Devon Book Club discussion

So, here is the second challenge for 2015. This one seems to have been a very popular idea among quite a few of you.

Put simply, your task is to read a book set in 80 different countries. You can choose your route, your authors and any genre. So - very free reading.

As you read each book, post something about it; the main point of the challenge is to share worldwide literature and to expose us all to work we may not have heard of before.

80 books is quite a tall order but there is no rush - take as long as you like. To help you on your way, you can include any books you've read in the last year if you wish - entirely your call.

I'll keep track of the posts and see how the pilgrimage develops.

And to add that I have added a world map (see link under events) on which I intend to plot all the books and locations as you post them as completed.

Good luck

I'm trying to understand fully this challenge. Can this include books simply set in a particular country, or is it intended to be more than that; and should be books written by authors from a particular country with a story based in their country?

Alison wrote: "I'm trying to understand fully this challenge. Can this include books simply set in a particular country, or is it intended to be more than that; and should be books written by authors from a part..."

The main thing is that it is set in another country but I personally think it more interesting if it is also written by an author from that country. I don't want to be too rule bound - let it take you in whatever direction you choose. Above all the challenge should be fun

This is going to be my challenge for 2015! I'm starting with Distant Music by Lee Langley, an Indian writer, the book, however starts in Portugal and ends six centuries later in London. Hopefully this meets the criteria! Off to Portugal in a couple of weeks, have been there a few times but have never read anything set there so thought this would be a good one to start with.

Meant to add to last post - is there something specific I have to do on the site or do I just join/start a new thread?

Lynne wrote: "Afghanistan to Wales.....
Happy Christmas everyone, I’ve started my list & I’m halfway through the book for Israel at the moment. I have not yet started the books for Alaska, Lebanon, Mexico, Switz..."

Hi Lynne, Thanks for your list. You have reminded me of several I've intended to read ... so the 'Challenge' seems the ideal place to finally get round to them. I'm looking forward to more works by Kurkov: I've heard good things about his work on here, and I've recently made a start on his Ukraine Diaries. So far, I find him a compelling writer. NB I guess this one could count as my 'Ukraine' book, but I want more.

I intended to start the challenge at New Year, with all new-to-me books, but I've already (re-)started The Blind Man's Garden(Pakistan/ Afghanistan) by Nadeem Aslam (born in Pakistan, but his family had to flee to the UK). I'm also part-way through The Garden of Evening Mists. I usually have several on the go ... I tend to work, read and even sleep in different rooms, so it's useful to have them scattered around. I'm looking forward to reading a whole raft of new-to-me books of all genres and styles, and based around all different ages, cultures, beliefs, societal groups and sub-sets, etc.

Victoria wrote: "Meant to add to last post - is there something specific I have to do on the site or do I just join/start a new thread?"

Just add to this one

Lynne wrote: "Afghanistan to Wales.....
Happy Christmas everyone, I’ve started my list & I’m halfway through the book for Israel at the moment. I have not yet started the books for Alaska, Lebanon, Mexico, Switz..."

Be good to add reviews but as there are so many books I won't hold you to it so long as you say what you liked/didn't like about the book.

Hi Lynne - what a fantastic list, I have read a number of the titles and really enjoyed them. Good luck with the challenge!

I've become quite enthused by this challenge. I've already started making a list and have printed out a world map to help me. I've decided to start in Australia with The Sands of Windee, by Arthur W. Upfield, as I have that waiting to read anyway (I love his aboriginal detective tales and have read quite a few, they're all out of print but can still be found second-hand or on kindle). Then I plan move to on to New Zealand with The Bone Peopleby Keri Hulme because it looked interesting. I may then move on to the Solomon islands with Devil-Devilby GW Kent, or maybe Indonesia first (island of Lefó), perhaps with Journey to the End of the Whale by John Morley... If I don't have a book in mind already for the country I next want to read about I am going to pick a book by choosing a country and then picking the most interesting book that comes up on a google search for "books set in [name of country]". That's how I've come up with the books for NZ and Indonesia... will see what they're like! I think I'm going to enjoy this!

