Italy based books are very popular on my blog so much so that I end up reading them more for reviews. (no complaints there!) There are always more recommendations for books set in Italy, from memoirs to coming of age novels. Here are 4 contemporary and travel books on Italy will help you understand the culture and lifestyle of the Italians.
Books on Italy: Contemporary and Travel
1. Only in Naples: Lessons in Food and Famiglia from My Italian Mother-in-Law by Katherine Wilson:
This fun memoir set in Southern Italy is the author’s journey of embracing a new life in Naples. Only in Naples is actually a tribute to the quirks of the city mixed with adjusting in a new family and managing family dynamics especially with a typical Neapolitan mother in law. This book will fill you with joy as it has everyday rituals, recipes and acts of kindness of the Neapolitans. There are a lot of cheeky passages that makes this book a light beach read. But it is poignant in parts and more so if you’re Italian, because you will miss your nonni! Only In Naples is also published as “The Mother in Law Cure”.
2. Venetian Blood by Christine Evelyn Volker:
Venetian Blood is crime fiction set in Venice from an author who adores the floating city. The book begins with cultural and architectural references that will give you a rich background of the city of Venice. It is well written with endless use of Italian language. Although you might guess the killer, the most important details are the historic references of the story rather than the murder itself. The effort and research gone into this book are praiseworthy as Venice seem more alive than ever.
The author talks about how small Venice is and how everyone knows everyone else in the city, how food is given paramount importance whether it is a bite of spezzatino or cicchetti or a glass of prosecco…..
3. The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy by Jacob Burckhardt:
If you are looking to delve into history and read about Italy 100 years back, this is the book to pick. I took ages to finish it (seriously!!) and almost gave up in the middle but kept going for some reason. The writing isn’t easy because this book was written eons ago.
The author takes the reader back in time and discusses about the Italian Renaissance in relation to Italian history, culture, art and science. He uses people and political hierarchy of those days to make it easier.
The book is historic and to some it might be boring but once you pick the book, you will want to finish through the interesting aspects of Italian art and culture. The only downside is that it is written for his fellows and you’ll find Burckhardt giving a lot of generalizations.
4. I’m Not Scared by Niccolo Ammaniti:
I’m Not Scared is a coming of age theme as it talks of the loss of childhood innocence. Narrated by a 9 year old, this promising read is perfect for lovers of contemporary Italian literature. It also has lovely descriptions of Southern Italy and it’s countryside. The book is set in the year 1978 and so the simple style of writing is lovely. The translator has done a great job in bringing it to the English audience. After reading the book, watch the movie by the same name.
Further Reading:
- Arrivederci Montalbano- thoughts on Riccardino
- Books that give an itch to visit South Italy
- 103 Other Adventures In and Around Rome – a must read for Italophiles
- Book Review: South of Somewhere by Robert Camuto
- Women in Translation- 3 Italian Authors You Must Read
You should also read Venice: Pure City by Peter Ackroyd
28 Comments
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thatanxioustraveller
October 10, 2017 at 2:03 pmDefinitely going to have to check out Only In Naples – I love Napoli!! It’s a lesser-known gem of a city, and the food is amazing!
Ishita
October 10, 2017 at 2:10 pmyea 🙂 It is a great read
Michael Hodgson
October 8, 2017 at 6:07 pmFantastic list Ishita. I am going to have to read Only in Naples now. One of my favorite (or favourite depending on your country of residence) books on life in Italy and travel is “Italian Neighbours” by Tim Parks.
Ishita
October 9, 2017 at 4:45 pmThank you Michael 🙂 Glad you enjoy. Haha I have read that one and it’s pretty good. A different take on Italy.
helene dsouza
October 8, 2017 at 3:46 pmI like Baudolino by Umberto Eco! Historical but fantasy too. In fact Baudolino’s lies kind of are the truth, and in turn, ironically, that’s just the way the world is has been running all along. I had to laugh about the polenta and unicorn lines in that book, it just hits the nail on the head. I will take a look at your books. I am quite inclined towards historical books. Usualy tend to read about the Borgia the Medici and similar powerful families of the Renaissance. Thanks for sharing this Is guys. 🙂
Ishita
October 8, 2017 at 5:40 pmI haven’t read that one. In fact come to think of it I have only read one of his books (must remedy that) I love books on Medici and history too but there is a certain mood to read those. Do give Ross King’s books a try. Grazie!!
Anubhuti
October 6, 2017 at 3:40 pmLove your posts. 🙂
Ishita
October 6, 2017 at 10:29 pmAw! Thanks girl 😄
Stef Smulders
October 6, 2017 at 2:29 amHi Ishita,
did I already propose to review my Italy book Living in Italy: the Real Deal? It has already received many positive reviews and some awards as well.
If not, have a sneak preview with excerpts and reviews here http://bit.ly/live-italy
Ciao
Stef
Ishita
October 6, 2017 at 12:07 pmHey Stef. Thanks for your msg again. I hope you understand that I read at my own pace and time. I will pick your book someday soon!
stellalucentellc
October 6, 2017 at 1:11 amNice to see book recommendations about Italy. There is such a diversity of books available now! Grazie mille!
Ishita
October 6, 2017 at 12:07 pmGrazie mille. Glad you like!
pamelaallegretto
October 5, 2017 at 11:39 pmMay I recommend Bridge of Sighs and Dreams. It’s my World War 2 novel that takes place in Nazi-occupied Rome. Grazie!
Ishita
October 6, 2017 at 12:08 pmYou did earlier, sorry I haven’t been able to read it yet and also I read at my own pace. Thanks again 🙂
pblevitt
October 5, 2017 at 6:55 pmA lovely selection which is most appreciated!
Ishita
October 5, 2017 at 7:04 pmThanks cara mia 🙂
georgefebish
October 5, 2017 at 3:40 pmThanks for the book review. They all look interesting.
Ishita
October 5, 2017 at 4:33 pmAre you reading anything George? would love your recommendations.
Sudhir Chauhan
October 5, 2017 at 1:15 pmvery good selection…….
Ishita
October 5, 2017 at 1:27 pmThank you 🙂
Kaitlin McKenzie
October 5, 2017 at 12:44 pmInteresting array of books for the Italian visitor to choose from! Love it! Did you have a favorite out of the bunch?
Ishita
October 5, 2017 at 12:48 pmYep but all of them are diverse topics, Kaitlin. I loved Ammaniti’s book. Did you check my other recommendations I added in the past year? Please do 🙂 I would love to heat back. xx
Kaitlin McKenzie
October 5, 2017 at 12:49 pmThanks, I’ll check them out!
Francesca
October 5, 2017 at 12:38 pmAn interesting selection Ishita. Burckhardt is the father of Renaissance historians in the modern era and although a little wooden these days, and perhaps too reliant on Vasari;s ‘Lives..’ it is still a classic and one that Renaissance scholars still refer to, as the history of Renaissance history writing is a field in itself. I love the more modern approaches to this era which incorporate more sociology into the study, and aren’t so starry eyed about Humanism and Art.
Must check out the others you have mentioned.
Ishita
October 5, 2017 at 12:40 pmYeah I agree on being wooden. Thanks I hope you like them!