Chapter by Chapter, City by City: Classic Book and City Pairings

Introduction

When I was dreaming about my time studying abroad, I wanted to visit as many cities in Europe as possible. However, I did not take into account the amount of time I would spend stuck on a train, a bus, or a plane on my way to explore these new cities. During my time studying abroad in London, I spent countless hours traveling. Quickly, I realized that I would need something to do while traveling other than looking out the window! As an English major, I (quite obviously) turned to reading classic novels. I read some of my favorite classic novels while I was waiting to arrive at my next study abroad adventure. It is probably a good thing that I do not get motion sick while reading! As a fun challenge to myself, I decided that I would read novels that either (1) took place at the location I was traveling to or (2) matched the location aesthetically. Today, I want to share with you my favorite book and city pairings I created for your next study abroad trip!

London, England - Dracula by Bram Stoker

Since London was my host city, it is only fitting that it is paired with one of my favorite novels, Dracula. Although it was not the very first novel published about vampires, Bram Stoker left an indelible mark on the horror genre and Gothic literature. Dracula shaped and defined the vampire genre as we know it today, like vampires having fangs (yes, really!). Stoker moved to London in 1878 and lived there until 1904. During his time in London, he wrote most of Dracula before it was published in 1897. Although we associate Stoker's novel with Transylvania (which is modern-day Romania), many parts of Dracula are set in London, with Dracula moving to the city in order to expand his power and explore a new hunting ground. This is the perfect book to enjoy while you ride the London Tube to your next adventure, especially if you are reading it during October! Stoker's novel opens your eyes to the labyrinth of secrets you can explore in London (and you should read some of my other blog posts to see some of my favorite secrets!). Today, you can wander the streets of London without fear of vampires hunting in the shadows of alley ways. However, there are plenty of mysteries to uncover if you are brave enough to step off the train and into the busy city streets. 

Oxford, England - The Secret History by Dona Tartt

While The Secret History truly takes place in Vermont, I could easily see this novel taking place in Oxford. This is mainly due to the Bodleian Library located in Oxford, which is the main research library of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1602, which makes it one of the oldest libraries in Europe. The Bodleian Library is also the second-largest library in Britain. While I did not have the time to explore inside the library, it is still extremely beautiful on the outside. (If you want to see the inside of the library, I recommend booking a private tour!) While I was on the train to Oxford, The Secret History (which I consider to be a modern classic) was the perfect novel to get into the dark academia mood before exploring the city. The academic atmosphere in Oxford perfectly fits The Secret History. If you sit on a bench outside where you can see the students chatting on their way to lunch in between classes and read a few pages from Dona Tartt's novel, you can see and feel the pages come alive in the space around you. I could imagine Richard Papen rushing to classes on the streets outside of Oxford's Bodleian Library. If you want to engage in some light academic reading on your way to Oxford, I would highly recommend The Secret History to spark your imagination before stepping into this absolutely gorgeous city. 

St. David’s, Wales - Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Wuthering Heights actually takes place in the windswept Yorkshire Moors. However, I did not have the opportunity to visit that location while I was studying abroad. On the bright side, I did spend a weekend in St. David's, Wales, which mimicked the rugged and beautiful moors. St. David's is technically a cathedral city, and it is also the United Kingdom's smallest city by population. It reminds me of the isolated Wuthering Heights, the manor belonging to the Earnshaw family. While St. David's is a little off the beaten path when it comes to cities students want to visit while studying abroad, it is one of the places I recommend everyone visit at least once. It is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of cities like London or Oxford. The cliff sides in St. David's are so stunning that neither words nor pictures will ever do them justice. This is probably why I do not actually have any photos of me at the cliff side in St. David's because I was so taken by the magnificent views! I feel like I could look out and see Heathcliff walking the moors, looking for Catherine Earnshaw late at night. After you are done admiring the cliff sides and the views in St. David's, you can cozy up with Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights!

Edinburgh, Scotland - Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Would I be a true English major if I did not mention William Shakespeare at least once in a blog post about classic novels? While Macbeth is not a true story, it is based on a real 11th century Scottish king! He was king of Scotland from 1040 until 1057, when he was overthrown by Duncan I. I definitely think that it is only fitting that you visit Scotland while you read Macbeth! I specifically chose the city of Edinburgh because you can then visit Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in all of Europe. For a long time, the castle was under the control of the British, but it was taken back over by the Scots in 1314 with the help of Thomas Randolph. While you are standing in the castle and overlooking the land, you can imagine a battle taking place just underneath you, whether one between the fictional characters or the historical figures. Edinburgh is also famous for their brutal and bloody witch hunts in the 16th century, which makes you think that the Weird Sisters in Macbeth are lurking just around the corner. It encourages you to truly appreciate the history that surrounds you in Edinburgh. Shakespeare's Macbeth is also the shortest book on this recommendation list so you will definitely finish it while you travel to Edinburgh! So, will you visit Edinburgh in hopes of getting your fortune ready by the Weird Sisters? Hopefully, you will meet a better fate than Macbeth!

Conclusion

Throughout this challenge, I discovered so much about literature, geography, and myself. This challenge reminded me why I fell in love with literature in the first place. Stories are more than just something that is used to pass the time on the way to a new adventure. Each city seemed to come alive when paired with a classic novel. Each book shaped the way I experienced the city, encouraging me to see the city in an unique way. Reading a different book with each city I traveled to during my time studying abroad helped to slow down and sit with the city. If you are preparing for your own study abroad adventure soon, I recommend that you try creating your own book and city pairings. Whatever books you choose, they will help you experience each city you visit with a different point of view. If you are visiting London or it is your host city, I recommend checking out my Co-Curricular Learning Certificate project for some of my favorite independent bookstore in London!