Whether it’s delving into the history of post-war China or backpacking through hidden gems in Bangkok, the right book can transport you to far-off places – minus the jetlag. Here are some of our favourite books of the moment to inspire your next journey.
For a trip to… Thailand
The Beach by Alex Garland
Dip into drug-like dreamscapes that follow the travels of Brit backpacker Richard as he discovers the grittiness of Bangkok’s bustle, Thailand’s hidden gardens and its palm-fringed islands – from Koh Samui to Koh PhangAn. Pack light.
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For a trip to… Ghana
All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes by Maya Angelou
From Africa to America, the fifth volume of Angelou’s autobiography accounts her life in Accra, where she finds a deep understanding of West African customs and the collective African-American narrative. A novel filled with the emotional stories of her encounters across Ghana.
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For a trip to… London
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Far from Jane Austen’s England, the London town play is witty, pretty and superficial. Performed, naturally, for the first time on Valentine’s Day at St James’s Theatre… it’s about love. Set in a 19th-century mansion, tighten your corsets to fit in with the highbrow comedic characters vying for each other’s attention. Chaos in Victorian society.
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See also: 7 Best Bookstores In The World
For a trip to… Tibet
Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer
Tibet is a destination well-known by name but lesser known in culture. Heinrich is one of the first Europeans to be welcomed to the untouched terrain, and his memoir recounts his journey there – trekking through Asia before landing in the city of Lhasa. Look past Brad Pitt’s charm in the Hollywood remake to the original ‘50s-era travel book.
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For a trip to… China
Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah
Understand the history of post-war China through the eyes of its children – including the spoils of war, affluence and traditional family culture. You’ll get to see how Adeline lives through a transitional French Shanghai to the former British colony of Hong Kong. A lesson in understanding.
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For a trip to… Paris
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
Follow the lost generations of American writers in the Eiffel’s golden age of jazz. Rough, hard and romantic, this is the grunge side of Paris we know and love. P.S. Grab the vino and sit on your townhouse terrasse for this.
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For a trip to… Morocco
The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca by Tahir Shah
Moroccan coast, sun-dappled vino and courtyard dining, s’il vous plaît. This is the extravagant story of a traveller who finds his own in a new country, a new culture and all that comes with a picturesque move to Casablanca. It’s pure lustful fantasy, from London, Marrakech to the Sahara. Expat-friendly.
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