12 Must-Read Books to Fuel Your Italian Wanderlust -

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So, you’re planning a trip to Italy? First of all—jealous! Second, before you start perfecting your pasta twirl and brushing up on your “ciao” and “grazie,” let’s talk about a little pre-trip homework. And by homework, I mean the best kind—books! Reading stories set in Italy before your trip will not only transport you there early (hello, mental vacation!), but it will also enrich your experience once you arrive. You’ll recognize landmarks from the pages of novels, understand cultural nuances better, and maybe even impress a local with your knowledge of Renaissance Florence or glamorous 1960s Rome.

From classic literature to modern love stories, and even a touch of mystery, this list has something for every kind of traveler-reader. Let’s dive in!

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1. A Room with a View by E.M. Forster

If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering Florence’s cobblestone streets, this book is a must. A Room with a View follows Lucy Honeychurch, an Englishwoman who visits Italy and finds herself caught between societal expectations and her own desires. The romance, the stunning descriptions of Tuscany, and the charming critique of British tourists abroad make this a delightful read. Plus, after reading, you might find yourself hunting for a hotel with the best room with a view in Florence.

2. My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

Set in post-war Naples, this is the first book in the Neapolitan Novels series, which follows the lifelong friendship of Lila and Elena. It’s raw, emotional, and beautifully written, offering a deep dive into the complexities of female friendships and life in a rapidly changing Italy. If Naples is on your itinerary, this book will make you see the city through a completely different lens—full of passion, struggle, and resilience.

3. Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

This novel jumps between 1960s Italy and present-day Hollywood, weaving together a romance set in a small, almost-forgotten coastal village. If you’re planning to explore the Italian Riviera, Beautiful Ruins will have you dreaming of hidden seaside spots and imagining the glamorous ghosts of old Hollywood lingering in the air.

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4. Death in Venice by Thomas Mann

Venice is romantic, haunting, and utterly unique—just like this novella. It tells the story of an aging writer who becomes obsessed with a beautiful young boy while staying in Venice. Dark, atmospheric, and introspective, it captures the city’s melancholic beauty like no other book. You’ll never look at Venice’s canals the same way again.

5. The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim

A feel-good novel about four Englishwomen who escape their mundane lives for a month-long stay in a dreamy Italian villa. Sound like the perfect escape? It is! This book is pure sunshine on a page, brimming with descriptions of blooming wisteria, the sparkling Mediterranean, and the kind of peace you only find on a long Italian holiday.

6. One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

Imagine grieving your mother’s passing, only to go on a planned mother-daughter trip to Italy and somehow meet her there… as a young woman. That’s exactly what happens in this novel, set in stunning Positano. With a touch of magical realism and a whole lot of heart, this book will make you long for sun-drenched days on the Amalfi Coast.

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7. The House of Gucci by Sara Gay Forden

Milan-bound? Dive into this juicy true-crime-meets-fashion-drama novel about the rise and fall of the Gucci empire. It has everything—power struggles, betrayal, murder, and, of course, iconic Italian fashion. After reading, you might be tempted to indulge in a little Gucci shopping spree while in Milan (no judgment!).

8. The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante

Another Ferrante novel, this time delving into the complexities of adolescence and family secrets. Set in Naples, this book is filled with the city’s energy and tension, exploring how different parts of Naples—both geographically and socially—can shape a person’s life.

9. I, Claudius by Robert Graves

For the history buffs! If Rome is on your itinerary, this book is a fascinating (and wildly entertaining) deep dive into the political scheming and scandals of ancient Rome, narrated by Emperor Claudius himself. You’ll never look at the Roman Forum or the Colosseum the same way again.

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10. The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant

Art lovers, this one’s for you. Set in Renaissance Florence, this novel follows a young woman who secretly studies painting in a time when women weren’t allowed to be artists. It’s filled with intrigue, passion, and descriptions of Florence’s golden era that will make you appreciate the Uffizi Gallery even more.

11. The City of Falling Angels by John Berendt

Part true crime, part love letter to Venice, this book explores the mystery behind a devastating fire at the historic La Fenice opera house. If you love books that blend real history with engaging storytelling, this one’s a winner—and it will give you plenty to think about as you wander through Venice’s shadowy alleys.

12. The Villa by Rachel Hawkins

A gothic mystery set in an Italian villa? Yes, please! This novel weaves together two timelines—a modern-day writer’s retreat and a rock-star murder mystery from the 1970s. If you love a little suspense mixed with your travel reading, this book is a great pick.

Let the Journey Begin!

There you have it—your perfect reading list for an Italian adventure! Whether you’re lounging by Lake Como, sipping espresso in a Roman piazza, or getting lost in the maze of Venice, these books will bring Italy’s landscapes, history, and culture to life before you even step on the plane. So grab a book, pour yourself a glass of vino, and start your Italian journey now—one page at a time.

Buon viaggio e buona lettura! (Safe travels and happy reading!)