Focus on European Books

As the site is based in Europe, the current emphasis is on European destinations. Over time, the scope may expand, but for now the aim is to offer a selection of books that bring European places to life.

Beyond the Classics

While well-known English-language classics are included, Bookmarked Places also highlights lesser-known works and novels written in smaller languages, provided they are available in English translation. This opens the door to discovering authors and voices that might otherwise be overlooked.

What We Cover

The focus is on novels rather than non-fiction, short stories, or poetry. Each listing provides basic information to give readers a general sense of the book. We do not attempt in-depth literary analysis – other websites do that very well – but aim to provide enough detail for readers to decide whether a book might be for them.

No Ratings, No Negative Reviews

We do not use star ratings or other simple ranking systems. If we do not enjoy a book, we simply do not feature it. This avoids unfairly criticising a work that another reader might love and respects the efforts authors put into their writing. Non-listed books are not unworthy of attention; they may simply not fit the site’s selection criteria, or we may not have had the time to read them.

Reading Books: An Open and Personal Approach

Where relevant, we mention if a novel is particularly complex or challenging. Still, reading is always a personal experience. A book that moves one reader deeply may leave another unmoved. Enjoyment of a book often depends on personal interests, timing, and life experience. Even the most celebrated classics will not appeal to everyone – the key is to read widely and explore different perspectives.