Whether it’s novels to read when you’re travelling or travel books themselves we thought we’d give you a heads up of what books we’re reading.
First and foremost we thought we should share some of our all-time favourites. Here’s a few gems that beautifully refer to an individual overcoming adversity. The perfect read whilst training, raising funds and preparing for a life-altering adventure of your own.
‘The Goldfinch’ by Donna Tartt
(Image credited to John Manno)
One of our favourite reads, this character-driven plot is beautifully told by the uber-talented Donna Tartt, winning the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2014.
The protagonist ‘Theo’ was thrust into a life he knew nothing of, still suffering from his traumatic accident in New York and the subsequent loss of his mother. The characters are flawed and appear full of nuance and complexities. The novel is constructed beautifully and the expansive and crazy descriptive language appears effortless for Tartt.
(to be noted: If you’re not into descriptions detailing the minutia then this is not the read for you)
‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak
(Image credited to Abe Books)
The musings of death narrate this unwittingly brilliant read. The novel explains the sufferings of World War 2 from a new perspective. Markus Zusak is a masterful writer, having the reader in the palm of his hand through the entirety of the novel.
The writing is haunting and reading this novel will undoubtedly evoke some semblance of emotion within you. The novel is filled with Death observing and contemplating human nature giving the reader an almost surreal experience. ‘The Book Thief’ shows us that even in the worst of times we can find beauty and strength.
‘The Power of One’ by Bryce Courtenay
(Image credited to Penguin Books Australia)
One of those honest-to-goodness life-changing reads. A book of humanity and thoughtfulness. With a rich plot, our protagonist ‘Peekay’ experiences a life of horrible abuse and ridicule, being the mirror image of those that tore his peers’ families apart. A timeless story of adversity set in South Africa in the late 1930’s, it shows Peekay experiencing both the ramifications of World War 2 and the brewing apartheid, as a read you are learning about the history of South Africa through the eyes of a child.
Peekay experiences horrific conditions from a tender age, setting up the intensity of his own growth & personal transformation that takes place throughout the novel. This is a journey of self-discovery, enlightenment & empowerment.
‘The Count of Monte Christo’ by Alexandre Dumas
(Image credited to Wordsworth Classics)
A immersive tale of a lifetime dedicated to revenge, a man hardened by life wronging him, in indescribable pain coming to a place of peace through retribution. Categorised as an adventure novel, the protagonist Edmond Dantès is in a state of utter despair and on the brink of giving up. It’s quite long, intricate and not for the faint-hearted, but if you are a voracious reader and in the mood for a little adventure – you’ve met your match.
Have a book in the same vein that you think we should read?
