Are you interested in the language and culture of other countries? Take a look at the list recommended by ambassadors from different nations.
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On the occasion of World Book Day, Babbel, a language learning platform, conducted a survey on the importance of books in conveying culture and language. Ambassadors from different nations representing their countries in Germany were asked which books they recommend from their home country in order to get to know the respective culture and language in the best possible way.
Denmark (Ms. Susanne Christina Hyldelund): "Meter per second" by Stine Pilgaard
Five interesting book tips from women around the globe. From Allende to Pilgaard: These books recommend female ambassadors to get to know their country and their culture (symbolic image) © imageBROKER/Oleksandr Latkun/Imago
In Denmark, "Meters per Second" was the most successful novel of recent years. Its unique blend of humour, humanity and linguistic art makes it a book that perfectly reflects the present day. Awarded with the prestigious Golden Laurel by Karen Blixen, Tove Ditlevsen and Peter Hoeg, among others.
Cows, wind turbines and the strange world of a boarding school: a young mother moves with her husband and baby to West Jutland, the "land of short sentences". A simple conversation becomes a gamble for them, and life itself is suddenly full of obstacles. Maternity, marriage and driving test: all almost impossible to manage. But when she becomes an editor at the local newspaper, her life changes and the sky breaks open.
Blurb/Kanon Verlag Berlin
Stine Pilgaard "Meters per second"
2023, Kanon Verlag Berlin, ISBN 13-978-3-985-68077-1
Price: paperback €14, e-book €11.99, number of pages: 256 (different from format)
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Chile (Maria Magdalena Atria Barros): "The House of the Haunted" by Isabel Allende
The book owes its success to the enchanting narrative style of Isabel Allende. With her imagination, wit and tenderness, the author paints a vivid portrait of a family spanning four generations.
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A family saga that became a worldwide success: Isabel Allende tells the eventful story of the family of the Chilean patriarch Esteban Trueba and his clairvoyant wife Clara and leads us through a time in which personal fates and political violence are closely interwoven with her own art of fables.
Blurb/Suhrkamp
Isabel Allende "The Haunted House"
1989, Suhrkamp, ISBN 13- 978-3-518-38176-2
Price: paperback €14, e-book €13.99, number of pages: 501 (different from format)
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Great Britain (Jill Gallard CMG): "Village Christmas: And Other Notes on the English Year" by Laurie Lee
From the author of "Cider With Rosie", "Village Christmas" is a moving, lyrical portrait of England through the years and seasons. With a warm sense of humor and a strong historical awareness, "Village Christmas" tells a story of a bygone world and paints us a picture of it.
Laurie Lee left his childhood home in the Cotswolds at the age of nineteen, but it accompanied him throughout his life until he finally returned there many years later. This collection brings to life the sights, sounds, landscapes and traditions of his homeland - from centuries-old May Day celebration rituals to his own garden, from singing Christmas carols in the crunching snow to pub talks and songs. He also writes about the mysteries of love, life in war-torn Chelsea, Winston Churchill's winter funeral, and his struggle at an advanced age to save his beloved Slad Valley from developers.
Blurb/Penguin Classics (translation)
Laurie Lee "Village Christmas: And Other Notes on the English Year"
2016, Penguin Classics, ISBN 13-978-0-241-24367-1
Price: paperback €11.10, e-book €6.24, number of pages: 160 (different from format)
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Romania (Adriana Stanescu): "The Romanians" by Vlad Georgescu
A trusted author of Romanian history. Well-written, thorough, comprehensive, yet easy to understand for readers of all levels. A very entertaining book to read.
Vlad Georgescu "The Romanians"
1991, Ohio State University Press, ISBN 13-978-0-814-20511-2 English edition
Price: hardcover 135 €
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Cyprus (Ms. Papakyriakou): "A History of Cyprus" by Katia Hadjidemetriou
From the Neolithic to the accession of Cyprus to the European Union. Also a chapter on folk poetry, learned poetry and prose writing.
Katia Hadjidemetriou "A History of Cyprus"
ISBN 13- 978-9-963-86733-2 English edition
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