The SFF Countries Project is a challenge to read a science fiction or fantasy book from every country of the world. Read more about it on this page. It’s an ongoing project, but I try to give an update at least once a year. So far I managed to read a book for 19 countries. It’s quite easy to find books from Europe, while books from other continents are a bit harder to find. But I’ll just keep looking. I like how many great books I already read because of this challenge. In 2022 I read 5 new books for SFF Countries Project:
Malaysia: Black Water Sister by Zen Cho
This amazing book was one of my favourites of 2022. It’s about a lesbian woman who is haunted by her sassy, dead grandmother. The story is both humoristic and a bit creepy. I’ve never been to Malaysia, but while reading this book it was easy to imagine what it’s like to live there.
Spain: The Swimmers by Marian Womack
I like the fact that I actually read this book in Spain when I was there for a short vacation. However, the setting is nothing like our world. The story is set in a dystopian future when Andalusia has become a jungle with carnivorous plants and mutated animals. It’s a quirky and dreamlike book that intrigued me.
Estonia: The Man Who Spoke Snakish by Andrus Kivirähk
When I heard that this book is a bestseller in Estonia, it seemed perfect for this project. The story could be described as a dark fairy tale for adults mixed with Estonian folklore and some real history.
Republic of the Congo: Everfair by Nisi Shawl
I meant to read this book since I first published about the SFF Countries Project. I finally did. It has the most fascinating premise: What would have happened if the native population of the Congo had adopted steam technology during its colonization? Although I did have some demerits, the story was definitively worth reading.
Finland: Memory of Water by Emmi Itäranta
This is another favourite of last year. It’s a beautiful book set in a post-apocalyptic world where parts of the Earth are flooded and drink water is scarce. The story made me feel a bit melancholic and hopeful at the same time.
On my TBR for 2023
Click on the book cover to go to the Goodreads page to read more about it
Time for tales and tea 