A Novel Approach: Turkey, India, Uzbekistan, Venice

When I plan a trip to a new destination, I always like to read books about the place before, during or after my travels.

I recently took a trip to Turkey with Overseas Adventure Travel (Cambridge, MA; 800/955-1925). Our guide recommended that we read, prior to our departure, “Birds Without Wings” by Louis de Bernières (2004, Knopf). It was a great suggestion and certainly enriched my understanding of Turkish history.

When people are going to India, I always suggest they read “A Fine Balance” by Rohinton Mistry (2001,Vintage International). 

We recently traveled to Uzbekistan and found that “A Carpet Ride to Khiva: Seven Years on the Silk Road” by Christopher Alexander (2009, Icon Books) provided great insight.

Donna Leon’s mysteries with Commissario Guido Brunetti capture the very essence of current-day Venice.

I would like to hear other readers’ suggestions for books that would enhance visits to foreign places.

FRED H. DeVINNEY

Oakland, CA