England’s history as a colonizing force makes it no surprise that the country’s capital is a true melting pot of cultures. Many of the books address the topic of identity as it relates to London; from the immigrant experience, to the plagues that destroyed city dwellers, to covert sexualities.

It’s nearly impossible to understand modern European history without understanding the history of Malta.

Berlin, a once divided city, retains its history much like the layers of an onion - distinct, part of a whole, and sometimes make you tear up a little. Take a walk in the city through Jenny Erpenbeck’s account in Go, Went, Gone to peel back the layers.

Along Malta’s coasts sit historic landmarks from the 1500s that shaped the Europe of today. Discover the island’s forts, winding streets, and majestic cliffs overlooking the ocean.