Madrid is a capital city of contradictions, at once marked by its turbulent history and constant changes, political turmoil and economic upheaval. It also has a steady, unchanging calmness and presence, a sense of its own bearing that is reflecting in the literature that was inspired by its sun-drenched streets and shady, restful parks.  Many writers, Spanish or otherwise, have been captivated by this ever changing place. Madrid many squares are monuments to its literary heroes. Across from the Prado, Spain’s largest art museum, is Barrio de Las Letras, the literary district. There is a museum dedicated to the poet Calderron, but this area is no dusty museum. It is a lively and vibrant area, full of people of all...

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No writer is an island, all the greats had to contend with the same feelings we do : jealously and bitterness over their contemporaries’ successes, as well as support and camaraderie from their fellow writers who welcomed friendship and exchange. Many of the writer’s of the 19th and 20th century’s finest novels are indebted to the companions-in-writing, who would inspired and critique their work. And then there are some novelists who would never see eye to eye, and would rally vehemently against each other's work. Either way, these lively and sometimes tumultuous relationships make compelling read for us, giving us a peek behinds the scenes of genius, where authors reveal their foibles and vulnerabilities.  Here we have rounded up some...

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Each country has its classic novel, the book that epitomises the place and creates an atmosphere so vivid you can imagine yourself there, even when you’ve never been before in real life. Not all writer’s have the ability to create a sense of place, to integrate a location in a way that feels authentic and exciting. Books are the ultimate way to travel in your head, and can be the perfect guide when you’re planning your next IRL trip.  The 50 states that make up the union are no different. You may not be able to visit all them before you die, but you can definitely read about them. Over the course of a few articles, we will round up...

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For some authors, literary fame isn’t too different than being an actor or a pop star - the books make headlines in major newspapers, they promote your work on late night TV and in magazine interviews - they might even have your own TikTok account. It’s all part of being a bestselling author. But some authors have refused to give up their anonymity and peace for book sales, successfully avoiding interviews and talk shows, even refusing to make public appearances altogether. Some of these writers, like J.D. Salinger, have been labeled reclusive, creating an image of an author who has locked themselves away from the world to write, and maybe just leaving the house every so often to check the mailbox. Of course,...

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  It’s a common scenario: you’ve read all the classics, some of them twice. You’ve tried some of the more obscure authors, but really all you want is to read  Wuthering Heights again for the first time. Instead of delving back into the dusty classics section of your local bookshop or library, why not branch out and try some new authors? We’ve compiled a list of books by authors new and old that will re-inspire your reading journey — and maybe even help you find some new favourites?   Read on for our recommendations!       If you love Jane Austen’s Emma, try…..The Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn   This bestselling series has now become a hit Netflix show...

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  While there is nothing like a good novel, they are often made even better when their stories are rooted in true life, or events that really happened. Of course, many novels have been inspired by characters and happenings in history. We’ve rounded up a list of the best novels that have taken inspiration from real writer’s lives and spun them into fantastic stories. There’s even a few surprising classics on here that you might not realise were plucked directly from the writer’s lives themselves! Read on for our list of the best novels about writers, and comment below with your favourites!   Love and Ruin by Paula McLain Love and Ruin is the novelisation of the whirlwind romance of journalist...

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 For the literary-obsessed, there are few places in the world where you can come into close proximity with literary legends, a veritable time capsule - where else can you sit at the café tables where Hemingway held forth, walk the tree-lined avenues that Victor Hugo strolled, or even sleep in the hotel where Oscar Wilde spent his final years? Few other cities come close.  Even just a few days in Paris with afford you the opportunity to explore some of our favorite literary spots in Paris. All the locations are in an interactive map as well, which you can see here!   Where to Shop: The Abbey Bookshop, 29 Rue de la Parcheminerie   If the crowds in Shakespeare & Co become...

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Short stories can be an overlooked area when it comes to literature, and opinions as to why can fall on both sides. Too short, and liable to build up to nothing. Less payoff than a full-length novel. A bit pretentious, even! But short stories can be little gems, gateways to writers and genres you normally might not read.  If you are not currently a big reader but would like to read more, you can sample some of the heavyweights of classic literature, like William Faulkner or Leo Tolstoy in a more accessible way. If you’re not sure what you want to read, they have a low level of commitment, enabling you to read around many different authors in a short...

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Want to impress your clever friends with your knowledge but have an embarrassing gap when it comes to French writers? Look no further than our beginner’s guide to France’s most esteemed thinks and authors - or at least the ones who are name-dropped the most often! You’ll come out armed with some key facts and interesting information tidbits to amaze and awe your listeners.   Albert Camus Albert Camus was born in 1913, in Algeria. He attended the University of Algiers, where he studied philosophy, where he became involved in leftist politics and joined the Algerian Communist Party. He later shifted towards more anarchist and libertarian socialist ideas. His first collection of essays, "L'Envers et l'Endroit" (The Wrong Side and...

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You don’t have to be a writer to keep a diary, but there is no doubt that most writers kept extensive diaries during their life times. Diary-keeping serves a number of functions, often unique to the individual. It is a way to record down the happenings of daily life, to express private feelings, to make a record of life as it unfolds.  It is clear that writing a diary can has huge benefits - a way to de-stress, to process big emotions, to bring meaning and understanding to the complexity of life. It can also be a great way to store away memories. Opening up and reading an old diary can be transportive - taking you back years or even...

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