It’s been a crazy couple of months watching the events of the world unfold, and my sabbatical has certainly taken a turn for the unexpected. However, I am a strong believer in the idea that to adapt is to overcome. Although unplanned, this time in lockdown has given me the chance to work on something I’ve had in the back of my mind for a while now: a list of my must-reads, but themed around various countries throughout the world.
Exploring the world through literature has become all the more pertinent in light of recent events. As worldwide travel grinds to a halt, with flights being grounded as many countries shut their borders, visiting distant parts of the world is, for now, no longer part of our reality. But, as societies and individuals risk turning inwards on themselves, a good book may be more than just a welcome distraction as we come to terms with our new reality; through literature we can look outwards, and experience new worlds through the eyes of others: the foreigner, the immigrant, from the perspective of the animal unable to communicate using human language, the child and the elderly beyond our own years. Literature allows us the gift of travelling the world ten times over, while living a multitude of different lives, through innumerable different eras.
So, it’s time to don your favourite pyjamas, dressing gown or other cosy clothes of choice, snuggle up on the sofa, cup of tea or glass of wine in hand, and set out on the adventure of exploring this wonderful world of ours through the pages of a good book.
Keep an eye out for new Call of the World book reviews here.
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