From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the rugged coast of Vancouver Island, let the landscapes in these new books inspire your next journey.
5 New Books to Inspire Your Next Journey
Immerse yourself in a new destination – no boarding pass required – with these vivid books.
Iceland. Photo: Robert Bye
Animal Life by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir, translated by Brian FitzGibbon —
This breathtaking story is set against the snow–capped mountains that border Reykjavík and follows a fourth–generation midwife named Dómhildur. Acclaimed author and poet Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir captures the essence of existence marvellously as Dómhildur delivers her 1,922nd baby on one of the darkest days of the year in the lead–up to Christmastime. Tender and filled with humour, Animal Life offers a true taste of life in Iceland.
Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Joe Cook
Dinosaurs by Lydia Millet —
Forty–five–year–old Gilfinds himself heartbroken after a recent breakup and decides to move west to pursue a new life in Phoenix. Wealthy by inheritance, he becomes drawn to a family of four who live in the glass–walled home next to his, finding purpose by volunteering at a women’s shelter. Brimming with stunning observations of birds and the Arizona landscape, Dinosaurs is an unforgettable novel that will whisk your mind away.
Italy. Photo: Flo P.
An Italian Girl in Brooklyn by Santa Montefiore —
Master storyteller Santa Montefiore breathes life into every scene in this epic tale spanning decades and continents. Following Evelina and her family between Vercellino, a fictional city inspired by Vercelli in northern Italy, and Brooklyn, NY.
With impressive vignettes of Piedmont, this time–travelling romance is sure to have you pining for an Italian escape among the cypress trees, olive groves and delectable cuisine.
Tokyo, Japan. Photo: M. S. Meeuwesen
The Pachinko Parlour by Elisa Shua Dusapin, translated by Aneesa Abbas Higgins —
From the National Book Award–winning novelist Elisa Shua Dusapin comes a mesmerizing story about a young woman who is staying with her grandparents in Japan for the summer. Claire is planning to escort them back to their homeland of Korea, from which they fled in 1952 to escape the war.
As Claire transits through Tokyo by the Yamanote Line from Shinagawa to Nippori and beyond, with visits to Tokyo Disneyland and Heidi’s Village, Dusapin’s prose is so vivid that you can travel to each without leaving your sofa.
Vancouver Island. Photo: Lesly Derksen
All the Bears Sing by Harold Macy —
Through 23 raw and moving short stories, Canadian writer Harold Macy presents a diverse cast of characters living in and around British Columbia. In Beyond Yuquot, a kayak crew sets up campon the west coast of Vancouver Island and feast on nature’s offerings. Into the Silverthrone Caldera introduces an unnamed narrator working as a log grader at Knight Inlet in the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia. Remarkable descriptions of Klinaklini River make the story come to life.
An extraordinary and vibrant display of Canada’s West Coast, All the Bears Sing will have you yearning for an excursion outdoors.