went with Sweden instead. Heaven is Paved with Oreos.

Sudan borders 7 countries (clockwise from due north): Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Chad and Libya.

I just finished Home Is Not a Country, by Sudanese immigrant Safia Elhillo.

I chose The Rome Apartment by Kerry Fisher for this one

I read The Shadow of the Empire: A Judge Dee Investigation by Qiu Xiaolong for this prompt.

This is a historical mystery that takes place in ancient China. China borders 14 other countries.

I finally had my excuse to read the book thief!

I put a hold on The Perfumist of Paris much earlier this year and it finally became available. I had already read for the smelly book prompt, but I realized that France boarders at least 5 countries so it fits in well.

I shall read Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan. Set on the French Riviera.

I read The Baker's Secret by Stephen P. Kiernan, set in Normandy, France.

I read The Key from Spain: Flory Jagoda and Her Music by Debbie Levy, 4 Stars