I’m linking up with The Broke and the Bookish (which describes me quite well) for my top ten books in which the setting acts as a character. I worked backwards from my Goodreads list of books read, selecting those whose setting immediately came to mind due to its role in the story. Here they are in no particular order.
O Pioneers! by Willa Cather: the harsh Nebraska prairie (my review post)
Dying for Revenge by Barbara Golder: trendy Telluride, Colorado (book tour)
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier: the imposing Manderley estate (my review post)
The Painter’s Daughter by Julie Klassen – the cliffs of the north Devon coast
The Half-Killed by Quenby Olson – oppressively-hot London (author interview)
The Secret of Pembroke Park by Julie Klassen: mysterious Pembroke Park
The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck: the lovingly-crafted wedding chapel
Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke: Catholic Bavaria during World War II
Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund: the turbulent waters of Presque Isle, Michigan
Opal’s Jubilee by Leslie Lynch: the rural Appalachian hollows of Kentucky (author interview)
What book first comes to mind when you think of the setting acting as its own character, shaping the story?
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i definitely need to add Opal’s Jubilee to my must-read list (see my My TTT today lol) — and I LOVE your topic!! Setting as a character. Such a great idea!
Julie Klassen and Jodie Hedlund both do a fantastic job with setting – and yes, The Wedding Chapel. Definitely.
I think you’ll love Opal’s Jubilee! The author writes from near Louisville, and I think all of her books are set in the area. The setting stands out most to me in Opal’s Jubilee though, which is my favorite of her books. I love when the setting becomes a part of the story – one where you can’t just pick the characters up and plop them in AnyCity, USA.
This is such a great idea! I love Nectar in a Sieve for the sense of place/time.
I just looked that one up. What a beautiful title, too. Adding it to the to-be-read list.
The first one that comes to mind for me will probably always be Manderly from Rebecca. 🙂
Check out my TTT.
Thanks for stopping by! Manderley sure leaves an impression!