We are going on a bike trip through Spanish Andalusia (Sevilla, Cordoba & Granada) this fall. Does anyone have a book- novel or non fiction- that they would recommend to get in the mood for the trip. I don’t want anything to heavy. It could even be a mystery set in the area. Thanks!
I don’t have a book recommendation, sorry, but - I am jealous! I loved Andalusia, and a biking trip through the area sounds heavenly. Have fun! Have you been before?
Hemingway?
“The Blind Man of Seville” by Robert Wilson is a police detective work set in the city. It is the first of four novels that feature protagonist Javier Falcón and all are based in Seville.
Google Washington Irving for Cuentos de la Alhambra. See https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Alhambra.html?id=YH7QE1qkCkMC&source=kp_cover&hl=en
My son went on a study abroad trip to Andalusia for 3 weeks the summer between his junior and senior year of high school. He fell in love with the place - he was pretty fluent in Spanish but they speak w/ a slightly different dialogue down south…and a different accent. Have a terrific trip!
“It’s Not About the Tapas” by Polly Evans. A British woman bikes around Spain. I found it in paperback at Barnes & Noble. She bikes both the north and south of Spain, getting lost trying to find her way out of Granada, BTW.
I’d also recommend “Spanish Recognitions” by Mary Lee Settle. This 82 year old woman drives herself around Spain commenting on history, culture etc.
The Michener book “Iberia” I found to be too dated to be useful. The new biography of Queen Isabella was likely more dense with information than what you’re looking for.
We went to Andalusia in May and loved it. There are great roads for bicycling between Granada and Sevilla in the mountains where the white villages are. You will have lots of bicycling company on those roads, so many that the signs warn motorists to watch out for cyclists. The roads are smooth, no potholes but no shoulder either.
My top favorite sights were the Mezquita in Cordoba and the Alhambra in Granada. Like nothing else found anywhere in the world.
Sorry all, I lost track of this thread for a while. I just ordered the Blind Man of Seville, It’s Not About the Tapas and Spanish Recognitions. Thank you all so much! I do think it will be a great trip.
Dancing In The Fountain: How to Enjoy Living Abroad
McCann, Karen, Brand: Café Society Press
This lady moved from Ohio to the area of which you speak. It gave some insight into the culture.
Thank you. I bought that too. Amazon one click is very dangerous…