Hello,
The idea behind this blog is simple: I travel a lot, sometimes for work, sometimes on holidays and I enjoy reading very much. For a few years, I have been reading books – mainly fiction – which take place in the country or city that I am visiting. When possible, I try to find and go to the places described in the novel, or I am happy to read a chapter that describes an atmosphere, a music or a dish that I have already encountered. The book gives me the opportunity to go beyond the touristic clichés that are too often the lot of short-term visitors. The novel opens for me a window on the country, sometimes on the daily lives of the people, sometimes on its history.
My blog’s aim is to share in a few lines those impressions. I mix memories of the city, the way I approached and perceived it, with what I liked in the book.
I make no claim to literary critique. If I did not like a novel, I will not write about it. The choice of places is dictated by my trips, recents or older. Often, but not always, I read the novel, in part or completely, during my stay.
I pick the books depending on my tastes, my curiosity, or sometimes because of current events. I have no specific rule for my choices: literary monuments or less known authors, contemporary or older, local or travelling writers. If you think that I could have chosen another author or another book to write about a city or a country, let me know in the comments, and who knows, I might have the pleasure of reading the book you are suggesting.
I write this blog in French and in English, on two different sites. I am francophone, but I live in the US. I hope you will forgive me if my English is not as fluid as I would like it to be. I read in both languages, preferably in the original one. For books written in other languages, I choose the translation which is more readly available. As much as possible, I try to pick books available in both languages.
So, the idea is simple: I invite you to read about the books and the places I love. With some luck, I will encourage you to read a novel that you haven’t read yet or to discover (or re-discover) a new destination. And then I invite you to dialogue with me and let me know about your opinions, suggestions or questions by leaving comments.
Enjoy the reading and the trips!
Damien
Superb blog post. Thank you so much for writing.
Thank you