X = Xanadu

Xan·a·du (noun) used to convey an impression of a place as almost unattainably luxurious or beautiful
I'm rather pleased with myself for finding a X word and figuring out a literary tie in. Given the definition of Xanadu, I wanted to pay tribute to stories with impossibly beautiful settings described in extraordinary detail.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is at the top of the list. Welcome to a circus, each room uniquely enchanted with the magic of warring magicians. You can smell the carmel popcorn, taste the excitement in the air...Erin Morgenstern left no sense deprived of fantasy experience, in her debut novel.

Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin is a story of good and evil, true love, and miracles, passing down through the generations in an unforgettable snow-covered New York. You can feel the cold on your cheeks, feel the burn of grief in your heart in this story of love and redemption.

 Palimpsest by Catherynne M Valente; a seductive and imaginative story of a parallel world that can only be found by the unhappy souls who've managed to have a sexual encounter with someone who'd already been there. See an impossible world with trains that breathe and insects built in factories; feel the anxiety as desperate people cling to hope of something more...


Got a favorite beautifully imagined book?

Comments

  1. UnknownApril 28, 2015 at 9:36 AM

    The Night Circus sounds interesting. I love it when books transport you in every sense, leaning nothing out. Wonderful.

    TD Harvey
    A to Z participant
    http://www.tdharveyauthor.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Idea-ist @ GetLostinLitApril 28, 2015 at 7:03 PM

      It's delightful to feel like you're inside a story, instead of just reading words on a page...

      Delete
  2. AnonymousApril 28, 2015 at 2:01 PM

    The writing of Pat Conroy is often lyrical, poetic in language, engages the readers senses, transports me to the time and place he describes. I write better after reading Conroy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Idea-ist @ GetLostinLitApril 28, 2015 at 7:17 PM

      Oh, there's a new name for my tbr list! I dont think I've read anything by pat conroy yet..

      Delete
  3. Sylvia NeyApril 28, 2015 at 3:26 PM

    I loved 'The Night Circus', but I haven't read the other two. New follower here. I'm stopping by from the "A to Z" challenge, and I look forward to visiting again!

    Sylvia
    www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Michelle WallaceApril 28, 2015 at 3:43 PM

    I haven't read 'The Night Circus" but I have it in my TBR pile.
    Winter's Tale sounds like a book I would go for...
    Nice to meet you.
    Lovely theme!
    Writer In Transit

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Idea-ist @ GetLostinLitApril 28, 2015 at 7:09 PM

      The Night Circus is a fun book, although Winter's Tale is a heavier sort of read.

      Thanks for stopping in!

      Delete

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