ESCAPE TO THE MALDIVES : OUR MUST READ BOOKS
For many reading is all part of the holiday experience, be that in the traditional form of a paperback book or in todays world on a mobile phone or tablet. Reading a good book about the destination to which you are travelling can enhance your overall experience. Whether you’re immersing yourself in a work of fiction or learning through historical accounts, reading about a country before visiting gives you valuable insight into its culture, history, and way of life.
It allows you to connect more deeply with the place, adding layers of meaning to your journey. In this article the Secret Paradise team has curated a list of must-read books about the Maldives—both fiction and historical fact—perfect for setting the scene before you arrive or for enjoying during your stay.
From novels that capture the essence of island life to historical texts that shed light on the Maldives’ rich past, these books offer a window into the soul of our paradise home. Whether you’re lounging by the beach or traveling between islands, these reads will provide a deeper connection to the Maldives, giving context to life in the islands or will provide the perfect read for holiday escapism.
DESCENT INTO PARADISE – Daniel Bosley
Daniel Bosley is a British journalist whose unlikely career path saw him go from being a postman in Cheshire to reporting on political crises in the Republic of Maldives in a matter of months. ‘A moving, personal and heartfelt tale of the real far deeper and more sinister waters than the azure lagoons of the resorts for which it is famed’ JJ Robinson.
GATECRASHING PARADISE – Tom Chesshyre
Away from the five-star hotels and beyond luxury hideaways, Tom Chesshyre travels to see the real, unexplored Maldives, skirting around the archipelago’s periphery, staying at simple guesthouses, and using cargo ships and ferries. “Chesshyre, one of the most dependably interesting modern travel writers, explores the offbeat atolls of this sinking archipelago, wandering beyond the five-star resorts to uncover an authentic idyll just as nourishing.” Wanderlust.
TWO THOUSAND ISLES – T.W Hockley
A short account of the people, history and customs of the Maldives Archipelago, written in 1935. T.W. Hockly spent many weeks in the Maldives in 1935 and his book is an interesting account of his time here. He tells about life in the islands, and especially in the capital Male’ where he actually spent his time. His account is interspersed with historical and political commentary, much of which is useful to put his experience in context.
A HERO IN TIME – Royston Ellis
A historical interpretation by a lesser-known British poet, Roysten Ellis, chronicling the life and adventures of Mohamed Thakurufaanu, the 16th century Maldivian nobleman who fought off an eight-year Portuguese occupation of the islands and founded the Utheem Dynasty.
FOLK TALES OF THE MALDIVES – Xavier Romero-Frias
Spanish writer, Xavier Romero Frias, spent 13 years in the Maldives researching folklore and traditions. In an effort to prevent stories that were being passed only by word of mouth from generation to generation getting lost forever, Xavier learned Dhivehi and spent his years befriending the elders of the islands, learning their folk tales before translating and recording them in English.
OCEAN HUES – Amyna
A tale of heartache, hope and love, Amyna tells the story of a young woman and her family in the Maldives, who are affected by the tsunami that caused devastation in several countries across Asia in 2004. It is about coincidences that bring several people together in the two countries.
BAD TOURISTS – Caro Carver
Three tight-knit friends embark on an extravagant divorce trip to the Maldives where they can unwind and celebrate a new chapter in midlife. But this is no ordinary friendship, and they’re not the only guests on the island with secrets. Who left the body on the beach—and who is next?
THE GUESTS – Nikki Smith
The holiday starts with champagne picnics on powder-white sand, snorkelling in the serene blue sea and moonlit walks under the stars. But lies lurk beneath the luxury because each of the guests has a secret, and they’re not the only ones. How can a once-in-a-lifetime trip turn into the holiday from hell?
FINISHED READING?
Consider passing on the joy of a great book to others. You can leave your holiday read in a random location for someone else to discover, along with a message on the inside cover encouraging them to enjoy it and share it further. Alternatively, you might choose to leave it in the library of your accommodation for future guests. By sharing your love for reading, you contribute to a cycle of discovery and connection that will surely enhance the experience of other travelers.
If you have a favorite books about the Maldives that you think should be on this list, we’d love to hear your recommendations—share them with us HERE!
