Latest news with #ElenaFerrante
Forbes
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
10 Must-Read Books About Friendship And Connection
Actresses Irene Maiorino and Alba Caterina Rohrwacher on the television series "My Brilliant ... More Friend," based on a novel by Elena Ferrante that is one of the best books about friendship. Life is about relationships, and so many people enjoy reading friendship books that offer them insights and guidance they can use in their own lives. Whether you choose books about friendship that teach you something or ones that simply entertain, you have many options to choose from. Novels, memoirs and nonfiction advising what to do following the loss of a friendship can help you understand developments in your own life. Your choice may depend on what you are looking for. All the best friend books on this list deliver the poignant, intelligent and interesting takes on relationships that you need to become an even better friend. Top Books About Friendships Friendship helps you feel supported, seen and valued in your daily life. It gives you a sounding board and a place to be yourself. This list includes four novels, but is mostly nonfiction, including memoirs and self-help. Friendship literature is a subgenre of self-help focused on relationship-building. These rankings are based on the quality of the insights delivered in the books and how well they hold up over time as well as the books' critical reception, commercial success and any pop culture recognition. This speculative Printz Honor book is set in a world free of hunger, disease and war, so now the government must kill people for population control. Two friends train to become the Scythes that deliver death—and the teens learn the toll that takes on them and their friendship. This book is best for fans of fantasy or young adult (YA) novels. Neal Shusterman's Scythe is available from publisher Simon & Schuster. Gail Caldwell and Caroline Knapp were friends before Knapp was diagnosed with cancer, and Caldwell memorializes their relationship. They became best friends by bonding over their dogs as well as their alcohol dependencies. Caldwell writes beautifully about non-romantic devotion while exploring how their relationship rooted and grew. This book is best for those looking for books about grief when a friend has died. Gail Caldwell's Let's Take the Long Way Home is available from Penguin Random House. This much-lauded novel, a finalist for the Man Booker Prize and National Book Award, follows four college friends as they drift through life, with a man who suffered deep childhood trauma serving as their anchor. Hanya Yanagihara examines found family and how we choose (or don't choose) our friends. This book is best for anyone seeking a novel that meditates on what we owe our friends. Hanya Yanagihara's A Little Life is available from publisher Penguin Random House. Latina Rebels founder Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez examines the unique issues facing women of color, including discrimination and colorism, while encouraging community. She provides encouragement and urges pride in identity, creating a space where women of color can feel safe, valued and, indeed, friended. This book is best for women of color who feel overlooked when trying to make friends. Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez's For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts is available from publisher Seal Press. The internet may connect us to a great way to share knowledge, but it has also led many people to feel disconnected from others. Anna Goldfarb makes a case for the value of friendship and explains how to achieve it in a world where more and more people feel isolated. This book is best for anyone feeling closed off from others. Anna Goldfarb's Modern Friendship is available from publisher Sounds True. What starts as an exclusive group of teens at a camp becomes a clique that rules their world far longer than seems healthy. Jules is shocked when she's welcomed into their exclusive group, and as decades pass, their friendships shift in unexpected ways as they confront real life and abandon their ambitions. This book is best for anyone who loves dense tales of found family. Meg Wolitzer's The Interestings is available from Penguin Random House. Chelsea Clinton, left, and Meg Wolitzer attend 92nd Street Y presents: Chelsea Clinton discusses her ... More new book. Wolitzer wrote the great friendship novel "The Interestings." Named to The New York Times' Best Books of the 21st Century list, Stay True dissects a seminal friendship New Yorker staff writer Hua Hsu developed with a fellow Asian American who was very different from him. His close friend's violent, unexpected death throws Hsu's world into disarray. This book is best for those who want to read about a life-defining friendship. Hua Hsu's Stay True is available from publisher Penguin Random House. No one can dispute that the world is more fragmented than it used to be. So, how can you find your tribe? Science, argues Marisa G. Franco, who delves into behavior and attachment style to explain why making close friends is difficult and how to make it easier. She offers research-based ways to connect. This book is best for science nerds. Marisa G. Franco's Platonic is available from Penguin Random House. Before Ann Patchett became an acclaimed novelist, she befriended fellow writer Lucy Grealy, whose bout with childhood cancer stole part of her jaw. The book follows their intertwined lives for two decades as they pursue literary success and confront some terrible truths about life, including how to navigate losing a friend. This book is best for those looking for powerful books about real-life friendships. Ann Patchett's Truth & Beauty is available from publisher HarperCollins. New York Times and international bestseller My Brilliant Friend, which HBO turned into a series, follows the friendship between seeming opposites Lila and Elena. The first book chronicles their first meeting and their schoolgirl years, making it a great coming-of-age tale as well. Elena Ferrante famously writes under a pseudonym. This book is best for anyone ready to sink into an exceptional four-book series. Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend is available from publisher Europa Editions. Bottom Line Books about friendship can lift your spirits and help you form deeper connections. Enjoy a novel, memoir or self-help book to help you move forward in your platonic relationships. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What Are Good Friends-To-Lovers Books? Good friends-to-lovers book show the arc of a relationship as the main characters realize their comfortable friendship is actually based on attraction. Two terrific romances are: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (2021), in which two longtime best friends and total opposites whose friendship fizzled come back together. Friends and Lovers by Eric Jerome Dickey (2000), in which four young Black friends are searching for love. What Are Good Poems About Love And Friendship? Good poems about love and friendship explore interpersonal dynamics while also making a greater point. Two great poems for people of any age are: "Us Two" by A.A. Milne (1927), creator of Winnie the Pooh, which shows the mutual devotion of Christopher Robin and Pooh as they adventure and talk. "Hug O' War" by Shel Silverstein (1993), which illustrates the virtues of choosing love and companionship over conflict. What Are Good Books About Making Friends? Good books about making friends outline strategies for creating lasting relationships. Two great options are: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie (1936), one of the classic self-help books, which explains how to use communication to connect. Belong: Find Your People, Create Community, and Live a More Connected Life by Radha Agrawal (2018), which offers a blueprint for finding your people. What Are Good Books About Female Friendships? Good books about female friendships capture the humanity and kindness that drive these relationships. A couple fantastic choices are: Text Me When You Get Home: The Evolution and Triumph of Modern Female Friendshipby Kayleen Schaefer (2018), which plays on that classic direction women give each other after a night out. Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson (2017), which follows childhood relationships as they grow and crack into adulthood. What Are Good Books About Friendship Breakups? Good books about friendship breakups can help you navigate these painful realities. Titles that may help during this period include: When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk (2020), one of the standout YA books about a friendship implosion. The Friend Who Got Away: Twenty Women's True Life Tales of Friendships that Blew Up, Burned Out or Faded Away by Jenny Offill and Elissa Schappell (2007), which chronicles the breakups of real-life friendships and the reasons behind them. What Are Good Books About Friendship For Adults? Good books about friendship for adults capture ways to be a better friend and guidance to strengthening relationships. Two to consider are: We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships by Kat Vellos (2020), which is a self-published book with more than 300 conversation starters The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center by Rhaina Cohen (2024), which profiles people who have chosen friendship over romance. What Are Good Books About Friendship For Kids? Good kids books about friendship include advice in story form that will make kids think. One for young children and one for tweens include: Meesha Makes Friends by Tom Percival (2021), which details a young girl's trouble making friends. The Only Black Girls in Town by Brandy Colbert (2020), which shows two girls with seemingly nothing in common finding central ground.
Irish Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Forget the guide book: Immerse yourself in these location-based novels
ITALY I always like to match my reading to my trips. I'm back with Elena Ferrante for an upcoming holiday in Naples, and loving the simmer of Italian heat, culture and family life throughout the Neapolitan Novels. As a long-term EM Forster fan, I'd say that A Room with a View is perfect for gorgeous first impressions on Florence, mixed with depth, humour and clandestine love. Elizabeth Bowen 's Italian stories, scattered through the Collected Stories, are divine, full of boating on lakes and individualistic characters rubbing along badly. One of my favourite Bowen novels, The Hotel, is set on the Italian Riviera, and features her usual collection of snobs, maverick young ladies, odd encounters and stunning descriptions. Sharper than Forster, she conjures the light and leisure of Italian holidays perfectly. Nuala O'Connor Nuala O'Connor's latest novel is Seaborne (New Island) An exceptional memoir of a year in Rome is André Aciman 's My Roman Year. In 1966, teenager André was a refugee from Alexandria, a victim of President Nasser's campaign to 'Arabise' Egypt. He hates Rome initially, but gradually falls in love with the city, first with the historical centre, but also with the less picturesque parts – and with various Romans. With André you cycle around the city, you gasp at the sudden dramatic appearance of the Colosseum in the bus window, you savour the smell of bergamot. Even if you're not in the eternal city. But it would be wonderful to read it while there. Heading to Trieste? Nothing is better than Jan Morris 's Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere. All her travel books are brilliant. Éilís Ní Dhuibhne Éilís Ní Dhuibhne's latest book is Selected Stories (Blackstaff Press) READ MORE UNITED STATES Music-loving visitors to the United States will enjoy Imani Perry 's Black in Blues, a remarkably beautiful book exploring black culture from Thelonius Monk to Toni Morrison. Bob Dylan 's Chronicles: Volume One is not only the best book about Bob Dylan, it is the best book about New York. Other masterful evocations of the Apple include Frank O'Hara 's Lunch Poems and Patti Smith 's Just Kids. The United States' greatest wordsmiths have been songwriters, and most had immigrant roots. As your flight crosses the Atlantic, it would be lovely to listen to Van Morrison 's stunning new album, Remembering Now, a moving and thrilling memoir that unfurls into glorious life the soul, blues, jazz and