Another week, another Top Ten Tuesday, a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. This time I’m talking about books from around the world. The books I’ve picked for today are all set in different countries and the setting in each plays an important part in them. Some make you want to go to this places, other… not so much. Let’s check them out!
1. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
You’ll definitely want to travel to Barcelona, Spain, after reading this one.
2. Under the Skin by Michel Faber
Set in Scotland, this novel reads like a dream. Well, more like a nightmare.
3. The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi
A True Crime set in Italy (Florence), which inspired Thomas Harris to write Hannibal.
4. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
Set in a vibrant and magical Nigeria.
5. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
A heartbreaking story mostly set in Afghanistan.
6. The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
The inspiration for the musical, set in France.
7. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
A fantastic autobiographical graphic novel set in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.
8. Red Azalea by Anchee Min
An eye-opening memoir set in China during the last years of Mao’s ruling.
9. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
This acclaimed mystery/thriller is set in Sweden.
10. The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
This novel spanning 60 decades is set in England, Switzerland, Iraq, China, Iceland, Colombia, and Ireland.
What books from around the world have you read? Do you have a favorite setting?
Chapter Adventures 
The Monster of Florence sounds fascinating!! I haven’t read very many books about Italy, so I think this would be a good way to branch out a bit. I’ve also been meaning to read The Kite Runner for ages now, but it just hasn’t happened yet. Great list!
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Thanks! I really enjoyed The Monster of Florence because it sheds light into the flaws of the Italian justice system from first hand experience of the authors, who become involved in the investigation. And The Kite Runner was a tough read, but ultimately worth it so I would recommend it. Glad you enjoyed the list 😉
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The majority of books outside the US that I have read are set in England.
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It seems to be the second most popular setting after the US, so I was totally expecting that. One that you particularly enjoyed where the setting felt alive?
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Harry Potter.
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Scotland, Italy, France, England, Ireland… so many places I want to explore.
Well, I did visit Florence (one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen in my life) and France (and also Spain), but I want to go back there and see more! there just wasn’t enough time – especially not in Florence (:
Do you know the TV show\books Outlander? An amazing story that takes place in scotland. If you haven’t read the books (like me), you should definitely watch the show. It’s amazing!
Both Persepolis and Red Azalea sound very interesting, but I don’t read autobiographical\memoir books.
I did learn a lot about the history of china in my history major in high school, so when you mentioned Mao there, I had a flashback of everything we learned about his time as a ruler in my head ^^
Right now, my top three places to visit are Japan (for as long as I can remember now), England (same) and Ireland (I blame – or, actually, thank – the Fever series for that. Ever since reading the books I just new I wanted to go there someday).
Great post ^__^
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That’s so cool! You’ve been in so many places. I really want to go to each country you mentioned, especially Spain because it’s my other nationality and I’ve never even visited, and also India.
Yes! We talked about Outlander. I still haven’t watched the show, but I’ve read Scotland is very visually stunning!
I’ve read a few memoirs and most of them I’ve truly enjoyed. The are always so incredible to hear, all the hardships and joys people go through, getting to know a culture through someone who is actually part of it… I really enjoy those sort of things.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting Zoey 😉
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Such a great list! Akata Witch is on my list after reading Binti last month. This list has so many places I want to visit, too!
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Thanks! I loved Akata Witch, I can’t wait for the next book in that series or for Binti’s continuation!
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The only one I’ve read is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I put book 2 on my list because I liked it better. 😉
Here are some of the books I’ve read outside the US: http://www.anovelglimpse.com/2016/07/19/top-ten-tuesday-ten-books-set-outside-the-u-s/
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That’s cool that you added your favorite! I actually enjoyed the first one better 😛
Thanks for stopping by!
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Under the Skin and The Kite Runner are definitely books that I’ll have to check out now. Great List!
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Thanks! They are both thought provoking in different ways, so if you’re in the mood for that sort of read, pick them up 😉
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Thanks I definitely will be soon 🙂
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I just finished reading “the Snows of Yesteryear” by Gregor Von Rezzori. It’s a memoir about growing up between the two world wars in what later became Romania after the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian empire. A fascinating story about a family displaced by political upheaval.
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Wow, it sounds amazing!
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I also have Shadow of the wind on my Top Ten list 🙂
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The setting really stands out, doesn’t it? I remember the images it described so clearly.
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Yes! I read it so long ago but I still remember some descriptions of the MC taking a tram and other bits and pieces.
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I admit I wasn’t a big fan of The Shadow of the Wind, but I do agree about the book wanting me to go to Spain. It does sound like a beautiful place.
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I actually wasn’t either! I still appreciate it and understand why people adore it but for me, I was enchanted by the first half and I loved the writing, but then I felt the whole thing was resolved through info dumping.
I really hope I can go to Spain one day, since my family is from there and they always say how beautiful it all is.
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Oh, yes, the beginning was really good. And even through translation, I thought Ruiz writes beautifully. But I agree, there was too much exposition through letters and description that I eventually got bored halfway through.
And ooh, here’s hoping you do get to go to Spain at some point!
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Great list! One of Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s books was also on my list, and The Shadow of the Wind is currently on my TBR. Under the Skin also looks interesting 🙂
Heres my TTT
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Ohh I just checked it out, it sounds great!
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This is such an interesting list! I always find so many new books from your posts, I love it!! I added Under The Skin and Monster of Florence (I looove true crime) to my TBR!! I also really want to read Akita Witch and Persepolis.
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Cool list! I hope I read The Kite Runner some day! I had to watch the movie adaptation in highschool and I cried… But I really loved the story, so I would like to read the book! 😀
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Ohh then prepare yourself. I never watch the film, so I don’t know how different it was, but the book is very emotional.
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Ok, I promise I’ll have tissues by my side :p
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The only one I have heard of is the kite runner, but I am always up for some more diverse recs. Thanks! My TTT: https://aubreysbooknook.wordpress.com/2016/07/19/books-set-outside-the-us/
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🙂 I’m glad I could introduce new books to you.
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The Bone Clocks was amazing! I really should have remembered to add it to my list!
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I really enjoyed that book! I read it recently, so I remembered to add it, but I usually see other posts and also say: “How could I forget that book!?” hahah
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I’ve just read The Book Of Strange New Things and I really want to read Under The Skin now, that sounds right up my street and Michel Faber’s writing is wonderful.
My review is here, not spoilery if you haven’t read it! https://murderundergroundbrokethecamel.wordpress.com/2016/11/11/the-book-of-strange-new-things/
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I will check you review, thank you! His writing was really good in Under The Skin. It was a pretty slow-paced book but the writing was the thing that held it together.
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