All will become clear as to why I have named today’s blog this shortly I promise. My time in Hertfordshire was absolutely lovely and for over twenty four hours I didn’t read a single word from a single book. Worrying but slightly refreshing, does anyone else need a small reading break now and again?
So after a delightful weekend away frolicking through the fields in glorious sunshine why might I be cross? Well because frankly ‘hay fever from hell’ has been having a bit of a negative effect on my delightful weekend away. Is it me or is it much worse than ever this year (I probably say that every year)? I am now bed ridden in the dark feeling awful, I don’t think an added dosage of man flu is helping if I am honest! This has however made me undoubtedly very grumpy this evening and therefore that is why I am a bit cross. Now you know how I mentioned that every now and then it’s nice to have a break from reading? This doesn’t apply when you are at home feeling really rubbish and can’t even be taken away by some delightful fictional world! Now as I have used a picture of the British Red Cross (because I feel poorly) I noticed it’s the opposite of the Switzerland flag and that leads me too my next point…
It was confirmed on Friday that I am off to Switzerland for a week in June (despite the fact that someone tried to steal this “work trip” off me – which did make me cross but is all sorted now and not worth going into to be honest) and I am very excited as I will be going around by train from city to city which means… reading time! Now I have been thinking about this and thought it would be good to get all your ideas on what to read. Now for the flights I will need two gripping travel reads as I hate flying and need light escapism but I think I have those in mind. So I will bring back some delicious Swiss chocolate and post it to whomever comes up with the best book or preferably a selection of books which have a storyline based in Switzerland (I am going to Basel, Geneva, Lucerne and Zurich so four options) as I sometimes like to read books that are set where I myself am having my travels. I can’t wait to see what you come up with… you have until May 22nd! Good luck!
8 comments:
Ahhh...you know a true bibliophile when we look forward to long flights! I have a very long one coming in June, and I CAN'T WAIT! It will be like my very own 24 hour read-a-thon on the way there and back!
For Hayfever try Flixonase, its really really good, you have to use it everyday coz it builds up but it has made a massive difference to me. im normally miserable all summer.
AND I am recommending Farewell to Arms again for Switzerland (Italy appears too!). I love this book and I hope you like Switzerland. I have only been to Zurich and I really love it. DOnt bank on the trains being delayed (re. extra reading time) they are ALWAYS dead on time.
lucy
When in Switzerland, you must read Swiss. How about some classic Swiss crime? Try some Friedrich Glauser, the first German-language crime writer - I can recommend, In Matto's Realm, the first of his to be published by Bitter Lemon Press. There have been a few more since. Is Glauser good? A prestigious German Crime Writing Prize (der Friedrich-Glauser-Preis) is named after him. That should tell you all you need to know ....
I really hope your hay fever subsides soon.
I hate flying too. I hope you manage to find a book which is good enough to distract you. I'm afraid I can't think of any books set in Switzerland, but I hope you find some great ones.
Get well soon, Simon.
Like Jackie, I just can't think of any books set in Switzerland. Perhaps other than packing books for the plane journey you may want to consider looking out of the window during your train journeys and not reading at all! A bit drastic, I know, but the Swiss countyside offers some of the most spectacular and beautiful views I have seen anywhere in the world - just dreamy...
That's horrible. I hope you feel better pronto.
Hmmmmm. Switzerland. The only book that springs to my mind is Anthony Trollope's 'Can You Forgive Her?' which starts and ends there (in Basel I think). It has the benefit of being Very Long (excellent for train journeys) and Very Good. I read it last year as my first Trollope novel and fell in love with him. I thought he would be a serious novelist, but not a bit of it. Funny, irreverant, quite heartfelt and delightfully Victorian. If you like Victorian novels that is. :-)
Sandy - I like reading on the plane, I just hate being on the plane full stop... I get petrified and cant concentrate on anything.
Lucy - I would never have thought of Farewell to Arms!
Lizzy - Why on earth didnt I think of Swiss Crime thats a brilliant idea!
Jackie - The thought of the flights is making me nervy already and I am not leaving for a fortnight!
Kim - I think the views will definately be a distraction as will all the chocolate!
Candy - I am back and better!
Victoria - I start in Basel so that might just be perfect too!
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