gospel that have been the United States' richest artistic gifts, the soundtrack of its better angels. Joseph O'Connor Joseph O'Connor's latest novel is The Ghosts of Rome (Harvill Secker) NETHERLANDS I became a fan of Gerbrand Bakker when I read The Twin about 10 years ago. His new novel The Hairdresser's Son (also translated by David Colmer) examines loneliness and grief as quiet-living Simon puzzles over the long-standing mystery of his father's disappearance. William Golding's The Lord of the Flies regularly appears on '100 best books' lists, and for its 70th anniversary, in 2024, the Dutch illustrator and author Aimée de Jongh reimagined it as a beautiful and evocative graphic novel. De Jongh's version celebrates the original text yet is also entirely original and fresh. Set in the Dutch countryside in 1961, Yael van der Wouden 's Women's Prize-winning debut, The Safekeep , is both a psychological thriller and love story, a marvellously unsettling portrait of desire, possessiveness and the creep of obsession. Henrietta McKervey Henrietta McKervey's latest novel is A Talented Man (Hachette Books Ireland) FRANCE The writing of the Nobel laureate Annie Ernaux tracks her experiences as a working-class woman and offers a more prosaic version of France than we are used to. Try Happening to begin with. Leila Slimani 's Goncourt-winning Lullaby was a shocking novel about a nanny who kills the children in her care, but it also examines the Parisian bourgeoisie, class divisions and the dilemma of domestic labour in the age of equality. Hervé Le Tellier 's The Anomaly is a mind-bending speculative mystery that sees a planeful of people duplicated during a storm. Le Tellier explores the different paths the duplicate characters' lives take, and what it might mean. This too won the Prix Goncourt. Finally, the crime writer Clémence Michallon 's The Quiet Tenant is a psychological thriller about a woman held captive by a serial killer. Edel Coffey Edel Coffey's latest novel is In Her Place (Sphere) PORTUGAL José Saramago 's career can be roughly divided into pre-Nobel, when his novels intimately examined Portuguese history, and post-Nobel, when they evolved into less geographically specific parables. His sole work of nonfiction, Journey to Portugal, translated by Amanda Hopkinson and Nick Caistor, is a fine meditative travelogue set in post-Salazar Portugal in 1979. The other giant of contemporary Portuguese literature is António Lobo Antunes . A trained psychiatrist who spent three years as an army medic in the colonial war in Angola, Lobo Antunes is one of literature's greatest living stylists, a radiographer of late-20th century Portugal, especially the messy reflux of decolonisation. A good starting point is his 1988 novel, The Return of the Caravels, translated by Gregory Rabassa. Fernando Pessoa 's 'autobiography without facts', The Book of Disquiet, translated by Richard Zenith, might be a hackneyed suggestion, but few books capture the essence of a city for a visitor so well as it does of Lisbon. Oliver Farry Oliver Farry is a foreign correspondent and book reviewer CROATIA I firmly believe that, had she not died in 2018, Dasa Drndic would feature in the Nobel conversation today. Monumental novels such as Trieste (translated by Ellen Elias Bursac), Belladonna and EEG (translated by Celia Hawkesworth) encapsulate so much about personal and European history in the 20th century and resonate loudly today. Exciting younger writers have also broken through. Tea Tulic 's debut novel, Hair Everywhere, translated by Coral Petkovich, is surprising and tender in depicting a family upended by cancer. Olja Savicevic has had two excellent novels translated into English: Farewell, Cowboy and Singer in the Night (both translated by Celia Hawkesworth). Those looking to lose themselves in an epic historical family saga should certainly look out for The Brass Age by Slobodan Snajder (also translated by Celia Hawkesworth). Rónán Hession Rónán Hession's latest novel is Ghost Mountain (Bluemoose) SPAIN Spain is associated with light, colour and the pleasures of the palate. It is also a country that suffered a devastating civil war in the 20th century and decades of dictatorship. The tensions and legacies from that period are still present in contemporary Spanish society. Javier Marías , who died in 2022, was one of the most perceptive and able chroniclers of the deep divisions in Spain that resulted from the brutal repression and all-pervasive surveillance of the fascist years. In novels such as The Infatuations (2013), Thus Bad Begins (2016), Berta Isla (2018) and Tomás Nevinson (2021), Marías offers a forensic exploration of how a society is indelibly marked by political violence and by the consequent temptations of compliance and betrayal. One of the enduring delights of Marías's writing is his utterly distinctive voice, which at once draws the reader into his sensitive and richly detailed description of his home country. Michael Cronin Michael Cronin is professor of French at Trinity College Dublin For Lanzarote, you could do much worse than grab Margaret Drabble 's The Dark Flood Rises, which is largely set on that island. Éilís Ní Dhuibhne GREECE I recently researched a novel set in Greece that I didn't write, so I have ideas, with the caveat that these are anglophone books about living in Greece rather than Greek literature in translation. Sofka Zinovieff 's Eurydice Street is an attentive, observant account of moving to Athens with a young family. Charmian Clift 's two memoirs, Mermaid Singing and Peel Me a Lotus, will take you to Hydra in the 1960s with Leonard Cohen passing through. Patrick Leigh Fermor 's Letters invite you to a bohemian English villa, under construction and then hosting European artists and writers, in postwar Kardamyli. And of course there are the Durrell brothers – Lawrence for preference. Sarah Moss Sarah Moss's latest novel is Ripeness (Picador) MALTA Brian Blouet 's The Story of Malta (Ninth Edition), first published in 1967, remains the best introduction to the intriguing history of this country, from the wonders of its neolithic temples to its successive colonisation by different groups, most famously the Knights of St John, who defended it from