French literature #1: Candide by Voltaire – the master of irony

18th century France: the socio-economic injustice becomes so unbearable that there are only two solutions. A revolution takes place in 1789 when an aggressive mob attacks the Bastille, and a literary revolution – the one that seems silent and pacific, yet is more powerful than a guillotine. Voltaire was one of the authors who dared to criticize every rotten detail of the French society, starting … Continue reading French literature #1: Candide by Voltaire – the master of irony

7 inspiring female authors from around the world

Literature has traditionally been dominated by men. Try to name the first five authors that come to your mind when it comes to world literature. Most of us would think of Shakespeare, Hemingway, Hugo, Dostoevsky…  It’s much harder to name at least five female authors. According to one study, over 80 percent of the 100 most popular books were written by men. This doesn’t mean … Continue reading 7 inspiring female authors from around the world

5 Life Lessons I learned from The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

The Little Prince is my little Bible that I carry with me everywhere I go. I remember I got my first copy on April Fool’s day when the world traditionally celebrates laughter and happiness. I don’t believe in coincidences. This book will teach you to laugh… in case you forgot, just like grown-ups forget they were once children. After all, the little prince is still … Continue reading 5 Life Lessons I learned from The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry