
The Best Books Set in Italy
In this list
13 books
- My Brilliant Friend · Elena FerranteRecommended 3 times
- A Room with a View · EM Forster
- Under the Tuscan Sun · Frances Mayes
- The Name of the Rose · Umberto EcoRecommended 5 times
- The Enchanted April · Elizabeth von Arnim
- I Found Myself in Tuscany · Lisa Condie
- Eat, Pray, Love · Elizabeth GilbertRecommended 3 times
- I Give It To You · Valerie Martin
- Bella Figura · Kamin Mohammadi
- Inferno · Dan Brown
- Juliet · Anne Fortier
- Call Me by Your Name · Andre Aciman
- Acqua Alta · Donna Leon
Italy has always been a popular destination for writers and readers alike. The country’s rich history, picturesque setting, and passionate culture provide the perfect backdrop for a wide range of stories. From light-hearted romances to dark tales of crime and betrayal, there is something for everyone in Italy. And with so many amazing books set in this country, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best fiction books that are set in Italy. So whether you’re looking for an engrossing read or simply want to explore Italy through the pages of a book, be sure to check out our list. You won’t be disappointed. So grab a glass of wine, find a comfortable spot, and settle in for a journey to Italy. Andiamo!
Italy is a country steeped in history, and that history is often told through its fiction. One such book is Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend. Set in the post-war era in the small town of Naples, the book tells the story of two girls, Elena and Lila, who are growing up in a poor and violent neighbourhood. Despite their different personalities, the girls are best friends. However, as they get older, their friendship is put to the test by the pressures of their families, their own ambitions, and the temptations of the outside world.
My Brilliant Friend is not only a coming-of-age story but also a portrait of a changing Italy. The book was an instant bestseller in Italy, and subsequently around the world.
EM Forster’s A Room with a View is set in Italy and follows the story of Lucy Honeychurch, a young English woman who falls in love with a man she meets while on holiday. Forster is known for his novels about social class and sexuality, and A Room with a View is considered one of his more light-hearted works.
The book was adapted into a successful film in 1985, directed by James Ivory and starring Helena Bonham Carter as Lucy. If you’re looking for a classic novel set in Italy that will make you laugh, cry, and think, then A Room with a View is a perfect choice.
Italy has always been a popular destination for travellers, writers, and artists alike. Under the Tuscan Sun, published in 1996, is a book by American author Frances Mayes that details her experiences renovating an old villa in the Tuscan countryside. The book was published to critical acclaim and was later made into a major motion picture starring Diane Lane.
Italy has long been known for its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, and Mayes’s book offers readers a window into life in this fascinating country. From the food to the architecture to the people, Under the Tuscan Sun provides a rich and detailed portrait of Italy that is sure to leave readers longing for a trip of their own.
The Name of the Rose is a book by Umberto Eco that is set in Italy. It is about a book that is popular and is set in a genre of fiction. The book was published in the year 1980 to positive reception. It tells the story of a monk who is investigating a series of murders that have been committed in a monastery.
The author is known for his work in philosophy, semiotics, and literature. This book is set in Italy because the author wanted to explore the culture and history of the country. He uses Italy as a backdrop to discuss topics such as religion and politics. The book was published during a time when there was much political turmoil in Italy, and it was received well by readers.
With its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and Mediterranean climate, Italy has something to offer everyone. One of the most popular Italy-based books is The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim. The book tells the story of four English women who travel to Italy in search of sun and relaxation. Despite their different personalities, the women quickly bond over their shared love of Italy.
The Enchanted April was published in 1922 and was an immediate success. It remains one of von Arnim’s most popular books and is often considered a classic of travel literature.
I Found Myself in Tuscany by Lisa Condie is a popular book set in Italy. The story follows the author as she searches for her true identity. The book is known for its detailed descriptions of Italy and its culture. It is also a popular book among readers of all ages.
The book was published in 2014 to great reception. It has since been translated into several languages and remains a popular book among readers of all ages. If you are looking for a detailed description of Italy and its culture, then this is the book for you.
Eat, Pray, Love is a 2010 novel by Elizabeth Gilbert. It is a memoir of Gilbert’s year-long journey around Italy, India and Indonesia, in search of pleasure, prayer and love. The book was published in 2006 and became a bestseller. It has been translated into 30 languages and sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
The film adaptation, starring Julia Roberts, was released in 2010. Gilbert is also the author of the novels “The Signature of All Things” and “City of Girls”.
