Buenas tardes, ratones de biblioteca.
This coming Tuesday, it's the beautiful celebration of Sant Jordi (St George) here in Barcelona, where couples give each other gifts of books and roses - a far cry from the questionably nationalistic tone it has in the UK. Breaking from my usual themes, this week I thought I'd share 5 books from 5 places that make you fall in love with the world's richness and with life itself. Please also share with my your favourite reads too and I'll add them to a book list in my next email!
1. Grecia: Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières - Lo leí mucho antes de acabar en Grecia, pero esta preciosa historia de guerra, amor y Corfú es un relato rico y desgarrador que me dejó llorando, sentada en casa cogiendo nuestra mandolina para entonar ese tan conmovedor tema musical from the film. (Out of interest, I have never been a fan of de Bernière's other books!)
2. Barcelona: La sombra del viento de Carlos Ruiz Zafón - Este fascinante misterio ambientado en la Barcelona del siglo pasado es un relato que evoca una época pasada y se adentra en la nostalgia. Otra hermosa historia de amor, con una magnificencia gótica. Le advertimos de que su lectura puede darle ganas de mudarse aquí.
3. Inglaterra: El Preludio de William Wordsworth - Reading a long-form poem may seem daunting and less than appealing after a long day of work, but this is a lyrical feast for the senses taking you on a rustic trip through forests and fields. It is as compelling as the greatest of novels. The ultimate read for some nature-based therapy!
4. Inglaterra y España: Cielo rojo al amanecer por Laurie Lee - These three books are a snapshot of youth, taking the reader on a journey through slow villages and archaic communities across England and down through Spain. One day, I hope I'll also leave home with nothing but a violin in my hand!
5. Macondo: Cien años de soledad, de Gabriel García Márquez - Having just turned the last page of this book, I can't not include this enchanting tale of the ethereal Macondo. The remorse of time and degradation combined with intergenerational love and familiarity have taken root in my heart. A real bath of prose that, as the back cover says, should be compulsory reading for all.
That's it for this fortnight! As ever, please let me know your thoughts, feedback and your own favourite books - and send anything you'd like me to include in upcoming editions this way.