Ellen wrote: "I've become quite enthused by this challenge. I've already started making a list and have printed out a world map to help me. I've decided to start in Australia with [book:The Sands of Windee|92088..."

Fantastic - I am loving how people are approaching this task so differently. Looking forward to hearing about the books

If you want to make your own maps you can do it here. Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com Hope it works as I've taken it from another group. There is also an option for US states amongst others.

Lynne wrote: "DrMama wrote: "I've recently made a start on his Ukraine Diaries. So far, I find him a compelling writer. ..." Me too, have just finished his The Milkman in the Night and have [boo..."

Hi Lynne,
Yes, the Kurkov is non-fiction, and I'll get back to you with my thoughts once I've finished it. However, that might be some time, yet, as I'm not far. It was a grabbed, middle-of-the-night, spare-bed read (do other people do this?) when my cough/cold was in too much competition with my partner's. I'm also in the middle of 3 other books, plus 2 library [work/other] books are due back soon.
I'm looking forward to reading Murakami. I have never read any of his fiction, don't know why - especially as it sounds exactly what I love.
Good luck with the challenge to you, too!

Sue wrote: "If you want to make your own maps you can do it here. Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com Hope it works as I've taken it from another group. There is also an option for US states amongst others."

I'll have look. I am keen to map where everyone visits on their "travels"

I'm currently reading 'The Miniaturist' by Jessie Burton. It's set in seventeenth century Amsterdam; so I've decided to start my 'trip' in Holland. It's an unusual book! I'm enjoying the historical context of the city being ruled by The Guilds and Borgermaster; but I find the premise that the Miniaturist prophesizes the future through the pieces she makes for the miniature house cabinet a bit far fetched to be honest! I'm about 75% through the book, so I await with interest whether it all comes together in the end.

Alison wrote: "I'm currently reading 'The Miniaturist' by Jessie Burton. It's set in seventeenth century Amsterdam; so I've decided to start my 'trip' in Holland. It's an unusual book! I'm enjoying the historic..."

Just downloaded it myself so curious to hear what you think

Some fascinating options here
http://bit.ly/1BkgZ0K

Ok Ian, I've just finished The Miniaturist - I'm not too good at sharing my thoughts on books, but here goes! For me, it was an enjoyable read, but it didn't grip me. There is definitely a strong feminist streak running throughout the book; though how accurate that would have been for 17 century Amsterdam I'm not sure. However, for me, the book tried to cover way too many issues altogether (as well as feminism it covers racism, homophobia, illegitimacy) and it kind of crashed it's way through them. The role of the miniaturist herself was a bit odd and far fetched for me and you never did find out her story; which was a shame. I did get a pretty good picture of Amsterdam in the 1600,s though - a place where wealth and greed took precedent even above God and the church. Overall, it was ok, but I don't think it lived up to its hype.

Alison wrote: "Ok Ian, I've just finished The Miniaturist - I'm not too good at sharing my thoughts on books, but here goes! For me, it was an enjoyable read, but it didn't grip me. There is definitely a strong..."

That's a great review. Very accessible and clearly captures your thoughts. So - Amsterdam done; where are you going next (assuming you want this to count towards your around the world challenge?

I do indeed intend to kick of my 80 countries with Holland! I think next I will probably go to France as I have The Elegance of the Hedgehog on my to read list. Currently reading a bit of chick lit for light relief though :-)

Alison wrote: "I do indeed intend to kick of my 80 countries with Holland! I think next I will probably go to France as I have The Elegance of the Hedgehog on my to read list. Currently reading a bit of chick li..."

Good for you. Consider it registered and enjoy the chick lit. Hope you are rememberign to add to your My Books list as you read them all. That builds your profile

Ian wrote: "Alison wrote: "Ok Ian, I've just finished The Miniaturist - I'm not too good at sharing my thoughts on books, but here goes! For me, it was an enjoyable read, but it didn't grip me. There is defi..."