I Give It To You is a novel by Valerie Martin, set in Italy and published in 2009. The story revolves around a group of characters who all have a connection to a rare book, and the Italy setting provides a backdrop of history and culture.
The author is known for her previous work, including the novels Property and Mary Reilly. I Give It To You was generally well-received by critics and won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2010. If you’re looking for a book that transports you to another place and time, I Give It To You is definitely worth a read. I believe it would make most lists of the best books set in Italy.
Bella Figura is a novel by Kamin Mohammadi set in Italy. The story follows the lives of a group of friends as they navigate love, loss, and self-discovery against the backdrop of the beautiful Italian city of Florence. Mohammadi is a well-known journalist and travel writer, and her love for Italy shines through in her writing.
The book has been praised for its vivid descriptions of Italy and its culture, as well as its relatable characters. Bella Figura is a popular choice for readers looking for a romantic and heartwarming read set in one of the world’s most iconic countries.
Italy is a country known for its food, wine, and beautiful scenery. It’s also the setting for Dan Brown’s popular novel, Inferno. The book follows protagonist Robert Langdon as he tries to solve a series of clues left by a madman who is intent on starting a global pandemic. Along the way, Langdon is aided by a beautiful Italian doctor named Sienna Brooks. Together, they travel to some of Italy’s most famous landmarks, including the Duomo in Florence and St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice.
Inferno was published in 2013 to critical acclaim, and it remains one of Brown’s most popular books. If you’re looking for an exciting read that will take you on a virtual tour of Italy, Inferno is the perfect book for you.
Juliet is a historical fiction novel by Anne Fortier that is set in Italy. The story follows two young women who are descendants of the real-life Romeo and Juliet. When one of the women, Julia, inherits a mysterious key from her grandfather, she sets off on a quest to find out more about her family’s history. This leads her to Verona, where she meets Ariel, the other descendant of Romeo and Juliet.
Together, they discover long-hidden secrets that could change everything they thought they knew about their ancestors. The book was published in 2010 to positive reviews and became a bestseller. It is also being developed into a film.
Call Me by Your Name by Andre Aciman is a novel set in Italy that tells the story of a romance between two young men. The book was published in 2007 and was well-received by critics. It has since been adapted into a film, which was released in 2017.
The book is set in the town of Porto Vergogna, Italy, and follows the relationship between Elio Perlman, a 17-year-old boy, and Oliver, a 24-year-old man who is spending the summer as Elio’s father’s research assistant. The two men gradually fall in love with each other, despite the age difference and the fact that they come from different worlds.
Acqua Alta is a popular book by Donna Leon, set in Italy. The story is about a Venice police detective, named Brunetti, who investigates crimes in the city. The book is known for its detailed descriptions of Italy and the city of Venice. It is also popular for its suspenseful plotline and Leon’s writing style.
The book was published in 1996 and received mixed reviews from critics. However, it was a bestseller in Italy and has been translated into many languages. Acqua Alta is considered a crime fiction novel and is part of Leon’s series featuring Brunetti.
The Other End of the Line by Andrea Camilleri
The Other End of the Line is a book by Andrea Camilleri, set in Italy. It tells the story of a young woman named Anna who, against her family’s wishes, moves to Rome to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. There, she meets a man named Marco who introduces her to the world of books and helps her to find her place in the city.
The book was published in 2006 to positive reception and has since become a bestseller in Italy. It is a work of fiction that combines elements of romance, comedy, and drama.
Italy is a country that has always held a great deal of cultural and historical significance. It is a place of great beauty, and its rich history is reflected in its art, architecture, and literature. If you’re looking for a taste of Italy without leaving your home, these books are a great place to start. Reading about Italy can be a way to transport yourself to this beautiful country, and it can also give you a greater understanding of its complex history and culture. If you’re looking for a few of the best books set in Italy, check out our list. And if you have any other suggestions for the best books set in Italy, be sure to let us know. Buon viaggio!
If you enjoyed this reading list of the best books set in Italy, be sure to also check out the greatest ever romance novels. If romance and Italy are your thing, you may also enjoy this guide to planning a wedding in Italy.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page.

















