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THE SUMMER READING LIST 6 book recs for your next trip
Words LUCY HALFHEAD
A holiday is that guilt-free time to devour a good book. The stretch of time when too-busy-to-read melts into blissfully turning pages in the sun. Books provide the perfect emotional backdrop to a summer holiday: a city break might require an energetic, contemporary novel, whilst a week in the South of France might be best accompanied by something slow and unfolding. We asked travel writer Lucy Halfhead to recommend some of her favourite on-holiday reads; the ones she always finds space for in her carry-on. Here are the titles worth grabbing, based on where you’re going.
If you haven’t been introduced to the delights of Elena Ferrante, then a holiday to Italy’s enchanting Amalfi Coast is absolutely the best time to start. Her captivating novel, My Brilliant Friend, is set against the backdrop of post-WWII Italy and follows two best friends, Elena and Lila, as their relationship evolves from humble beginnings in a poor but vibrant neighbourhood on the outskirts of Naples. And, if you enjoy it, there are three more books in the series to take on your next trips–whether you visit in person, or through Ferrante’s words.
The small Spanish village of Almería provides the languorous backdrop for Deborah Levy’s Hot Milk, a beguiling exploration of filial and maternal love. Through Levy’s sparse but hypnotic use of language, we follow mother and daughter, Rose and Sofia, who have travelled to a medical clinic in search of a cure for Rose’s strange – likely psychosomatic – ailments, including an inability to walk. Things take a sultry turn when Sofia acquires not one, but two lovers, and attempts to break away from the caged existence her mother has created for her.
Among the lavender fields and picturesque towns of Provence, where time seems to stand still, just might be the perfect place to immerse yourself in Zadie Smith’s latest creation, The Fraud–a sharp historical novel inspired by an extraordinary trial and featuring a real-life Victorian novelist. Much like Smith’s other works, this compelling and witty book follows several interwoven plots between London and Jamaica, with intricately-drawn characters that will have you turning the pages on a sun lounger by the pool for many hours.
Hazy days in the scorching Grecian sun call for a light, sparkling comedy such as Natalie Sue’s laugh-out-loud funny, I Hope This Finds You Well. The book tells the story of Jolene, a socially awkward admin worker who accidentally gains access to her hated colleagues’ private emails and DMs. It’s the kind of easy read you can dip in and out of in between long taverna lunches and cooling swims in the crystal clear waters that surround the island of Milos.
If you’re tempted by a staycation in these final summer days, why not head to Orkney in Scotland, armed with a copy of Amy Liptrot’s exquisite autobiographical novel, The Outrun, which is set on the island itself. Recently adapted into a film starring an Oscar-tipped Saoirse Ronan, this raw yet uplifting account of addiction and recovery paints a vivid picture of hedonistic nights and the healing power of nature – from wild swimming to bird watching – that will stay with you long after returning home.
Fantasy book of the summer, The Ministry of Time, takes its reader into the world of time travel, with a dose of romance, mystery and adventure too. Kaliane Bradley’s brilliant debut looks at what happens when time travel becomes a reality and famous figures from the past are brought into the 21st century. Pair with a summer break in the otherworldly Lake Bled, Slovenia, where you can marvel at the magnificent scenery on a hike to Castle Bled, bike ride around the lake or kayak on the water itself.