And to add that I have added a world map (see link under events) on which I intend to plot all the books and locations as you post them as completed. Yours is the first Ali.

Thanks Ian! Glad to see you reached 100 members by end of 2014! Happy New Year to you and your family from Tim and I x

Alison wrote: "Thanks Ian! Glad to see you reached 100 members by end of 2014! Happy New Year to you and your family from Tim and I x"

Well done on the 100! Happy New Year.

Currently in Bosnia-Herzegovina with my first read of 2015. People of the Book is about a Jewish illustrated book that was rescued in their most recent war. I think the book is going to trace the book's history back through the ages. Believe it is based on fact. I read a story about a painting a few months ago that followed this format and was interesting Girl in Hyacinth Blue, set in Holland.

Sue wrote: "Currently in Bosnia-Herzegovina with my first read of 2015. People of the Book is about a Jewish illustrated book that was rescued in their most recent war. I think the book is goi..."

Make sure you tell me when you have finished and want a book counted against the challenge - so I can enter on the map

Lynne wrote: "Ian wrote: "tell me when you have finished ..."

Have just finished Lois on the Loosewhich starts in Alasksa (ends in Argentina)which is already on my table [in previous post I stat..."

So - which country do I log Lois on the Loose for? I'm enjoying the Murakami

In the last couple of days I have finished my first 2 books towards this challenge: I started in the Australian outback (New South Wales) with an Arthur W. Upfield, Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte mystery Death of a Swagman. Always good fun although the motive for the murders in this particular novel was a little far-fetched. The language is very dated which adds to the appeal, and the details about tracking in the bush country fascinating. This novel was mostly based around the "white men" which was a shame as Upfield is at his best when writing mysteries involving the aboriginies and their customs (I've read quite a few of his in the past).
No.2 was set in the Solomon Islands moving NE from Australia. Devil-Devil by GW Kent. Another detective novel set with a native policeman. Really interesting detail about the native customs and traditions, and I've learnt quite a bit- had too look up a few things on wikipaedia e.g. "taro" (staple diet)! An interesting and easy read- what more could I ask for?

Ellen wrote: "In the last couple of days I have finished my first 2 books towards this challenge: I started in the Australian outback (New South Wales) with an Arthur W. Upfield, Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte mys..."

sounds great - will add to the map later

I've just finished Haruki Murakami's Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage, set in Japan - so that's where I'm starting my journey. I am going to rave about this book. I loved it. It is not as surreal as Murakami's other work. It is a beautifully written book, that sucked me in from teh first page - a wonderful plot, prose that carried you along and a story that is unusual. It explores themes of friendship and loyalty, motivation, relationships and much more. Piano music by Liszt features heavily and is highly symbolic. I have listened to this beautiful, melancholic music over and over and don't tire of it. This is a must read in my opinion. Murakami is, in my view, one of the best writers of his generation.

Finished People of the Book for Bosnia-Herzigovina. Worth a read. The Cellist of Sarajevo was a good backdrop for the parts set there (as well as being an excellent read).

I've just finished The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai, so that's an unexpected 'I' for India - I was trying to be alphabetical with this challenge, until I realised my Reading Group book would count.
I've posted a review from our Book Group over on the 'Reading Group' thread (I don't think there are any spoilers). I do recommend the book, but I suggest taking it slowly at first - try to savour the language and descriptions and 'learn' the characters. It really heats up later, but several of us had very 'fractured' or snatched reads of the first part, and struggled to get in to the work, as a result, although we subsequently admired it.
Also, check some reviews after, for interesting background.
I'm now going back to The Blind Man's Garden by Nadeem Aslam (Afghanistan), which I had to abandon to read the Desai in time for RG!

Sue wrote: "Finished People of the Book for Bosnia-Herzigovina. Worth a read. The Cellist of Sarajevo was a good backdrop for the parts set there (as well as being an excellent read)."

