Written by Sahana Rukmangathan
People often read as a way of escaping reality, mundane normality, or disorderly situations. A book is a magical teleportation device. Each individual book is a dimension waiting to be visited—a different place to travel and a different mind to travel in. Historical fiction, especially, allows the readers to wander through time and space at the turn of every page. Keeping that in mind, here are some travel destinations to visit without ever packing your suitcase.
All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Saint-Malo, France
Saint-Malo, a seaport in northwestern France is on the English Channel and the estuary of Rance River, and it is named after Malo, a Welsh monk who sought sanctuary on the island. The prospering town was bombed and destroyed in WWII and All The Light We Cannot See takes place mainly in this town described beautifully by our blind protagonist, Marie-Laure. Her love for the sandy beaches of Saint-Malo will make you feel like you’re standing right there with her as she learns to navigate life in the beautiful city of Saint-Malo.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Hollywood, California
Hollywood, the fantastical world of the brightest stars holding the spotlight of the world. Lying in the northwestern part of downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood has earned its spot as a legendary place in the cinema industry all over the globe. This novel follows the dramatic life of one of the biggest stars in the industry as she unveils all her dirty laundry so get ready to explore Hollywood with Evelyn Hugo as she fights to get to the top.
Heart of Lies by M.L. Malcolm
Shanghai, China
Shanghai is an internationally famous city renowned for its economy, trade, and culture. The city is located on the coast of the East China Sea between the mouth of the Yangtze River and the bay of Hongzhou. Before Shanghai became the way it is now, the city was a major base for commercial imperialism by countries of the West. Silent Lies paints a perfect picture of imperialized Shanghai including the city’s economic prospects and even its social viewpoints. The lawless city of the east is a dangerous place to be, but if you have the right guide you might see things you never want to unsee.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Paris, France
Paris, home of the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame cathedral, is no vacation place in this book. During WWII, citizens of Paris learn to live under Nazi control of their beautiful city. Although not your ideal vacation place, Paris at this time was the center of rebellion.
