10 Years in Books
There's no better way to really understand a place than to immerse yourself in its literature. Over the years, our teams have compiled reading lists of their favourite books about or set in our destinations, from compelling histories to light summer reads.
Now, as we celebrate 10 years of The Slow Cyclist, we're looking back on some of our favourite books which have transported us to our destinations through their pages.
The Best Books about Romania
Our reading list for Romania includes books set before, during and after communism, with insights into the country's history and the wide range of nationalities that have settled here.
If we could only recommend one book for guests to read before they travel to Transylvania, it would have to be William Blacker's Along the Enchanted Way, an exploration of rural life in the Saxon villages that will transport you to a slower way of living.
The Best Books about Zagori
An ancient way of life can be found in the picturesque stone villages of Zagori, inspiring many to write about this magic corner of Greece.
Our favourite is Roumeli, by renowned writer, scholar and soldier Patrick Leigh-Fermor. He recounts his wanderings through Greece, visiting hilltop monasteries and meeting Sarakatsan shepherds, described in vivid detail to help the reader delve into ancient Greek traditions.
The Best Books about the Mani Peninsula
Travelling south through Greece, we come to the Mani Peninsula in the Peloponnese, a place of myth, intrigue and beguiling landscapes.
It was here that Patrick Leigh Fermor and his wife Joan chose to set up home and, as such, we have to recommend the great writer once again. In his travelogue Mani, Leigh Fermor explores the landscapes and ancient history of this isolated region.
The Best Books about Crete
There is so much more to Crete than meets the eye, and through the pages of our reading list you will discover a fiercely proud and traditional culture.
Victoria Hislop writes about Greece beautifully, and her book The Island reveals much about Crete's history via a gripping family saga.
The Best Books about Armenia
A country renowned for its rich oral history, we were spoiled for choice when compiling our list of the best books about Armenia.
For an insight into Armenia's history, people and landscapes, we recommend The Crossing Place: A Journey Among The Armenians by Philip Marsden. Learn about this country and its resilient people caught between opposing empires and religions.
The Best Books about Spanish Basque Country
Basque people are fiercely proud of their traditions, language and heritage, and this is evident in so much of the literature about the region. From military histories to culinary journeys, there is much to read before venturing on your journey to the Basque.
If you only read one book before you go, we recommend the international bestseller Homeland by Fernando Aramburu, a moving story of two friends whose lives are overshadowed by the threat of terrorism.
The Best Books about Rwanda
A country with a turbulent history, much has been written about Rwanda's 1994 genocide and aftermath. Most of the books on this list are not easy reads, but so important to understand the people of Rwanda and their resilience.
Among tales of tragic loss, we find hope in Land of Second Chances by Tim Lewis. This is the story of Rwanda's national cycling team and a shot of Olympic glory.
The Best Books about Abruzzo
A land of rocky mountains, forested valleys and stone villages, far away from Italy's tourist trail, Abruzzo has been the setting for some great works of literature.
Here, we recommend reading A Girl Returned by Donatella Di Pietrantonio, a powerful novel of family, conflict and responsibility, set against the stark landscapes of Abruzzo.
The Best Books about Turkey and the Taurus Mountains
A country with a vast and rich literary tradition, much has been written about Turkey covering its history, culture, politics and enchanting landscapes.
For those looking to learn about Turkey's history, From the Holy Mountain by William Dalrymple is a great place to start. Both moving and humorous, Dalrymple follows in the footsteps of two monks who took an extraordinary journey across the Byzantine world in 587 AD.
The Best Books in Poland and Lower Silesia
Lower Silesia is a fascinating region of Central Europe, with a huge range of people who have settled here over the centuries. Plenty of fascinating books have been written about the region, as well as Poland in general.
If you only read one book before visiting Poland, we recommend Poland: A Novel by James A Michener which follows the lives of three Polish families across eight centuries and their moments of unity and resistance.
The Best Books about Portugal
Much has been written about Portugal over the years, from lyric poetry to in-depth histories, exploring the culture of both the cities and the rugged countryside.
To really understand this country, we recommend Journey to Portugal by Nobel Prize winner José Saramago, covering his travels through forgotten areas as Portugal emerged from dictatorship.
The Best Books about South Africa and the Karoo
There is much to write about South Africa, a country with a turbulent history and a rich mix of cultures and languages. The books on our reading list range from in-depth political histories to comedic memoirs and cozy crime novels, each offering a unique glimpse into this vibrant and diverse country.
Perhaps the ultimate book for learning about South Africa's modern history, Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela is a must-read for anyone visiting the country. Nelson Mandela recounts a life of hardship, resilience and triumph, much of which was written during his 27-year imprisonment.
If any of these books have inspired you to discover our destinations, get in touch with our team. Or find out more about how we're celebrating our 10 year anniversary.