Hi Sue I've not heard of People of the Bookbut have read The Cellist of Sarajevo and loved it. I'll add both to the map (the link to which you'll find under events)

DrMama wrote: "I've just finished The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai, so that's an unexpected 'I' for India - I was trying to be alphabetical with this challenge, until I realised my Reading Grou..."

Thanks Carol - I've read the Inheritance of Loss and enjoyed it but had not heard of the Blind Man's Garden - looks really good. Another for my list! I am loving mapping these books. I have even found Mount
Kangchenjunga and located the book right on it.

I hope you all enjoy looking at the map - dont forget to zoom in and out to see the detail!

Hi,

I'm going to add a little personal wrinkle - my first 40 books (and countries) will progressively move away from the UK and the second 40 books return progressively to the UK.

Not sure how practical that will be but I have nearly completed 'Some Do Not' by Ford Madox Ford and will then, of course, move onto 'The Dubliners' by Joyce...

Colin wrote: "Hi,

I'm going to add a little personal wrinkle - my first 40 books (and countries) will progressively move away from the UK and the second 40 books return progressively to the UK.

Not sure how pr..."

I like that - look forward to the journey. If you access the map on the events section you can sign up for free and create your own map

Thanks Ian, I will do that.

Another for the US. Still Alice a novel about a linguistics professor at Harvard who is affected by early-onset Altzeimers. It was extremely interesting but also heartbreaking read. I did feel I understood a little more about the disease (fortunately I have not had any direct experience with the condition). It is set mainly in Cambridge, Mass.

Sue wrote: "Another for the US. Still Alice a novel about a linguistics professor at Harvard who is affected by early-onset Altzeimers. It was extremely interesting but also heartbreaking read..."

Sounds really interesting - I will add to the map right now

Ian wrote: "DrMama wrote: "I've just finished The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai, so that's an unexpected 'I' for India - I was trying to be alphabetical with this challenge, until I realised ..."

Hi Ian, really stuck for time at the moment, and not checking in as often. The map sounds wonderful, thank you so much for all your hard work and co-ordinating. Much appreciated.

DrMama wrote: "Ian wrote: "DrMama wrote: "I've just finished The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai, so that's an unexpected 'I' for India - I was trying to be alphabetical with this challenge, until..."

No worries. should be no pressure. This is a "drop in when you can" space - not meant to be a duty! The map is great fun. It makes such a difference when you can see the setting. If you've not checked it yet just click on the link under events and then zoom in on Tibet

Wow, It is superb. I knew I could do this, but just never had the idea of dropping in on the sites and situations of novels before. Just wait until I tell the Reading Group!! Great idea Ian!!

DrMama wrote: "Wow, It is superb. I knew I could do this, but just never had the idea of dropping in on the sites and situations of novels before. Just wait until I tell the Reading Group!! Great idea Ian!!"

Love the enthusiasm! You can easily create one of your own too - for your own travels. When you get to the site, sign up and create a map, name it, save it then you can drop your own markers to track your personal journey. If you give it a try, let me know if you have any trouble and I'll give you help - took my daughter's boyfriend to show me but it is quite simple once you grasp the basics

I've recently read The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies, set in Wales around POW camp during WW2. I'm going to also claim this one as my 'D' for reading challenge 3.

Ellen wrote: "I've recently read The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies, set in Wales around POW camp during WW2. I'm going to also claim this one as my 'D' for reading challenge 3."

Going on the map straight away Ellen. You are on a roll.

Shantaram is set in Mumbai and is actually a true story written by an escaped Australian criminal. He falls in love with Mumbai, which he calls Bombay. He settles there, lives in a slum and becomes part of the community with people from Mumbai and settlers from abroad.

He also travels to Pakistan and Afghanistan as he becomes involved with the Bombay Mafia. I didn't enjoy this section of the book so much and felt he could have written two separate books, however, he returns to his Bombay and the love, hope and feeling of connection he will probably always have with Mumbai.

