Best Books Set in Italy….
Italy, with its breathtaking landscapes, artistic masterpieces, and mouth-watering cuisine, is a country that has captivated the hearts of travelers and writers alike for centuries. Its literature, in particular, is a reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage, steeped in history and tradition, yet constantly evolving with the times. From Dante’s Divine Comedy to Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels, Italian literature has produced some of the world’s most enduring and beloved works.
In this blog post, we invite you to embark on a literary journey through the pages of some of the best books set in Italy. Immerse yourself in the timeless romance of E.M. Forster’s A Room with a View or follow the adventures of Robert Langdon in Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons, set against the backdrop of the eternal city of Rome. Lose yourself in the hauntingly beautiful prose of Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities or the bittersweet memoir of Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love.
But our list doesn’t stop there. Discover the gritty realism of Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend or the magical realism of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s Love in the Time of Cholera, both set against the enchanting backdrop of Naples. Or why not explore the rich historical tapestry of Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose or the evocative storytelling of Andrea Camilleri’s Inspector Montalbano series, set in the picturesque towns of Sicily.
No matter what your reading preferences are, these 21 books are guaranteed to transport you to the heart of Italy, and leave you longing for more. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this incredible country, as we take you on a literary journey through the best books set in Italy.
“The Name of the Rose” by Umberto Eco
This historical mystery novel is set in a medieval monastery in Northern Italy, where a series of murders have occurred. The story follows the investigation by Franciscan friar William of Baskerville, who is aided by his young apprentice Adso of Melk. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a web of secrets and conspiracies that threaten to tear the monastery apart.
“The Leopard” by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
Set in Sicily during the period of Italian unification, this classic novel tells the story of a Sicilian nobleman named Don Fabrizio Corbera, Prince of Salina. As his family struggles to come to terms with the changing social and political landscape of their country, Don Fabrizio is forced to confront his own mortality and the decline of his way of life.
“My Brilliant Friend” by Elena Ferrante
The first in a series of four novels known as the Neapolitan Novels, this book follows the childhood and adolescence of two girls from a poor neighborhood in Naples, Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo. As they grow up and navigate the challenges of their changing lives, their friendship is tested in numerous ways.
“Invisible Cities” by Italo Calvino
This postmodern novel imagines a conversation between the 13th-century Venetian explorer Marco Polo and the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan, as Polo describes the various cities he has encountered on his travels. Each city is a fantastical creation, representing different aspects of human experience and emotion.
“The Enchanted April” by Elizabeth von Arnim
Set in a villa in Portofino, this charming novel tells the story of four women who come together for a month-long vacation, and the transformations that occur as they discover the beauty of the Italian countryside. As they explore the area and enjoy each other’s company, they find themselves becoming more open and honest with each other, and learning valuable lessons about themselves.
“The Talented Mr. Ripley” by Patricia Highsmith
This psychological thriller follows the exploits of Tom Ripley, a charming but manipulative American who becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and murder while living in Italy. As he tries to maintain his façade and avoid detection, his lies and crimes pile up, leading to a gripping climax.
If you are looking for more interesting psychological thrillers, don’t miss our blog posts Psychological Thrillers That Will Mess with Your Mind, A Bundle of Bone-Chilling Psychological Thriller Books, Top Heart-Pumping Thriller Books Guaranteed to Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat
“If on a winter’s night a traveler” by Italo Calvino
This postmodern novel breaks the fourth wall and addresses the reader directly, following a reader’s quest to find and read a novel called “If on a winter’s night a traveler,” encountering various other books and readers along the way. As the reader navigates the twists and turns of the story, they are forced to question their own relationship with literature and storytelling.
“The Decameron” by Giovanni Boccaccio
Set during the Black Death in 14th-century Florence, this collection of 100 stories follows a group of young people who retreat to the countryside to escape the plague, passing the time by telling each other tales of love, lust, and intrigue. The stories range from the humorous to the tragic, and provide a vivid portrait of life in medieval Italy.
“The Venetian Betrayal” by Steve Berry
Part of the Cotton Malone series of thrillers, this book takes readers on a high-stakes adventure through the streets and canals of Venice as Malone races to prevent a terrorist plot. The story is full of twists and turns, as Malone navigates a complex web of political intrigue and historical secrets.
“The House at the Edge of Night” by Catherine Banner
Set on the island of Castellamare, this family saga follows the lives of the Esposito family over the course of several generations. As they weather both personal and historical upheavals, including two world wars and the rise of fascism, the family struggles to hold onto their traditions and way of life.
“The Betrothed” by Alessandro Manzoni
Considered a masterpiece of Italian literature, this historical novel is set in Lombardy during the 17th century, and tells the story of two young lovers, Renzo and Lucia, whose plans to marry are disrupted by the machinations of a powerful local nobleman. As they struggle to reunite and overcome the obstacles in their path, they must confront the harsh realities of life in a society marked by corruption and violence.
“One Italian Summer” by Rebecca Serle
“One Italian Summer” by Rebecca Serle is a heartwarming story of a daughter’s journey through grief, love, and self-discovery. When Katy loses her mother, she embarks on a mother-daughter trip to Positano alone. But, as she explores the Amalfi Coast, Katy begins to feel her mother’s spirit all around her. In a magical twist, Katy is reunited with her mother and discovers a new side of her. Set against the stunning backdrop of Italy, this novel is a beautiful tribute to the unbreakable bond between a mother and her daughter.
If this sounds interesting, click here to check our full review of One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
“The City of Falling Angels” by John Berendt
This non-fiction work is a chronicle of the author’s time spent in Venice, as he becomes immersed in the city’s vibrant culture and history, and uncovers a variety of fascinating characters and stories. From the tragic fire that destroyed the Fenice opera house to the ongoing battle over the estate of Peggy Guggenheim, the book provides a rich tapestry of Venetian life.
