Written by: Sophie Echeverry
Considering a trip to Italy? Beyond the pizza, pasta and wine Italy has a fascinating past, rich culture, and all kinds of historical intrigue. Here are our top picks of books on Italy!
The Leopard: Sicily, Society, and the Fall of an Aristocracy
The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
Considered one of the most important novels in modern Italian literature, The Leopard tells the story of a nobleman born in Sicily who lives in a constant social and political struggle due to the civil war happening of the early 1800s. The novel explores how the aristocracy suffered a decline in the nation, bringing myriad social changes. Tomasi di Lampedusa wrote the book after the island of Lampedusa suffered a terrible bombing during the Second World War.
La Bella Figura: Understanding the Italian Mindset and Culture
La Bella Figura by Beppe Severgnini
This easy-to-read book gives an enjoyable view of the Italian mindset. La bella figura translates “to make a good impression,” which is very ingrained in the Italian mindset, especially in the physical sense. The author describes to the reader all of Italy’s unique traditions from north to south: Italian pet peeves, the importance of physical beauty and the focus on family and food. The book digs deeper into most common stereotypes as well as key observations on the diversity of Italy.
Roman Shadows: Crime, Power, and the Banda della Magliana
Romanzo Criminale by Giancarlo De Cataldo
Set in Italy in the 1970s, this book about Italy is inspired by the true story of the Banda della Magliana, a small group of gangsters that were very well known in Rome at the time. De Cataldo, a real-life judge, touches deep in the relationship between the gangsters and the state government during one of the darkest times of Italian history. The book also has a TV version series, just in case you want to enjoy it even more after reading the written masterpiece.
The Camorra: Power, Crime, and the Hidden Economy of Naples
Gomorrah by Roberto Saviano
The Camorra is an organized Italian crime network also known as “the System,” which had huge control of high fashion, illegal drugs and even toxic waste disposal which made Naples, the city with the highest murder rate in all Europe. Published in 2006, this is a true account of the decline of the underground economy of Naples during Camorra’s ruling.
Transformations in Portofino: Four Women, One Journey
The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
A story of four women of different backgrounds who come together in a castle on the Italian Riviera to express their dissatisfaction with their everyday lives and discover themselves again. They are expecting a very relaxing and pleasant holiday, but what they get is a mental, spiritual and emotional transformation in Portofino. Now, what will happen with their loved ones and partners? Will the transformation work for them too? This book will have you be on a mental vacation from start to finish, with the backdrop of the beautiful Italian countryside.
Living Italy: Life, Wit, and Culture in a Veronese Village
Italian Neighbors by Tim Parks
This book explores the Italian lifestyle through the eyes of a neighborhood in a small village outside Verona. More than a travel account, this book observes the beauty and wit of a curious Italian character and is the perfect way to open the door to people who have always dreamed of Italy. Tim Parks is from England, married an Italian, and has lived in Italy for more than thirty years, giving him insight and perspective of what it is like being an outsider to Italian customs.
Growing Up in Procida: From Fairy Tales to Shadows
Arturo’s Island by Elsa Morante
The narrator of the book tells the story of his experience growing up in a little Italian island near Naples called Procida, and how the isolation affected him. His mother died during childbirth and his father is always away for business in Naples, therefore he is occasionally looked after a servant. The protagonist passes his days in his imagery world while wishing to become an adult and live the life one. As he grows up, he starts understanding what his father is actually doing for business in Naples. The book starts as a fairy tale book and transforms into a dark and intriguing thriller.
The Best of Inspector Montalbano: Crime, Wit, and Sicilian Mystery
Montalbano's First Case And Other Stories by Andrea Camilleri
Author Andrea Camilleri selected twenty-one of the best short stories on the famous Sicilian detective, Inspector Montalbano, who Montalbano investigated many criminal cases in his fictional setting. Thanks to his wittiness and intelligence, Montalbano always get to solve all the crimes. The stories are so popular they have also been adapted to a TV series.
Mark Twain in Italy: Humor, History, and Honest Travels
The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain
Mark Twain’s travel narrative on Italy is based on his trip to Europe back in 1867. Although the book also covers other destinations outside Italy, Twain satirizes tourists by describing the honest and real reactions of being exposed to foreign situations and places. The book is filled with history, statistics and well-detailed information of all the destinations, with a touch of humor, which makes the ready entertaining as well as educational.
Interested in visiting Italy for yourself? Consider our small group trip to Italy!
If you're ready to embark on a bucket list adventure, look no further than our meticulously crafted 10-day Italy itinerary, designed to showcase the very best of this captivating country. From the bustling streets of Milan to the ancient ruins of Rome, each city and region offers a distinctive array of experiences waiting to be explored.