A Novel Approach: Turkey, India, Uzbekistan, Venice
This item appears on page 46 of the July 2014 issue.
When I plan a trip to a new destination, I always like to read books about the place before, during or after my travels.
I recently took a trip to Turkey with Overseas Adventure Travel (Cambridge, MA; 800/955-1925). Our guide recommended that we read, prior to our departure, “Birds Without Wings” by Louis de Bernières (2004, Knopf). It was a great suggestion and certainly enriched my understanding of Turkish history.
When people are going to India, I always suggest they read “A Fine Balance” by Rohinton Mistry (2001,Vintage International).
We recently traveled to Uzbekistan and found that “A Carpet Ride to Khiva: Seven Years on the Silk Road” by Christopher Alexander (2009, Icon Books) provided great insight.
Donna Leon’s mysteries with Commissario Guido Brunetti capture the very essence of current-day Venice.
I would like to hear other readers’ suggestions for books that would enhance visits to foreign places.
FRED H. DeVINNEY
Oakland, CA