the Ottomans in a famous 1565 siege. Blouet, coincidentally a neighbour of mine when I was growing up, first came to Malta as an RAF pilot in the 1950s, when it was still part of the British Empire. Malta might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of queer history, but Beloved Malta: Stories of Sexual and Gender Identity offers a riveting alternative history of the country that is ironically enabled by the immaculate records kept by the Knights of St John. Today Malta is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world despite the persistent influence of the Catholic Church. Daniel Geary Daniel Geary is professor of American history at Trinity College Dublin MEXICO I loved You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrigue , translated by Natasha Wimmer. It's zippy and humid, which makes it ideal for when the sun is getting to you. The twists and turns of its paragraphs and sentences mimic not just the palaces where its characters – Cortés, Moctezuma and a cohort of conquistadores having a bad trip – find themselves lost but also the dreamy unfurling of the alternative history that it narrates. I won't spoil what happens, but if you read it on holidays in Mexico you'll look up from the end of it with a heartbroken ache at what you see around you. 'Plot twist' doesn't cover it: it's more enigmatic than that – a wrenching of the mood, maybe. Really quite something. Might ruin the holiday, albeit in a fruitful way. Tim MacGabhann Tim MacGabhann's latest book is The Black Pool: A Memoir of Forgetting (Sceptre) AUSTRALIA In case we begin to believe that Australia is a country with a few big cities let us remind ourselves that it is a continent only slightly smaller than Europe, so clearly a few books won't cover it. But it is far away, so if you're undergoing the journey, you can read many books. I'd suggest The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes for a drenching in essential history, and True Stories, or Everywhere I Look, by Helen Garner , one of Australia's great essayists – and there are many. I've said before that her work is put together with sentences that begin on the low ground but rise into expressions of joy, marvellous pictures as clear as a well-dusted photo album. I'd pack any anthology of short stories, because they have the capacity to illuminate in shades; be sure they include some of the more modern work, including those of First Nations voices. In fact, sorting books for the journey – did I say long journey? – is part of the pleasure. Include some poetry; that's for somewhere over the ocean spread, when you've asked yourself 'Why am I here?' while realising that, all things considered, it does make sense to travel to Australia by ship. You could then have Jon Cleary for dessert. Although not considered a literary gem, his Scobie Malone thrillers give a well-crafted glimpse into suburban Australian life, its concerns and foibles. Evelyn Conlon Evelyn Conlon's latest book is After the Train: Irishwomen United and a Network of Change (UCD Press), edited with Rebecca Pelan BULGARIA Usually when I visit a country I like to read some of its classic works. If you're heading to the Black Sea, why not read Ivan Vazov 's Under the Yoke, a passionate, rather sentimental novel about the Bulgarian fight for freedom in the late 19th century? You'll get it on your ereader. And the contemporary writer Georgi Gospodinov 's The Physics of Sorrow will give you an insight into more recent times in that intriguing country. Éilís Ní Dhuibhne TURKEY 'From a very young age, I suspected there was more to my world than I could see: somewhere in the streets of Istanbul, in a house resembling ours, there lived another Orhan so much like me that he could pass for my twin, even my double.' So begins Orhan Pamuk 's Istanbul: Memories and the City, translated by Maureen Freely, an enchanting memoir that's both scholarly and confessional. Drawing on a broad range of writers, from Baudelaire to Resat Ekrem Kocu, Pamuk evokes the city's complex history and politics, its derelict grandeur and collective melancholy – hüzün – weaving in his own coming-of-age story amid Istanbul's post-imperial decay. Ruby Eastwood Ruby Eastwood is a postgraduate student at Trinity College Dublin and a book reviewer
Hi Dubai
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
From Page to Passport: Why Book-Inspired Travel Is Booming
In 2025, the literary world is experiencing a renaissance, thanks in large part to the influence of BookTok—a vibrant community on TikTok where readers share reviews, recommendations, and reactions to their favorite books. With over 370 billion views and more than 52 million creations, #BookTok has transformed the way people discover and engage with literature, turning reading into a dynamic, shared experience (Forbes 2025). This surge in literary enthusiasm has spilled over into the travel industry, giving rise to a trend known as literary tourism. Book lovers are now seeking out real-world locations featured in their favorite novels, eager to walk the same streets as beloved characters and immerse themselves in the settings that once existed only in their imaginations. Destinations like the Yorkshire Moors from Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" or the bustling neighborhoods of Naples depicted in Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels have become must-visit spots for these literary pilgrims. Celebrity book clubs have further fueled this movement. Figures like Reese Witherspoon, Dua Lipa, and Oprah Winfrey have curated reading lists that not only spotlight compelling stories but also inspire fans to explore the locales tied to these narratives . These endorsements have a powerful impact, often catapulting books—and their settings—into the global spotlight. The convergence of social media and celebrity influence has transformed reading from a solitary activity into a communal adventure. Readers are no longer content to merely imagine the worlds within their books; they want to experience them firsthand. This shift is reshaping travel itineraries, with literature-inspired journeys becoming a significant trend in 2025 . As we delve deeper into this phenomenon, we'll explore the destinations that have captured readers' imaginations, the reasons behind the rise of literary tourism, and how you can embark on your own book-inspired adventure. Why Book-Inspired Travel is Booming in 2025 In 2025, book-inspired travel is experiencing a significant surge, driven by the global influence of BookTok and the growing popularity of literary tourism. 