From Prague to Rome: Buongiorno’s Ode to Family Wanderlust – Book Review

Buongiorno, written by Naseel Voici, and published by Bukkafe Publishers in October 2024, is a Malayalam travelogue that transforms the art of family travel into a vivid, heartwarming narrative. This isn’t just a recounting of a journey through Europe’s timeless cities—Prague, Venice, Florence, and Rome—it’s an invitation to see these places through a fresh lens, one tinted with personal anecdotes, cultural richness, and the joys of exploring as a family. For anyone who’s ever dreamed of wandering cobblestone streets or savoring a gelato with loved ones in tow, this book strikes a resonant chord.

Voici’s storytelling shines as he weaves together the historical grandeur of landmarks like Rome’s Colosseum and the serene canals of Venice with intimate family moments. His knack for blending well-researched insights—spanning Italy’s culinary delights, local traditions, and booming tourism industry—with relatable experiences sets Buongiorno apart. It’s not just about the destinations; it’s about the shared laughter, small discoveries, and even the occasional travel hiccup that make family adventures unforgettable. What makes this travelogue particularly refreshing is its family-centric perspective. Voici doesn’t shy away from the practicalities of traveling with kin, offering a roadmap for readers eager to embark on their own European odyssey. His prose, infused with warmth and curiosity, feels like a conversation with a friend who’s just returned from an incredible trip, eager to spill every detail.

Bukkafe Publishers, based in Kozhikode, Kerala, has carved a niche for itself in the Malayalam literary scene by championing works that resonate deeply with cultural and social themes. Known for its commitment to bringing forgotten stories and fresh perspectives to light, Bukkafe previously published a significant work in 2021 about Haleema Beevi, Kerala’s first woman editor, highlighting her pioneering role in empowering Muslim women through journalism. With Buongiorno, Bukkafe continues its tradition of supporting narratives that blend personal exploration with broader cultural insights, making it a fitting home for Voici’s evocative travelogue. The publisher’s focus on quality storytelling and meaningful content has helped it build a reputation among readers who value literature that both entertains and enlightens.

Renowned travel writer Mansoor Ahammed, author of Manjukala Yathrakal—which compiles travel experiences across 20+ countries—and books like Kaaloppukal and Barmargile Manjupookkal, captures the essence of Voici’s work beautifully: “Naseel Voici’s Buongiorno transcends the travelogue—it’s a heartfelt ode to family wanderlust, woven with the allure of Europe’s timeless cities. As Voici strolls through Prague’s storied lanes, Venice’s glistening waterways, and Rome’s ancient echoes, he emerges as a captivating storyteller, interlacing personal musings with resilient tales—like that of Muhammad Rana Bappi, a Bangladeshi migrant mirroring Venice’s own tenacity. His nod to the ‘gravitational pull of home’ grounds the journey, revealing that travel’s true enchantment blooms in both departure and return. With Kafka and Dante peering from the pages, Buongiorno doesn’t merely chronicle a trip—it stirs a yearning to retrace memories, real or dreamed, making it an irresistible companion for any soul stirred by the road’s quiet tales.”

Launched to acclaim at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2024, Buongiorno has rightfully earned its praise. It’s a compact yet richly layered read—perfect for travel buffs, history lovers, or anyone who cherishes the idea of exploring the world together. Voici’s work doesn’t just document a journey; it inspires one. Pack your bags, real or imaginary, and let Buongiorno guide you through Europe’s enchanting streets.

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