It is a book which is full of action, a love for people from different cultures, language and the freedom to do anything at all.

You've got to admire him, Linbaba, the central character and author. He is a survivor who can emerge from anything and become strong again.

It's being made into a film with Johnny Depp, not sure what that will be like, but I'll give it a go!

Recommended to people who love reading about India.

The Blind Man's Garden is the 4th novel by Pakistani-born Nadeem Aslam. I have read all his novels, and think they are exceptional: all different, and not conventionally 'enjoyable' ... but the combination of beautiful language, close relationships, and unpalatable images (that need to be shared, disseminated) work for me. Some people dislike his poetic writing, but I admire his skill. Nothing seems forced.
The novel tells the story of Rohan (the 'blindman' of the title) and his extended family. They live in Heer, a town in North-Eastern Pakistan, and the novel is set shortly after 9/11, with the 'War on Terror' already being felt in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Rohan's son Jeo and adopted son Mikal journey to Afghanistan to offer medical aid to the innocent. The novel charts their experiences as well as the complications that beset their family in their absence. Through all this tale-telling, Aslam demonstrates that there is no one 'side', no one 'truth'. As with previous novels by Aslam, the work is scrupulously researched, and I learned so much, as well as marvelling at the imagery.
It is magnificent, but not for the faint-hearted. I did prefer his previous novel, The Wasted Vigil, for it's more complex, multi-voiced and not-always-linear structure, but this work is different enough, in structure and aims, for me to give it 5 stars.
NB Ian, I guess the book's 'flag' on the map should really be in Pakistan, as most of the action takes place there - apologies, I didn't realise before I read the book. I could not find 'Heer' on the map, but it is near the far north-eastern city of Gujranwala (just north of Lahore). Can I move my flag or do you have to do it?

DrMama wrote: "The Blind Man's Garden is the 4th novel by Pakistani-born Nadeem Aslam. I have read all his novels, and think they are exceptional: all different, and not conventionally 'enjoyable..."

Definitely one I will read, Carol. Thanks for the review. I think I may have added it to the map already. Will check and do so if not.

I have read another couple towards this challenge: The Bone Peopleby Keri Hulme is set in New Zealand, Whangaroa in the North Island and various other places. It's an absolutely fascinating read, I can see why it was shortlisted for the 1985 Booker Prize. The language and style took a bit of getting into for the first two pages. There's a scattering of Maori in the text but it's easy to pick up the gist of the meaning (if, like me, you don't realise there is a glossary of translations in the back of the book!). The book is a mix of maori traditions and legends and modern day NZ. It's an interesting study of relationships and connectedness, brutal and dreadfully sad at times but comes to a nice conclusion. The main characters are a loner of a half-maori woman who's split from her family (we never learn why), a damaged, mute, 7yr old boy with a mysterious past and his maori widower foster father who is at times both loving and tender and at others brutal with the boy. The way she weaves the characters together is fantastic while all the time you can't possibly believe the 3 characters would ever fit. Really well worth a read- I gave it 5 stars and would read it again.

I have also just finished Albert Camus's The Outsider set in Algiers, French Algeria. Not a great read- very short with a very simple, limited vocabulary. The point he's trying to make is quite clear but I found it a bit of a boring read!

Ellen wrote: "I have read another couple towards this challenge: The Bone Peopleby Keri Hulme is set in New Zealand, Whangaroa in the North Island and various other places. It's an absolutely fasci..."

Wow - you really are covering the ground. I'll add them to the map in a minute. I am keen to read the The Bone People - on my list for this year so your recommendation is reinforcing that. I read Albert Camus as L'Etranger from French A Level and re-red it last year. I really liked the book - possibly because we studied it so carefully. The central character's lack of emotional awareness and empathy was brilliantly written in my view - I agree it isn't a page-turner but I think it is cleverly crafted.