This July, I returned from my year abroad, ready to begin my final year of university in September. As a French and Hispanic Studies student, I spent my year in two very different places: teaching English in a primary school in Dunkerque, and then studying baroque theatre, cinema, and literature at the Universidad de Valladolid. Both experiences enriched my language learning and gave me a newfound appreciation for each culture.
Over the summer, I’ve had plenty of downtime. Of course, I’ve enjoyed catching up with friends and family and hearing about their time abroad, but I’ve also been preparing for my final year in small ways. One of these has been diving into books and films that I’d love to recommend to others.
Recently, I finished Gente que conocemos en vacaciones by Emily Henry (the Spanish translation of People We Meet on Vacation). Having already read it in English, I found the Spanish version easier to follow, and the pacing was ideal for learners, and it didn’t overwhelm me with difficult vocabulary.
Another favourite of mine is Como agua para chocolate by Laura Esquivel, which I’ve read in both Spanish and English (and also watched the film adaptation). It’s a beautiful story told in a unique way, with each chapter structured around a recipe. It’s one of my all-time favourites and one I always recommend- I find myself returning to it again and again.
During my time in France, I went to see the new film adaptation of Le Comte de Monte Cristo (2024), which is based on the book by Alexandre Dumas, and it was outstanding. The cast, the pacing, and the settings were incredible. The story itself, centred on revenge and love, is timeless. If you’re up for a challenge, I recommend reading the English translation, or for the ultimate test, tackling the French original (be warned… it’s over 1,000 pages!).
Another French classic I’ve been enjoying this summer is Jules Verne’s Le tour du monde en quatre-vingts jours (Around the World in 80 Days). I picked it up in a French bookshop and was surprised by just how engaging it was. For anyone heading on a year abroad, this is the perfect read—it captures the thrill of travelling and meeting new people.
Looking ahead to my dissertation, I’m hoping to focus on early French cinema, particularly female directors. To prepare, I’ve been reading widely about this period. One standout has been The Memoirs of Alice Guy Blaché, edited by Anthony Slide. Alice Guy Blaché was the first-ever female film director, as well as the first narrative filmmaker—a true pioneer in cinema. I also highly recommend the documentary Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy Blaché (available on Amazon Prime), which brings her incredible story to life.
These are just a few of the books and films I’ve been enjoying this summer. I’d recommend them not only to students of French and Spanish, but also to anyone with an interest in literature, cinema, or cultural history. Preparing for my final year through these stories has been very motivating, and I can’t wait to start my final year in Liverpool!