“Death in Venice” by Thomas Mann
Set in the early 20th century, this novella tells the story of Gustav von Aschenbach, a celebrated writer who travels to Venice in search of inspiration and relaxation. As he becomes increasingly obsessed with a young boy named Tadzio, he descends into a spiral of passion and self-destruction that leads to a haunting and unforgettable ending.
“Angels and Demons” by Dan Brown
“Angels and Demons” is a thrilling novel written by Dan Brown. It follows the story of Robert Langdon, a Harvard professor of religious symbology, who is called to Rome by the Vatican to investigate the murder of a physicist and the theft of a dangerous antimatter technology. As Langdon delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers that the Illuminati, a secret society with a long history of conflict with the Catholic Church, may be behind the crime. The Illuminati have threatened to destroy the Vatican with the stolen antimatter technology and cause chaos throughout the world. With the help of Vittoria Vetra, the physicist’s daughter, Langdon races against time to decipher ancient symbols and uncover the Illuminati’s plot before it’s too late. The novel takes readers on a fast-paced journey through the streets of Rome, as Langdon and Vetra encounter a series of twists and turns that lead them to an explosive finale. “Angels and Demons” is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores the intersection of science, religion, and history in a suspenseful and entertaining way.
“Four Seasons of Rome” by Anthony Doerr
This memoir recounts the author’s year spent living in Rome with his wife and newborn twins, as he navigates the challenges of fatherhood and writer’s block, and explores the city’s rich history and culture. With vivid descriptions and poetic prose, the book captures the essence of Rome and its enduring appeal.
“The Art of Joy” by Goliarda Sapienza
This sprawling novel follows the life of a young woman named Modesta, as she grows up in a poor Sicilian village and struggles to find her place in the world. From her early experiences of love and betrayal to her involvement in political activism and feminist struggles, Modesta’s journey is both personal and political, and provides a powerful portrait of a complex and changing Italy.
Inspector Montalbano by Andrea Camilleri
Step into the sun-drenched world of Sicily with Andrea Camilleri’s Inspector Montalbano series, a feast for the senses and the imagination. Follow the adventures of the charismatic and witty police detective Salvo Montalbano as he solves crimes and navigates the labyrinthine politics and customs of his beloved island. From the bustling streets of Vigata to the tranquil shores of the Mediterranean, Camilleri’s vivid descriptions and colorful characters will transport you to a world of passion, intrigue, and gastronomic delights. With its charming blend of humor, romance, and suspense, the Inspector Montalbano series is a must-read for anyone who loves a good detective story, a beautiful setting, and a cast of unforgettable characters.
“A Room with a View” by E.M. Forster
Set in the early 20th century, it tells the story of Lucy Honeychurch, a young Englishwoman who travels to Florence, Italy, with her older cousin, Charlotte Bartlett. While there, Lucy meets a young man named George Emerson and develops feelings for him, but the rigid social conventions of the time prevent her from expressing her love. Upon returning to England, Lucy becomes engaged to a wealthy man named Cecil Vyse, who is more socially acceptable but lacks the passion and vitality of George. As Lucy struggles to reconcile her desires with societal expectations, she must decide whether to follow her heart or conform to the expectations of those around her. The novel is a sensitive exploration of love, identity, and the clash between social convention and personal desire. Forster’s evocative descriptions of Florence and the English countryside provide a vivid backdrop for the story, while his subtle examination of character and society make “A Room with a View” a timeless classic of English literature.
“Beneath a Scarlet Sky” by Mark Sullivan
It tells the story of Pino Lella, a young Italian boy who becomes involved in the resistance movement against the Nazis during World War II. Pino’s family sends him to a Catholic school in the Italian Alps to avoid being conscripted into the German army. While there, he meets a group of anti-Nazi partisans who recruit him as a spy. Pino’s mission is to gather intelligence on German troop movements and report back to the partisans. Along the way, he falls in love with Anna, a beautiful woman who also works for the resistance. As the war progresses, Pino finds himself in increasingly dangerous situations, risking his life to help the partisans fight against the German occupation of Italy. Through Pino’s eyes, readers are given a vivid and emotional portrayal of the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit. “Beneath a Scarlet Sky” is a powerful and unforgettable novel that will leave readers moved and inspired.
Click here to check out full review of Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan
“Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert
It chronicles the author’s journey of self-discovery after a difficult divorce, as she embarks on a year-long trip to Italy, India, and Indonesia. In Italy, Gilbert immerses herself in the culture and language, indulging in the pleasures of food, wine, and companionship. In India, she seeks spiritual enlightenment through meditation and yoga, staying at an ashram and learning from a wise and charismatic guru. Finally, in Indonesia, she finds love and inner peace on the island of Bali, where she develops a deep and meaningful relationship with a local man. Throughout her travels, Gilbert grapples with questions of identity, purpose, and fulfillment, exploring different paths to happiness and self-realization. The memoir is a candid and introspective account of one woman’s journey to find herself and create a fulfilling life, and it has inspired readers around the world to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.
Italy, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse literary traditions, has inspired some of the world’s most beloved and enduring works of literature. From the timeless classics of Dante and Boccaccio to the contemporary masterpieces of Elena Ferrante and Roberto Saviano, Italy’s literary landscape is as diverse and fascinating as the country itself. In this blog post, we have explored some of the best books set in Italy, from the romantic and idyllic to the gritty and realistic. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweeping historical epic or a poignant memoir, there’s something on this list for everyone. So, why not pack your bags, grab a cappuccino, and lose yourself in the pages of these 21 amazing books that will transport you to the heart of Italy?
Great job – this is a nice collection!
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