Maewan’s reading list

As this month we spoke a lot about journeys and discovery, Maewan’s team is keen to share their favourite books that have inspired them and made them aware of new places and perspectives. 

Although the start of the school year is approaching, and some of you will be back at work or in classrooms, we can always find time for ourselves to grab a good book to dream and immerse ourselves in different worlds. 

From our part, whether it is nestled in Haute Savoie’s mountains, or sheltered in Maewan’s cockpit while the storm rages outside, reading is a safe haven that always accompanies us wherever we are in the world

So, find here our reading tips sorted directly by the team! Take advantage of summer’s end and be carried far away by ink and paper! 

Tiphaine “Titi”, Event Manager: Sandalwood Death by Mo Yan 

This book made me travel culturally and historically: it’s a very interesting book on Chinese culture and the human condition. The plot takes place in 1900 during Imperial China at the mercy of the Great Powers of the time, notably Germany. Written as a lyric piece, the story follows the destiny of a rebel opera singer -“cat voice- that after series of events if condemned to suffer to sandalwood torture. The narration is constantly mixing violence and sweetness. Personally, it has made me travel to another time to make me discover customs and traditions I was not aware of. With different viewpoints in a turbulent historical context. I can only recommend this book. It is quite long, quite disorientating, but beware, it is not for the faint-hearted! The tortures of the time were quite…cruel!

Janet, Office Admin: Du Miel Sous les Galette (launch the 10th of September) 

Even if, like everyone else, I have not yet read this book, I don’t hesitate to recommend it: I know the writer and the plot uncoils in a country which is dear to me: Burkina Faso. 

Marion, President of the Association and Project Coordinator: more than one book, oops! 

Like many children, my first tales were told to me by my parents before entering Morpheus’ arms. Then, as soon as I could I started to literally devour any book I could put my hands on. Reading has been my first way to access faraway people and places. These readings have nourished my imagination and made me move my first steps to unknown horizons. 

In my summer bag for 2020, besides my climbing shoes, bikinis and wetsuit you’ll find: 

–The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexendre Dumas, a classic that I have read and read again many times, pure adventure! 

– The forty rules of love by Elif Shafak, a civilisation’s interior journey that has touched my heart.

–Miracle in the Andes, Nando Pardo, a discovery of the mountains in all their enormity, a tale of courage set in the Andes

– Barravel, Le surf en Bretagne par Ronan Gladu: a beautiful gift I receive and that I do not stop skimming through. Through these pages, I can immerse myself in discovering Brittany in all her four seasons. Thanks Ronan!

Jonathan “Jonny”, Digital Manager: The House of Spirits, Isabel Allende

I’ve devoured this book. Written in the tradition of Latin American Magical Realism, this book tells the tale of a Chilean family. It narrates the story of different generations whose life is affected by the important happenings of the time. This book has brought me back to a complex and stunningly beautiful country that I was lucky enough to call home for a year. Can’t recommend this book enough!