7 Must-Read Books for Your Next Long-Haul Flight in 2024
7 Must-Read Books for Your Next Long-Haul Flight in 2024 - "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a perfect companion for your next long-haul flight.
As you soar over continents, you'll be engrossed in Evelyn's journey from Cuban immigrant to silver screen icon, experiencing the glamour and scandal of Tinseltown's golden age.
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" was inspired by the glamorous lives of Hollywood icons Elizabeth Taylor, who was married eight times to seven different men, and Ava Gardner, known for her multiple high-profile marriages.
The book's protagonist, Evelyn Hugo, is of Cuban descent, reflecting the author's interest in exploring the challenges faced by actresses of color in mid-20th century Hollywood.
Taylor Jenkins Reid conducted extensive research on the Golden Age of Hollywood, including studying biographies of actresses and watching classic films from the 1950s and 1960s to accurately capture the era's atmosphere.
The novel's structure, which alternates between past and present, mirrors the narrative technique used in many classic Hollywood biopics, enhancing the cinematic feel of the story.
Despite its fictional nature, the book has sparked discussions about real-life Hollywood scandals and the power dynamics in the film industry, making it a thought-provoking read for long-haul flights.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Must-Read Books for Your Next Long-Haul Flight in 2024 - "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- 7 Must-Read Books for Your Next Long-Haul Flight in 2024 - "The Paris Apartment" by Lucy Foley
- 7 Must-Read Books for Your Next Long-Haul Flight in 2024 - "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E.Schwab
- 7 Must-Read Books for Your Next Long-Haul Flight in 2024 - "The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman
7 Must-Read Books for Your Next Long-Haul Flight in 2024 - "The Paris Apartment" by Lucy Foley
As you settle into your long-haul flight, "The Paris Apartment" by Lucy Foley offers a gripping mystery that will keep you engrossed until touchdown.
Set against the backdrop of the City of Light, this locked-room thriller follows Jess as she unravels the secrets of her brother's Parisian neighbors while trying to solve his disappearance.
Foley's knack for creating tension and atmospheric settings makes this novel an ideal companion for those looking to lose themselves in a page-turner while cruising at 35,000 feet.
"The Paris Apartment" by Lucy Foley ingeniously incorporates the Haussmannian architecture of Paris into its plot, using the unique layout of these 19th-century buildings to create an intricate setting for the mystery.
The novel's protagonist, Jess, travels to Paris using a budget airline, highlighting the accessibility of international travel for characters facing financial constraints.
Foley's depiction of Paris in the book diverges from typical romanticized portrayals, instead focusing on the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and the lives of long-term residents.
The author conducted extensive research on the history of Parisian apartment buildings, including interviewing concierges, to accurately represent the dynamics within these communities.
"The Paris Apartment" features a character who works as a tour guide, offering readers insights into both popular and off-the-beaten-path attractions in the French capital.
The book's plot involves a character who frequently travels between London and Paris, reflecting the ease of cross-Channel commuting made possible by high-speed rail services like Eurostar.
Foley's novel subtly explores the impact of tourism on Parisian neighborhoods, touching on issues such as the proliferation of short-term rentals and their effect on local communities.
7 Must-Read Books for Your Next Long-Haul Flight in 2024 - "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E.
Schwab
V.E.
Schwab's fantasy novel "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" follows the remarkable journey of a young woman in 18th century France who makes a Faustian bargain for immortality, only to be cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.
Alongside other contemporary fiction, fantasy, and classic titles, "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" is recommended as part of a must-read list that caters to a variety of literary preferences and ensures a rewarding in-flight experience.
The novel's protagonist, Addie LaRue, is cursed to live forever but to be forgotten by everyone she meets, a unique premise that allows for a deep exploration of identity and the human desire for lasting connections.
Schwab conducted extensive research on the history and culture of 18th-century France to authentically depict Addie's experiences, including the religious and political upheaval of the era.
The book's nonlinear narrative structure, which jumps between Addie's various encounters across centuries, was inspired by the author's fascination with the concept of time and its subjective nature.
Schwab incorporated elements of classical mythology, such as the Faustian bargain, into the novel as a way to explore timeless themes of power, sacrifice, and the consequences of one's choices.
The novel features meticulous descriptions of Addie's evolving fashion choices throughout her immortal life, reflecting the changing styles and cultural influences of different eras.
Schwab meticulously researched the history of various artistic mediums, from painting to literature, to accurately depict Addie's attempts to leave her mark on the world despite her curse of being forgotten.
7 Must-Read Books for Your Next Long-Haul Flight in 2024 - "The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman
"The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman is a delightful cozy mystery that follows a group of retired sleuths in an English retirement village as they tackle unsolved cases.
Praised for its wit, charm, and entertaining narrative, the book has garnered critical acclaim and become a New York Times bestseller, with plans for a film adaptation in the works.
The novel's four septuagenarian protagonists have a combined age of over 300 years, making them the oldest sleuths in contemporary crime fiction.
Richard Osman, the author, was previously best known as the host of the popular British TV quiz show "Pointless," bringing his trademark wit and intellect to his first work of fiction.
The retirement village setting of "The Thursday Murder Club" is based on a real-life community called Elmbridge, which Osman visited extensively to accurately capture the experiences of older adults living in such environments.
Osman incorporated elements of his own grandmother's life and personality into the character of Elizabeth, the group's shrewd and resourceful leader.
The novel features a cameo appearance by the Archbishop of Canterbury, adding a touch of unexpected celebrity to the cozy murder mystery.
In a nod to the book's senior sleuth protagonists, Osman included numerous references to classic mystery novels from the Golden Age of detective fiction, such as the works of Agatha Christie.
"The Thursday Murder Club" has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of dementia and the challenges faced by the elderly, drawing on Osman's personal experiences with family members affected by the condition.
The novel has been optioned for a film adaptation by Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment, which is a testament to its widespread appeal and cinematic potential.