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The COVID-19 pandemic has made travel impractical for many people during the past year and a half. Fortunately, there are plenty of books that can transport you to another country. Sure, it’s not the same as actually hopping on a plane, but here’s a peek at some books we’ve enjoyed that have been set elsewhere in the world.
Amanda’s Picks
3.5 out of 5 stars
Huda and Rania were friends when they were children. They even made a blood pact that they would always be like sisters, not keep secrets from one another, and would always look out for each other. Over time they drifted apart and are even at odds with each other.
Huda is working at the Australian Embassy in Iraq where she befriends the deputy ambassador’s wife. The lives of all three women end up intersecting. All three have happy and sad memories from the past. Their futures end up being tied together with each wondering if who can be trusted with each woman having a lot to lose.
Overall I enjoyed this book, especially since it was inspired by the author’s own experiences in Iraq. I didn’t get as drawn in by the characters as I would have liked but that didn’t make them or their plights less appealing. I did enjoy the style of writing and descriptions. In addition to the stories of these three women, it was interesting to get a look at life in Iraq during the rule of Saddam Hussein.
4.0 out of 5.0
This is the story of Nancy Wake, a spy during WWII taking place in France and England. She goes by many code names. I really liked the main character in this book. She was strong, badass, and didn’t let anyone get in the way of what she wanted. All during a time when many men saw women as weak. I liked many of the characters in this book even if they had a small or supporting role. I hadn’t heard about Nancy Wake prior to this book but knowing she was a real person and much of what happened in the book is based on her real-life I had to look her up. [Tip: Don’t look her up prior to reading this book or you’ll ultimately read spoilers.]
Nancy goes by a handful of names. It all depends on what she’s doing. But her ultimate goal is to help the French resistance during World War II. She’s the kind of person you want in your corner looking out for you. She has a hard outer shell as she’s forced into a world where men typically call the shots. But she has a usually hard-to-find emotional side as well.
At times the jumping around in time and place was a bit much. And I’m not sure if there was a point in randomly throwing in Henri’s point of view but that was also a bit distracting at times. Still, I poured through the book quickly wanting to know what Nancy accomplished and where her story, at least in this novel, would end.
Maryalene’s Pick
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
5 out of 5 stars
Someone once told me that The Count of Monte Cristo was their favorite book ever, and I thought, really? That seems like something you would say to sound impressive…kinda like insisting that you study the laws of physics in your spare time. But then I read the book and wow! Was it ever engaging!
Set in France in the early to mid-1800s, the book follows the story of Edmond Dantes, a young sailor who seems to have everything going for him. Then, as he’s about to marry the love of his life (literally), he is carted off to prison based on the accusations of jealous rivals. He spends 14 years in prison — most of it in isolation — before making a daring escape, finding a fortune and returning to mingle among those who plotted against him.
Seriously, it is so good, and Edmond Dantes is the ultimate puppet-master.
Now, I say I read the book, but in reality, I listened to it. Given the long cast of characters, I think that was a good choice since I probably would have gotten bogged down with all the foreign names if I had tried to read the book myself. I listened to the audiobook narrated by John Lee and highly recommend it. While it clocks in at a whopping 47 hours, it really is worth the time.
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