📚 BookTok's Global Influence BookTok, a vibrant community on TikTok, has become a powerful force in the literary world, with over 370 billion views and more than 52 million creations. This platform has transformed reading into a dynamic, shared experience, turning books into viral sensations and influencing readers' travel choices. 🌍 Rise in Literary Tourism The enthusiasm generated by BookTok has spilled over into the travel industry, giving rise to a trend known as literary tourism. Readers are now seeking out real-world locations featured in their favorite novels, eager to walk the same streets as beloved characters and immerse themselves in the settings that once existed only in their imaginations. 🏨 Industry Embraces the Trend Hotels, travel companies, and local tourism boards are capitalizing on this trend by offering literary-themed experiences. For instance, The Loutrel in Charleston invites guests to book a "Book Butler" who curates personalized reading lists and delivers books directly to their rooms. Tour operators are also offering literary-themed tours, allowing travelers to explore destinations through the lens of their favorite stories. These immersive experiences cater to the growing demand for travel that connects readers with the worlds they've imagined. As literature continues to inspire wanderlust, book-inspired travel is poised to remain a significant trend, offering readers new ways to engage with their favorite stories and explore the world through a literary lens. Where Readers Are Going — Top Book-Inspired Destinations In 2025, book-inspired travel is flourishing, as readers around the world seek to immerse themselves in the real-life settings of their favorite novels. From the windswept moors of Yorkshire to the bustling streets of Tokyo, literary tourism offers a unique way to experience the world through the lens of beloved stories. 📍 Top Book-Inspired Destinations in 2025 1. Yorkshire Moors, England – Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë The haunting landscapes of the Yorkshire Moors, immortalized in Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights , continue to captivate visitors. The Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, along with the surrounding moorlands, offers fans a glimpse into the world that inspired the novel. In 2022, the North York Moors National Park recorded 8.97 million tourism visits, highlighting the region's enduring appeal to literary enthusiasts. 2. Naples, Italy – Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan Novels have drawn global attention to Naples, with readers eager to explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods depicted in the series. In 2025, Naples experienced a 33% increase in tourism since 2021, welcoming 14 million visitors, many inspired by Ferrante's evocative portrayal of the city. 3. Barcelona, Spain – The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón Carlos Ruiz Zafón's The Shadow of the Wind has turned Barcelona into a literary pilgrimage site. Fans can embark on walking tours that trace the novel's settings, including the Gothic Quarter and the fictional Cemetery of Forgotten Books. These tours offer an immersive experience into the atmospheric world Zafón created. 4. Bath, England – Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn and Netflix Adaptation The Regency-era charm of Bath has been revitalized by the popularity of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series and its Netflix adaptation. The city has embraced its role as a filming location, with themed walking tours and events. In 2024, the "Bridgerton effect" contributed over £5 million to the local economy, showcasing the significant impact of literary and screen tourism. 5. Tokyo, Japan – Novels by Haruki Murakami Haruki Murakami's novels, set against the backdrop of Tokyo's dynamic landscape, have inspired fans to explore the city's locales featured in his works. Guided tours offer insights into Murakami's life and the settings of his stories, providing a deeper connection to his surreal narratives. These destinations exemplify the growing trend of literary tourism, where readers seek to bridge the gap between fiction and reality. As literature continues to inspire wanderlust, book-inspired travel offers a meaningful way to explore the world through the stories that resonate with us. What's Fueling the Trend — More Than Just Pretty Pictures In 2025, book-inspired travel is flourishing, driven by more than just picturesque settings. This trend is fueled by readers' deep emotional connections to literary characters, the allure of immersing oneself in the worlds of beloved stories, and a growing preference for sustainable, slow-paced journeys. Emotional Connections: Walking in the Footsteps of Fictional Friends Literary tourism offers readers a unique opportunity to deepen their bond with cherished characters by exploring the real-world locations that inspired their favorite stories. This immersive experience allows travelers to connect with the narratives on a personal level, transforming reading into a tangible adventure. For instance, fans of Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels often visit Naples to experience the vibrant neighborhoods depicted in the series, seeking to understand the environment that shaped the characters' lives. Immersive Experiences: Cafés, Bookstores, and Literary Landmarks Travelers are increasingly drawn to local bookstores, cafés, and literary landmarks that allow them to "step into the world" of their favorite books. These venues offer more than just a backdrop; they provide a sensory experience that brings stories to life. For example, Shakespeare and Company in Paris is not only a historic bookstore but also a gathering place for literary enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the city's rich literary heritage. Similarly, Fukuoka's literary map in Japan guides visitors through a curated selection of bookstores and cafés, creating a narrative journey through the city's literary scene. Sustainable and Slow Travel: Embracing the Journey The rise of book-inspired travel aligns with the growing trend of sustainable and slow tourism. Travelers are opting for longer stays in single destinations, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the local culture and literary history. