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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
informative
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
I found it enjoyable to tie works of fiction to the towns/countries where they are set. I will be adding some fiction titles to my TBR.
This is such a lovely, well illustrated little book that would make a great gift for any literary or travel lover in your life. Detailing classics such as Wuthering Heights and Oliver Twist, as well as modern classics like The Kite Runner. I found some fabulous new places to add to my travel bucket list, as well as some new-found books to add to my TBR.
Would have loved if there was just a bit more detail about each book/place to visit and maybe some formatted highlights to make it easier to pick out information, but enjoyed it nonetheless.
Would have loved if there was just a bit more detail about each book/place to visit and maybe some formatted highlights to make it easier to pick out information, but enjoyed it nonetheless.
I expected it to feature fictional places like Hogsmeade but mostly it has real world places and how they were featured in the said book. I wanted to know the behind the scene stories of the literary world's that different writers have introduced to us to
Sophie’s next book was Literary Places by Sarah Baxter, a look at the real world locations that inspired and became integral parts of many classic novels. Each short chapter explores a given location and novel, tying real locations to fictional events or looking at the real buildings that inspired fictional variations.
Literary Places travels all over the world, from New York to Cairo, the Yorkshire Moors to Kabul, London to the Australian Outback. Each of the novels selected is intrinsically linked to its location and could not be transplanted elsewhere. Ulysses could not take place outside of turn-of-the-20th-Century Dublin, nor could Les Miserables take place outside 19th Century Paris, or To Kill a Mockingbird outside the American south in the 1930s.
In the book, Baxter gives a brief overview of the novels she is discussing, then takes us on a short tour of the places that inspired it, pointing out landmarks that can be visited should you wish to take a pilgrimage. This is interspersed with illustrations by Amy Grimes whose bright and bold style helps capture the feel of these varied places. Sophie felt these descriptions were a little short and vague at times, often surprising her by their abrupt endings. This is very much a picture postcard look at these places, not a detailed essay.
Because Literary Places focuses heavily on the so-called Western Canon, the authors featured are not exactly diverse. While authors from around the world are included, of the 25 books featured in this volume, 17 were written by men, and 23 by white people. Books located in Europe account for more than 50% of the total too with the Continents of Africa and South America only covered by two titles each.
Sophie felt that while Literary Places has a great concept, it could have benefited by delving deeper and expanding its horizons a little further.
Literary Places travels all over the world, from New York to Cairo, the Yorkshire Moors to Kabul, London to the Australian Outback. Each of the novels selected is intrinsically linked to its location and could not be transplanted elsewhere. Ulysses could not take place outside of turn-of-the-20th-Century Dublin, nor could Les Miserables take place outside 19th Century Paris, or To Kill a Mockingbird outside the American south in the 1930s.
In the book, Baxter gives a brief overview of the novels she is discussing, then takes us on a short tour of the places that inspired it, pointing out landmarks that can be visited should you wish to take a pilgrimage. This is interspersed with illustrations by Amy Grimes whose bright and bold style helps capture the feel of these varied places. Sophie felt these descriptions were a little short and vague at times, often surprising her by their abrupt endings. This is very much a picture postcard look at these places, not a detailed essay.
Because Literary Places focuses heavily on the so-called Western Canon, the authors featured are not exactly diverse. While authors from around the world are included, of the 25 books featured in this volume, 17 were written by men, and 23 by white people. Books located in Europe account for more than 50% of the total too with the Continents of Africa and South America only covered by two titles each.
Sophie felt that while Literary Places has a great concept, it could have benefited by delving deeper and expanding its horizons a little further.
A well researched, illustrated look at the places that we've all grown up reading about. It is a nice mix of history, travel, and literature from Paris to Chile. Great for people who enjoy travel fiction or iconic classics.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review, but all opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review, but all opinions are my own.
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
The idea behind this book is fantastic, and I thought it was executed pretty well. The illustrations were stunning, and I loved learning more about the history behind some classics works and the cities they are set in. It is evident that the author has a passion for both travel and for books. I plan on buying myself a finished copy because it is such a beautiful book and will make for a great conversation starter. I was so happy and surprised to see that my favourite book, Cannery Row, made an appearance. Anyone who loves and appreciates the settings of the books that they read will appreciate this one. It would also make for a great gift!
Full review on my blog to come!
Full review on my blog to come!
A lovely book that can be read as a travel guide to literary place as well as the description of places where some of the most well known literary works are set.
I loved the style of writing and the lovely illustrations.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
I loved the style of writing and the lovely illustrations.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
This is perfect for fans of literature and travel. This is book is the perfect companion on your travels sharing with you the literary background of well-known or lesser well-known places.