For the armchair adventurer, there’s nothing quite like a captivating novel to whisk you away to distant lands. With the turn of a page, you can bargain in a bustling Moroccan marketplace, scaling the windswept Himalayas, or cruising down the canals of Venice. Great travel literature transports you not just geographically, but also culturally, immersing you in the sights, sounds, and soul of a place.
Here are 7 novels that will take you on an imaginative journey around the world:
Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne (France)
This classic adventure story by Jules Verne is a timeless tale of exploration and the thrill of the unknown. The story kicks off with Phileas Fogg, a man known for his punctuality and precision, encountering an article in a newspaper. This article discusses the advancements in transportation – specifically the newly built railroad in India – which theoretically make it possible to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. Accompanied by his loyal valet Passepartout, Fogg embarks on a whirlwind journey by train, steamship, elephant, and even hot air balloon. To win the bet, Fogg meticulously plans his itinerary, utilizing every available mode of transportation at the time – trains, steamships, elephants, and even a hot air balloon. The story then follows Fogg and his valet Passepartout as they embark on this ambitious journey, taking them across continents and through diverse landscapes.
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts (India)
Shantaram is a sprawling saga that dives deep into the heart of India. Lindsay, the main character, is an Australian fugitive. Though the story unfolds in India, we learn about his past life and the reasons that led him to flee his home country. This creates a sense of contrast between his old life and his new one in Bombay. As Lindsay navigates the city’s vibrant underworld, he forms unlikely friendships, grapples with his past, and finds a sense of belonging in a place far from home. Roberts’ evocative writing captures the chaotic beauty of Bombay, its teeming streets, hidden alleyways, and the resilience of its people. Bombay itself is a microcosm of the world. As a major port city, it attracts people from various backgrounds – Afghans fleeing war, European tourists, American hippies, and a diverse local population.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (Brazil, Egypt, Spain)
The Alchemist is a philosophical adventure that follows Santiago, a young shepherd from Andalusia. Driven by a recurring dream, he embarks on a journey to the pyramids of Egypt in search of buried treasure. Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters who teach him valuable lessons about life, love, and following your dreams. Coelho’s allegorical tale takes the reader across continents, from the rolling plains of Spain to the bustling markets of Tangier, exploring themes of self-discovery and destiny. Compared to novels like “Around the World in 80 Days,” “The Alchemist” has a much narrower geographical scope. This allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and themes within a specific cultural context.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (Spain)
This literary mystery set in Barcelona takes the reader on a captivating journey through the city’s labyrinthine streets and hidden past. The central theme of the book revolves around literature itself. The protagonist, Daniel, becomes obsessed with a forgotten novel titled “The Shadow of the Wind” by Julian Carax. This obsession leads him down a rabbit hole of literary history, uncovering stories and references that span different cultures and eras. While not physically traveling, the book delves into the vast world of literature, offering a glimpse into different cultural experiences and perspectives. Zafón’s atmospheric prose evokes the city’s gothic charm and its rich literary history.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (USA)
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece captures the extravagance and disillusionment of the American Roaring Twenties. “The Great Gatsby” critiques the American Dream of the Roaring Twenties. It exposes the hollowness of materialism and the emptiness pursued by the wealthy characters. This theme resonates universally, prompting readers to reflect on their values and aspirations, regardless of their location. The novel highlights the stark contrast between the wealthy residents of East Egg and West Egg, mirroring the social inequalities present across the globe. Readers get a glimpse into the lifestyles of both the old-money elite and the nouveau riche, prompting reflection on social structures and class struggles.
Train to Busan by Sang-Hun Park (South Korea)
Train to Busan is a South Korean thriller novel (also adapted into a popular film) by Sang-Hun Park. This fast-paced thriller takes place entirely on a high-speed train hurtling towards Busan, a city presumed to be safe from a deadly viral outbreak. Seok-woo, a businessman focused on his upcoming business deal, is forced to confront the escalating chaos onboard when passengers become infected by a mysterious virus. As the train races towards Busan, the zombie infection spreads rapidly. The remaining passengers face a desperate struggle for survival. Resources dwindle, trust crumbles, and the fight for survival exposes the best and worst of humanity. Train to Busan is a heart-pounding ride that explores themes of class struggle, parental sacrifice, and the human capacity for both selfishness and compassion in the face of crisis.
On the Road by Jack Kerouac (USA)
Jack Kerouac’s iconic novel captures the free-spirited energy of the Beat Generation in the 1950s. The story follows Sal Paradise, a young writer who embarks on a series of road trips across America with his friend Dean Moriarty. Filled with jazz music, impromptu poetry readings, and fleeting romances, On the Road is a celebration of youthful rebellion and the open highway. Kerouac’s lyrical prose paints a vivid picture of the vast American landscape, from the bustling cities of the East Coast to the desolate deserts of the Southwest. The novel captures the essence of the Beat Generation’s yearning for freedom and exploration. The vastness of the American highways becomes a symbol of boundless possibility and escape from societal constraints.
These are just a few examples of the many novels that can transport you around the world. So, grab a book, settle in, and let your imagination take you on an unforgettable literary adventure.