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of travel but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the places visited. By focusing on meaningful experiences over rapid sightseeing, literary tourists contribute to the preservation of cultural landmarks and support local communities. In essence, the surge in book-inspired travel reflects a desire for authentic, emotionally resonant experiences that connect readers more deeply with the stories they love. By walking the paths of fictional characters, sipping coffee in historic cafés, and embracing the pace of slow travel, literary enthusiasts are transforming their passion for books into unforgettable journeys. Planning a book-inspired adventure is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the worlds of your favorite stories. Here's how to craft a literary journey that's both enriching and memorable: 📖 1. Choose a Destination That Resonates with Your Reading Preferences Begin by reflecting on the genres and authors you love. If you're captivated by classic literature, destinations like Bath, England—associated with Jane Austen—might appeal to you. Fans of contemporary fiction might consider exploring Tokyo, which features prominently in Haruki Murakami's novels. By aligning your travel plans with your literary interests, you'll create a more meaningful connection to the places you visit. 🗺️ 2. Utilize Resources to Enhance Your Literary Experience To delve deeper into the literary significance of your chosen destination, consider the following resources: Literary Walking Tours : Many cities offer guided tours that explore locations tied to famous authors and novels. For instance, Boston provides self-guided tours highlighting sites related to Henry David Thoreau and Louisa May Alcott. : Many cities offer guided tours that explore locations tied to famous authors and novels. For instance, Boston provides self-guided tours highlighting sites related to Henry David Thoreau and Louisa May Alcott. Themed Accommodations : Some hotels embrace literary themes, offering rooms inspired by renowned authors or books. In Paris, certain hotels are designed to reflect the ambiance of classic literature, providing an immersive stay. : Some hotels embrace literary themes, offering rooms inspired by renowned authors or books. In Paris, certain hotels are designed to reflect the ambiance of classic literature, providing an immersive stay. Author Homes and Museums : Visiting the former residences of authors can offer insight into their lives and works. For example, the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, England, allows visitors to explore the home where the Brontë sisters penned their novels. : Visiting the former residences of authors can offer insight into their lives and works. For example, the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, England, allows visitors to explore the home where the Brontë sisters penned their novels. Local Bookstores and Libraries: Exploring independent bookstores and libraries can uncover hidden literary gems and provide a sense of the local reading culture. Cities like Edinburgh and San Francisco boast numerous bookshops with rich histories. 📚 3. Read or Reread the Book Before Your Trip To fully appreciate the literary connections of your destination, it's beneficial to read or revisit the relevant works beforehand. This preparation will enrich your understanding of the settings and themes, allowing you to recognize subtle references and nuances during your travels. Engaging with the text prior to your journey can transform familiar streets and landmarks into vivid scenes from the narrative. Embarking on a literary-themed trip offers a unique opportunity to connect with your favorite stories on a deeper level. By thoughtfully selecting your destination, utilizing available resources, and immersing yourself in the literature, you'll create an unforgettable adventure that brings the pages of your beloved books to life. Book-inspired travel isn't just another social media trend or a passing travel fad — it taps into something timeless and deeply human. We've always been drawn to stories, not just to read them, but to live them, to walk in the footsteps of characters we love, and to stand in the places where imagination and reality blur. In a world moving faster than ever, literary travel invites us to slow down, to experience a destination not as a checklist of sights, but as a living story we step inside. It's not about collecting photos — it's about connection: to a place, to a narrative, and to a part of ourselves that still believes in wonder. And maybe that's why this movement will endure. Because long after the hashtags fade, the pull of a good story — and the longing to stand where it was born — will keep readers packing their bags and setting out for the places where fiction becomes beautifully, tangibly real. Also read: Passing on the love for reading: Second-hand and Pre-loved Bookstores in Dubai Here's a list of some of the most popular second-hand or, as we like to call them, pre-loved bookstores in Dubai. Bringing you the best of both worlds, the United Arab Emirates houses large-scale international bookstores and pre-loved bookstores. A List of the Most memorable Libraries to visit in Dubai In a rushed fast, paced world, on occasion, we require some peace of mind. To take a step back and slow down. Although we are surrounded by many responsibilities, much of our work or studies can be done in a library. Art, Action, and Adventure: Exploring Dubai's Comic Book Haven Dubai's comic book shops are a geek's paradise. Whether you're hunting down some vintage gems or looking for the latest superhero volumes, these comic book shops have something for every comic enthusiast!
