Ann Morgan is a published freelance writer and sub-editor. Among her works is a special project she carried out inspired by the 2012 London Olympics. In a nutshell, Ann set out to read one book from each of the 196 UN-recognized countries. Quite simple, right?
Wrong! As Ann found out, some countries have a mostly oral storytelling tradition, others are not too keen to have their authors read by westerners, or there are languages that have very little –or almost nothing- translated into English. So Ann decided to set up a blog and invite readers to suggest what books she should read about each country. She also grappled with what constitutes a national literature: is it only written by someone born in that country? Or is it written only about that country?
The blog A Year of Reading the World is now closed but you can still visit it in search of inspiration to read new authors –at least, new for you. Ann Morgan made a list of recommendations for each country and read and reviewed one book from each. It’s an interesting read in itself and a great source for avid readers who would like to venture into unknown territories.
I’ve already jotted down the name of a few authors and titles I want to read -even from my own country.
Read more
100 websites to learn about the UK
So interesting! i am part of a bookclub and when i got asked to bring an italian book to the group, I had hard time to find something translated in english. Funnily enough, my final reco (pereira maintains) made it to Ana’s list as well for italy 🙂
That book has been sitting on my shelf for ages! I really want to read it but I set myself the challenge of reading it in Italian and for the past year I felt to lazy to start on it! Maybe over the summer. It’s a good one, right?
I also just read Ten by Andrej Longo (this time in English version) which was really good if you need another 🙂
Lucy, I read it both in Italian and in English. I have to say that although the Italian version is still probably better, the English one is really great! it got overall great reviews from my international group as well- recommended! and also the movie, with Marcello Mastroianni.
I will def add Ten to my list! thanks for the tip!!