Who doesn’t love Italy, right?
The country rich with history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes, makes it a popular setting for many enchanting books.
From classic literature to modern bestsellers, there is no shortage of great books set in Italy.
In today’s blog, we have put together some of the best books set in Italy that you should add to your reading list.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
“The Name of the Rose” by Umberto Eco
This classic novel is set in an Italian monastery in the year 1327 and follows the investigation of a series of murders. This book is one of the best novels set in Italy with a thrilling mystery and elements of historical fiction, philosophy, and literary theory.
“Under the Tuscan Sun” by Frances Mayes
This memoir tells the story of Frances Mayes, an American writer who moves to Tuscany with her husband and restores an old villa. “Under the Tuscan Sun” is a heartwarming and inspiring tale of love, friendship, and finding one’s true passion.
“A Room with a View” by E.M. Forster
Set in Florence and the countryside of Tuscany, “A Room with a View” is a classic love story that follows the romance between a young Englishwoman and an unconventional young man. The novel explores themes of social class, personal growth, and self-discovery and can be considered as one of the best romantic books set in Italy.
“Call Me By Your Name” by Andre Aciman
This instant classic follows the story of an adolescent boy and a summer visitor at his parents’ cliffside mansion on the Italian Riviera who fall in love. As they approach complete closeness, they are unprepared for the effects of their attraction.
“Call Me By Your Name” is one of the greatest love stories of our time and fiction set in Italy that has received praise from critics.
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
This international bestseller follows the journey of Santiago, a shepherd boy who travels to Italy in search of his personal legend. Along the way, he meets a series of wise and mysterious figures who help him understand the true meaning of life. The Alchemist is one of the best spiritual and philosophical books set in Italy.
“The Divine Comedy” by Dante Alighieri
Written in the 14th century, “The Divine Comedy” is a masterpiece of Italian literature and one of the greatest works of world literature. The epic poem follows the journey of Dante through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, guided by the Roman poet Virgil and his love, Beatrice.
“The English Patient” by Michael Ondaatje
Set in Italy during World War II, “The English Patient” tells the story of a wounded pilot who is being cared for by a nurse in an abandoned monastery. The novel explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the effects of war.
“The Birth of Venus” by Sarah Dunant
Set in Renaissance-era Florence, “The Birth of Venus” is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of a young woman named Alessandra. The novel explores themes of love, art, and the role of women in society during the Renaissance.
“My Brilliant Friend” by Elena Ferrante
The first book in the “Neapolitan Novels” series, “My Brilliant Friend” is set in postwar Italy and follows the lives and friendship of two young girls, Elena and Lila. The novel is a powerful exploration of female friendship, love, and the effects of social class.
“The Four Streets” by Cath Staincliffe
Set in a fictional Italian village, “The Four Streets” is a gripping mystery that follows the investigation of a young girl’s disappearance. The novel is a captivating exploration of secrets, lies, and the power of the past and is one of the best books set in Italy.
“The Leopard” by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
Set in Sicily in the mid-19th century, “The Leopard” is a sweeping historical novel that follows the life of the aristocratic Prince of Salina. The novel is a poignant exploration of change and the passing of an era.