Best Books About Italy

This modern masterpiece follows two friends, Elena and Lila, as they grow up in a poor but vibrant neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples in the 1950s. Through their intertwined paths, Ferrante tells the story of a changing nation and the nature of friendship. This rich, intense, and generous-hearted book is a must-read for fans of character-driven stories.

Experience the enchanting beauty of Tuscany through the eyes and palates of author Frances Mayes. Follow her journey as she restores an abandoned villa in the Italian countryside and discovers unexpected treasures, including faded frescos and a vineyard hidden beneath brambles. With the voice of a poet, the eye of a seasoned traveler, and the discerning palate of a food writer, Mayes invites readers to explore the vibrant markets and delightful people of the nearby hill towns, as well as to indulge in the flavors of Italian cuisine at her own table.

Experience a roller coaster of a novel as an almost-love affair that began in Italy in 1962 resurfaces fifty years later in Hollywood. Follow flawed yet fascinating characters through the lavish sets of Cleopatra, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the back lots of contemporary Hollywood in this national bestseller that is both gloriously inventive and deeply human. This highly-acclaimed novel is sure to surprise and delight readers of literary and historical fiction alike.

Embark on a captivating journey through Italy, India, and Bali in search of pleasure and devotion with this heartfelt memoir. The author, Elizabeth Gilbert, left behind a successful American life to explore the true meaning of happiness. Discover her wisdom and humor as she navigates three different cultures, exploring the art of pleasure, devotion, and a balance of the two. A must-read for anyone searching for inspiration and transformation.

A Harvard symbologist, Robert Langdon, is called to a Swiss research facility to investigate the murder of a physicist branded with a cryptic symbol. He soon uncovers a centuries-old vendetta against the Catholic Church by the secretive Illuminati. To save the Vatican from a time bomb, Langdon teams up with a beautiful scientist, and together they embark on a thrilling adventure through awe-inspiring crypts and catacombs, leading them to the forgotten lair of the Illuminati.

In this captivating novel, Lucy's life takes an unexpected turn when she visits Florence with her rigid cousin Charlotte. Through her encounters with unconventional characters at the Pension Bertolini, Lucy's eyes are opened to a world of passion and intensity unlike anything she's experienced before. But will she have the courage to follow her heart and break free from Edwardian England's repressed morality?

Midnight in Sicily explores the dark underbelly of Sicilian life, delving into the Mafia's influence on the island's culture, politics, and art. Author Peter Robb lived in southern Italy for over 14 years and shares his insight on the violent and corrupt world of Cosa Nostra, while also celebrating the beauty and history of this ancient culture. A must-read for those interested in crime, travel, and cultural exploration.

Embark on a breathtaking journey across Tuscany with Lina in this debut novel filled with romance, mystery, and adventure. When Lina's mother dies, she spends the summer in Italy with the father she's never met. But Tuscany holds secrets Lina never could have imagined, and she discovers a magical world of secret romance, art, and hidden bakeries through her mother's journal. Alongside the charming Ren, Lina sets out to uncover a secret that will change everything she knew about her parents and herself. Love & Gelato is a must-read for lovers of romance fiction and adventure.

Experience an unrivaled story of a sixty-year friendship set against the seductive yet perilous backdrop of Naples undergoing epochal change. With unmatched honesty and brilliance, this novel cycle tells the tale of the brilliant Elena and rebellious Lila. Described as "gutsy and compulsively readable," this remarkable story will leave readers returning for more, uncovering new revelations each time.

Explore Italy through the eyes of foreign friends in this humorous and sentimental journey. From the rules of the road and office etiquette, to train chatter and hotel wisdom, witness the quirks and complexities of Italian culture. Join the adventure from north to south, covering everything from food and sports to morals and politics. Uncover the last unexplored region of Italy- the Italian mind.