This week's theme for Top Ten Tuesdays, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, is all those real or imagined locations/worlds you loved reading about OR settings you think would be perfect in a book.So, my Top 10 settings in books? Hhhmmmm... where do I start?!
1. Little Italian villages
The perfect setting for any novel I reckon. One of my favourites is Summer at the Villa Rosa, by Nicky Pellegrino. It captures the charm of Italian village life so well.
2. Historical London
London is a favourite anyway, but historical London has extra magic to it. Just think The Tea Rose, by Jennifer Donnelly - need I say more?
3. Morocco
It probably helps that Morocco is also one of my most favourite countries I've visited so any book set in this country will get my vote!
4. Island communities
This setting is fresh in my mind having just finished reading The Mermaid Chair, by Sue Monk Kidd. The island on which the story is set isn't a real one, but is based on the islands around South Carolina. Islands always come with characters and I think its this combination I really like.
5. Character homes
I love the descriptions of homes, houses, palaces in novels. You can almost always imagine it and relate to it in some way. I'm think the houses in The Help, by Kathryn Stockett where stories were told and daily chores were undertaken. It adds so much to the story.
6. All over the world
I love a book that has its characters jet setting from one destination to the next. On my TBR pile is a Jeffrey Archer novel, False Impression, which takes readers from New York to London, Bucharest, Tokyo and a sleepy English village. Perfect!
7. Africa
I know I've mentioned Morocco above, but actually Africa in general. There are so many unique countries and cultures on this continent, that having just read a few books set in Zimbabwe, I've found I really enjoy reading books set in this part of the world.
8. India
I've been reading more and more books set in India over the last couple of years and must say, it's becoming a firm favourite for a setting. Authors seem to be able to depict the energy, colour and culture of this incredible country so well.
9. Places I been
I love reading novels set in cities/countries that I've been. I always get a shiver down my spine when I'm reading a book and it mentions Hampstead Heath for example, my old stomping ground - or Primrose Hill in London. There's something magical about reading of a character's exploits through territory I've been myself!
10. Ireland
Perhaps it's because I enjoy Maeve Binchey's novels so much, but Ireland seems the perfect setting for a novel! Maybe it's the Irish charm!
I've tagged you :) - http://hannahsreductions.blogspot.com/2011/06/stylish-blogger-award.html - you don't have to do it tho! But if you'd like, the rules are on the post! xx
ReplyDeleteIslands and India are good answers. I almost put The Beach on my list, but it is a little horrifying. I also agree with your "Places I've Been" answer. I like to see places described in unique ways.
ReplyDeleteCheck out my list here
I covered almost every place, I think!
ReplyDeleteHere is my Top Ten post!
Very unique list! :D Island Communities make me think of Misty of Chincoteague since the ponies were from the island of Chincoteague. And All Over the World is great, too, because you're seeing more than one setting! There's nothing like a setting that you've been to so you can say, "Hey! I know exactly what they're talking about!" Great list, and happy reading!
ReplyDeleteReading about a place you have been to is great, isn't it? It makes the story come even more to life. I would have loved to see historical London too, especially during the Victorian age. And the Elizabethan age, what with Shakespeare and all. I only found room for London Below on my list. :)
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