Novel Traveling

One of my favorite authors has written
the 44 Scotland Street Series based in Edinburgh

http://www.alexandermccallsmith.co.uk/44/index.aspx

London: "London" by Rutherfurd (a historical novel, not a travel guide); Oliver Twist (Dickens)Dublin/Ireland: works by James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, G.B. Shaw; Trinity (Uris).

Along with the suggestion for 'London' (from Kent), you might enjoy New Forest and Sarum (Salisbury) by the same author. I have occasionally left a read book at a B&B for another traveller to enjoy.

These are some great suggestions. Another place to look though is under the main Graffiti Wall, Planning & Packing. There is a section for "Recommended Novels for your Travels".

I love Ruth Rendell-she's a British writer, mostly mysteries. I should say that Rendell is not just a trashy mystery writer. Everything is very well written. She's very prolific, and a lot of it is set in London. I recently re-read "Keys to the Streets" when I was in London. She also writes under the name Barbara Vine.

Don't know how highbrow your taste is, but a librarian showed me the Diana Gabaldon series about a Scottish love story. Think bodice-ripper type romance novel with a better writer. The first three are set in the Edinburgh, Inverness area.

Any of Ian Rankin's "Inspector Rebus" novels...excellet detective stories with a human touch, and all based in Edinburgh.

I found this at the library to help prepare for my trip. I couldn't put it down & found myself laughing aloud countless times.

Notes From A Small Island, by Bill Bryson

After nearly two decades in Britain, Bill Bryson, the acclaimed author of such best-sellers as The Mother Tongue and Made in America, decided it was time to move back to the United States for a while. But before leaving his much-loved home in North Yorkshire, Bryson insisted on taking one last trip around Britain, a sort of valedictory tour of the green and kindly island that had so long been his home. His aim was to take stock of modern-day Britain, and to analyze what he loved so much about a country that had produced Marmite, zebra crossings, and place names like Farleigh Wallop, Titsey, and Shellow Bowells. With characteristic wit and irreverence, Bill Bryson presents the ludicrous and the endearing in equal measure. The result is a hilarious social commentary that conveys the true glory of Britain.

These all look fantastic so far; accruing quite a list to check out (after finals in June...)!

Love Gabaldon's books; she's a great story teller.

Love Bryson's writings on just about everything. I read 'Notes From a Small Island' a few years ago and have been trying to locate my copy.

For some older era fiction, we enjoy Rutherfurd (Sarum, Forest, London) and Park Godwin (Firelord, Sherwood, Beloved Exile)

Maeve Binchy (light reading) and Frank McCourt (more effort) for Ireland. I was glad to have read The Mayor Casterbridge at school, when I visited 'Hardy Country' in England.

Greyfriar's Bobby (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby) is a true story from Edinburgh. I actually bought a copy of the book there after seeing the statue of the dog.

Although they are about more of Ireland than just Dublin, I enjoyed:
"Pint sized Ireland: In Search of the Perfect Guinness" by Evan McHugh
"Round Ireland With a Fridge" by Tony Hawks
"The Road to McCarthy" by Peter McCarthy

Although they're all pub & beer related, they're a funny and light hearted look at the Irish.

Dickens!

Other books: Quentin Jardine for Edinburgh. He has two series. Also Paul Johnson has some books that are set in a futuristic Edinburgh along with his Greek Series. Rosamund Pilcher writes lovely stories about Scotland. If you want your Scottish History in novel form you can't go wrong with Nigel Tranter. For London, Gwendolyn Butler's detective series is set in London. If you want historical London try Paul Harding. They aren't Dublin, but Peter Tremayne's Sister Fidelma books are wonderful.

Pam