Time of India
29-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Guiding light
On my daughters arranging my future Of late the kids have been musing over my departure. Not to a mall or airport but the grand goodbye. I have been an old woman to them from the time they met me. One daughter accompanies me with all the gravitas of a caretaker, giving me a careful onceover before leaving the house: take keys, sunglasses, has mom worn clothes. While privately I believe in my own immortality, they expect me to keel over any minute. Difficult to catch hold of me, they say, as I'm always at a funeral. I chose cremation over burial when they asked as if I had given it some thought, but there's some confusion over my ashes now. My suggestion that these be divided between the two daughters was met with an awkward silence. I broke into childhood memories of a pond in Ollur I used to frolic in, and suggested immersing the ashes there. Too far, ma, was the clipped answer. Okay, I snapped, any lake in Bangalore will do. 'We could get arrested for littering,' say they. As they are still grappling with this, I am under strict orders not to perish till it's sorted. They are also working on a guest list. If I grumble about a friend, they quickly scratch out the name. Henceforth talking highly of everyone I know. The one thing I can do effortlessly and with some amount of speed is ageing. I am now only concerned about spines while reading romances. Find a good mattress, I tell the protagonists. Love happens all the time, but we have only one vertebral column. And while I find older people too free with their health details, I'm fascinated by my own knee pain and limp till someone asks. Some things I'm super sharp about, but some things…what was I saying? Nobody wishes for a long lingering farewell. Unlike film heroes shot in the head but still able to give a coherent and complete speech, I want to go as an incomplete mystery, where my last words could hint at a homicidal past or at least a large embezzlement. 'I'm Elena Ferrante' was a favourite, but she may keep writing novels after I go. 'You look the type who will have a lot of dramatic things to say on your deathbed,' says daughter. 'When you see the light, just walk into it. Don't start describing it.' Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
New York Times
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Billy Gilmour on Conte's Napoli, nights out with McTominay and paying tribute to Maradona
A few days before Christmas, the tight, winding streets of the Quartieri Spagnoli were packed. They always are these days. Naples is in the grip of a tourism boom, with millions of visitors drawn here by Elena Ferrante, by Gomorrah, by Mare Fuori, all of them determined to stroll the streets of the city's perfectly Instagrammable ancient heart. Advertisement Their destination is always the same. At times, particularly in the evening, the crowds waiting for a glimpse of the towering mural of Diego Maradona on Via Emanuele de Deo can be so dense that the whole place grinds to a halt, a snaking human traffic jam spilling out from the cramped square itself onto the alleys that surround it. Standing patiently in line is not, of course, an option for Napoli's current players. Should they wish to pay obeisance to the club's greatest icon, the city's patron saint — or even just indulge in a simple bit of tourism — then it is necessary to take special measures. The older hands at the club know that the trick is timing. 'You have to go at night,' said Matteo Politano, now in his fifth year at Napoli, a Roman by birth who qualifies as a Neapolitan by adoption. 'You have dinner, you wait for a little while, and then you go late. Really late, like two or three in the morning.' That particular piece of wisdom, though, had not been passed on to Billy Gilmour, Napoli's Scottish midfielder, when his family flew out to visit him a few months ago. He wanted to take them to see it, but he knew he had to go incognito. 'It was easier because it was winter,' he said. 'I had my hood up, sunglasses on, a big scarf. It was busy. Really busy. But it's amazing.' He managed to get to the piazza, to see how Naples honours its heroes, and to escape unnoticed, just another face in the crowd. That has not been Gilmour's only taste of Naples in the seven months since he arrived in Italy, cherry-picked and headhunted by Antonio Conte. Conventional wisdom has it that Naples is not a place where players can live a normal life; the city is too small, too familiar and, above all, too fervent. The club, generally, lets new arrivals know that there is a non-zero chance they will be mobbed if they appear in public. Gilmour, though, has found that judicious expeditions are possible. 'You can go out,' he said. 'You do get noticed, but it's a nice thing. People just want to congratulate you, to tell you to keep doing what you're doing.' Advertisement There are certain limitations. He and fellow Scotland international Scott McTominay joined Napoli at the same time — indeed, they consulted each other on their moves — and have since become almost inseparable. They live close to each other, just outside the city; they share the services of Mario, a private chef; they sit next to each other at mealtimes and in the dressing room. As far as Gilmour is concerned, though, McTominay, who arrived from Manchester United, is a bit of a liability when having an evening meal. 