Express Your Wanderlust and Learn Spanish
with Literature

From Books to Backpacks: How Literature Inspires Language and Travel Express Your Wanderlust and Learn Spanish with Literature As we mentioned in our previous blog, literature can be a great way to make language learning more enjoyable. Reading literature can benefit your Spanish learning in many ways, from immersing yourself in the language to improving your comprehension. Literature plays a crucial role in this journey by providing insight into different histories, cultures, traditions, and ways of life. That's why we're taking you on a literary excursion today with some recommendations from various Hispanic authors. Come, join us, and pack your bags for all the exciting new things you'll learn as we explore these incredible books!

          As we mentioned in our previous blog, literature can be a great way to make language learning more enjoyable. Reading literature can benefit your Spanish learning in many ways, from immersing yourself in the language to improving your comprehension. Literature plays a crucial role in this journey by providing insight into different histories, cultures, traditions, and ways of life. That’s why we’re taking you on a literary excursion today with some recommendations from various Hispanic authors. Come, join us, and pack your bags for all the exciting new things you’ll learn as we explore these incredible books!

Books That Take You Places

This magical realist masterpiece takes you on a multi-generational saga of the Buendía family across generations as they navigate the whims of fate and the mysteries of Macondo. From the founding patriarch, José Arcadio Buendía, to the enigmatic Remedios the Beauty, García Márquez weaves a mesmerizing tale of love, loss, longing, and the cyclical nature of life. This masterpiece will enchant you with its vivid imagery and lyrical prose, offering a glimpse into the heart of Latin America and rich Colombian cultural references and history.

Doña Bárbara is a captivating Venezuelan novel by Rómulo Gallegos that explores the tension between civilization and the wildness of the rural landscape. The story follows the journey of Santos Luzardo, a lawyer who inherits land next to the beautiful yet ruthless landowner, Doña Bárbara. Santos is determined to bring justice and education to the region, and as the plot unfolds, a passionate love affair blossoms between him and Doña Bárbara. The novel explores themes of love, revenge, and the struggle to tame the wilderness. Doña Bárbara is a classic of Venezuelan literature and is worth reading for anyone interested in the country’s history and culture.

The House of the Spirits is a novel that spans three generations of the Trueba family in a country reminiscent of Chile.  The story is narrated by Alba, a descendant, and is rich in magical realism.  Weaving together themes of love, politics, and spiritualism, the novel unfolds against political turmoil and reflects real-life events in 20th-century Chile. Allende’s lyrical prose and vivid characters transport readers to the heart of South America.

Los Cuatro Acuerdos presents four principles for achieving personal freedom. The book teaches us to be impeccable with our words, not take anything personally, not make assumptions, and always do our best. These principles are based on Toltec wisdom, which refers to the knowledge and practices of the ancient Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in central Mexico. The book showcases the essence of Mexico by drawing inspiration from the Toltec heritage and Mesoamerican civilization’s philosophy. It guides you towards inner peace and a better life.

Books That Take You Places 1.- Colombia: Cien Años de Soledad (One Hundred Years of Solitude) by Gabriel Garcia Marquez This magical realist masterpiece takes you on a multi-generational saga of the Buendía family across generations as they navigate the whims of fate and the mysteries of Macondo. From the founding patriarch, José Arcadio Buendía, to the enigmatic Remedios the Beauty, García Márquez weaves a mesmerizing tale of love, loss, longing, and the cyclical nature of life. This masterpiece will enchant you with its vivid imagery and lyrical prose, offering a glimpse into the heart of Latin America and rich Colombian cultural references and history. 2.- Venezuela: Doña Bárbara (Lady Bárbara) by Rómulo Gallegos Doña Bárbara is a captivating Venezuelan novel by Rómulo Gallegos that explores the tension between civilization and the wildness of the rural landscape. The story follows the journey of Santos Luzardo, a lawyer who inherits land next to the beautiful yet ruthless landowner, Doña Bárbara. Santos is determined to bring justice and education to the region, and as the plot unfolds, a passionate love affair blossoms between him and Doña Bárbara. The novel explores themes of love, revenge, and the struggle to tame the wilderness. Doña Bárbara is a classic of Venezuelan literature and is worth reading for anyone interested in the country's history and culture. 3.- Chile: La Casa de los Espiritus (The House of the Spirits) by Isabel Allende The House of the Spirits is a novel that spans three generations of the Trueba family in a country reminiscent of Chile. The story is narrated by Alba, a descendant, and is rich in magical realism. Weaving together themes of love, politics, and spiritualism, the novel unfolds against political turmoil and reflects real-life events in 20th-century Chile. Allende's lyrical prose and vivid characters transport readers to the heart of South America. 4.- Mexico: Como Agua Para Chocolate (Like Water For Chocolate) by Laura Esquivel Like Water for Chocolate tells the story of Tita De La Garza, the youngest daughter in a Mexican family during the early 20th century. Tita falls in love with Pedro, but due to a family tradition, she is forbidden from marrying and must instead care for her mother until her death. Pedro marries Tita's sister Rosaura to remain close to Tita, leading to a complex love triangle. The novel intertwines recipes with the narrative, reflecting Tita's emotional state and impacting the lives of her family members while shaping the story's events. It explores themes of love, tradition, family, magical realism, and female empowerment in a changing Mexican society.

Connecting Literature, Language, and Travel

          You may ask yourself: How do these books relate to language learning and travel? These captivating books offer literary delights and serve as windows into the diverse cultures and landscapes of the Hispanic countries. As you read these books, you can expand your vocabulary and language skills and understand the cultures and landscapes they portray.

          At Borderless, we understand the intrinsic connection between literature, languages, and travel experiences. Our Spanish learning platform goes beyond traditional methods to immerse you in the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. From interactive lessons with native-speaking instructors to curated reading materials, we’re here to guide you on your Spanish-learning journey and inspire your wanderlust. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the rural landscape of Venezuela, the jungles of Colombia, or the culture of Mexico, Borderless will be at your side every step.