#bookreport 15/22
I finished two books for #ReadingAfrica2022, the tagged one was longlisted for the #InternationalBookerPrize20222 and I have been reading some Dutch fiction which I hardly ever do but have been in the mood for lately.
Simona I can relate to this - I hardly ever read Slovenian authors, but this year I already have read three 🤷🏻♀️ 2y
BarbaraBB @Simona That is interesting. Why would that be? I am wondering why I am suddenly reading Dutch authors 2y
Megabooks I noticed you were suddenly reading more Dutch authors. Perhaps you want to feel your own experience (as far as language and culture) reflected more strongly right now. 🤷🏻♀️ also, I might find it comforting to read something familiar too. But perhaps I am projecting my own feelings. 💜 2y
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BarbaraBB @Megabooks Interesting thoughts. I mostly avoid my own language and culture because it feels a bit claustrophobic - the Netherlands are so small I often recognize the setting or feel like the mc could have been my neighbor. Reading English just keeps a distance I appreciate. I can‘t just read American novels though, that gets too American at times (no offense!) so I‘m glad for translated literature and the reading the world challenges. ⬇️ (edited) 2y
BarbaraBB @Megabooks I like to travel (as you know!), by books as well. So I really wonder why I suddenly read Dutch while I‘ve been aching to leave the Netherlands/Amsterdam for a while after two years of Covid. You might be right about feeling my own experience, I hadn‘t thought of that! 😘 2y
Simona @BarbaraBB I can strongly understand what you meant with claustrophobic - that is the reason why I don‘t read Slovenian authors so often. It is always more interesting to read about others misery, than about familiar depressing surroundings … and the neighbours‘ grass is always more green, isn‘t it? 😘 2y
Megabooks Interesting. I see your point about translated literature and your love of travel and escaping your everyday. I‘d imagine a lot of Dutch novels are set in Amsterdam like NYC for American or London for British. I can relate to the claustrophobia a bit because I feel that way about Kentucky at times. I love traveling through lit as well, but more because there are a lot of places I am not likely to see. You gave me a lot to think about! 💜 2y
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