'If you go out with Scott, it's crazy,' he said. The problems are his height and his, well, distinctly northern European colouring. McTominay 'sticks out' a little more than Gilmour does. Still, they have seen enough to have a couple of favoured haunts. 'The culture, the lifestyle, the city are totally different,' Gilmour said. 'You experience things you wouldn't back in the UK. It is an eye-opener.' And yet it is immediately apparent that the 23-year-old could not feel more at home. There is something fitting about that. As a teenager, Gilmour's performances for the youth teams of Rangers and the Scottish national side were sufficient to attract the eye not just of the Premier League's big beasts, but Barcelona, too; one of the club's scouts privately admitted a degree of surprise that Scotland seemed to have a player cast straight from the Masia mould. From a young age, Gilmour developed a reputation on the continent for possessing virtues that were not, at least traditionally, British. 'When I was younger, my main aim was to play in the Premier League,' Gilmour said, sitting in the same classroom at Napoli's training facility where he and McTominay have their twice-weekly Italian lessons. 'That was my first dream. But I was always told that my style of play would suit playing abroad.' Advertisement When the chance arose again last summer, Gilmour said, it was 'a bit of a no-brainer'. He had struggled to establish himself at Chelsea, spending a season on loan at Norwich City — 'it showed me the other side of football, it put me on the right path' — before moving to Brighton & Hove Albion. 'Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi changed how I played, how I saw football,' he said. 'At Chelsea, I was always in and out, not finishing games. In my first season at Brighton, I was doing the same. But in that second one, because we were in Europe as well, I was playing lots of games, I was fit and confident. I was at my very best.' That form not only ensured that he played in all of Scotland's games at Euro 2024 but caught Conte's eye, too. Their paths had crossed previously, albeit briefly: the midfielder's first season in the club's youth system coincided with Conte's turbulent final year as manager of the senior team. Six years later, the player that Gilmour had become just so happened to fit the profile Conte required. He had made it plain to Napoli that he wanted to sign a midfielder with 'personality in playing the ball', as he would later put it, who might be able to provide cover and competition for Stanislav Lobotka. Gilmour, he felt, had 'very similar characteristics'. The player's enthusiasm for the idea made up Conte's mind. Scottish players are, of course, de rigueur in Serie A at the moment. Gilmour had canvassed Lewis Ferguson, the Bologna captain, when he first learned of Napoli's approach; he had consulted McTominay, too. 'I'm pretty close with Lewis,' he said. 'I followed him when he was at Bologna, and whenever I saw him with the national team, I'd ask him about Italy. I just wanted to hear it from a second source, really.' Gilmour has needed to be a little more patient than he might have liked to join the ever-growing list of Scottish regulars in Serie A. He began against Milan on Sunday and provided the assist for what proved to be Romelu Lukaku's winner for the hosts on the night. Yet he has largely served as an understudy to Lobotka, as Conte had intimated, making 18 appearances in Serie A, nine of them starts; he has already had to cede the nickname 'Braveheart' to McTominay. There is, though, no sense of frustration. 'I want to play as much as possible, obviously,' Gilmour said. 'But we have a great squad, with really good players. We have a manager who understands when players are hurt, or when they need resting. We train hard and we work hard. The senior players, (Giovanni) Di Lorenzo, Politano, Leonardo Spinazzola: they make sure the standards are high, all of the time. They don't let you drop. That is good for me.' When he has had the chance, he has invariably stood out. Conte wrapped him in a bear hug as he left the field after helping to orchestrate a win against Milan in October, then lavished him with praise after a 'great' performance in a 1-1 draw with Inter on March 1. That point may yet be crucial: it ensured that Napoli remain in contention for the Serie A title as the season enters its final rounds. Conte has already suggested that Gilmour may play a more prominent role in the next few weeks. He has had to wait for his opportunities, but nobody is in any doubt that they are coming. Advertisement Gilmour might have been able to blend in with the teeming masses in the Quartieri Spagnoli just before Christmas, but if he helps Napoli over the line for a second championship in three years, there is no chance at all of him ever being just another face in the crowd.
