Essential Reads for Your Estate Italiana
And a few more to get you in the summer mood
It’s the dog days of summer, which means we’re taking things slower and digging our feet into some sand while diving into a good book. The other day, a reader asked us for a list of novels based in Italy that would transport them to the shores of the bel paese while they were lounging on Martha’s Vineyard. Of course, we had to oblige given how much we love a good beach read set in Italia.
Below you’ll find our list of top recommendations to bring a slice of Italian paradise to your summer holiday, along with a soundtrack to settle you into the perfect Mediterranean mood.
Also, we are excited to share a new feature in our newsletter. Once a month, we’ll be feature one question submitted by you, dear readers, where we'll tap into our voluminous black books and years of experience (as well as a few hidden tricks we’ve picked up along the way) to dish out our best advice. If you have something to ask Ciao Bella, click here and let us know. We’ll make sure to answer you.
For now, grab your sunhat and a cool drink as these novels whisk you away to some of Italy’s most enchanting spots!
~
Erica + Alison
20 novels to get you in the mood for Italy
A few of these have also been adapted for TV or the big screen, though we prefer the magic of getting lost in a libro ourselves.
My Brilliant Friend #1 on the New York Times Best Novels of the 21st century. Italians do it better.
Call Me By Your Name This bittersweet story of one’s primo amore is incredibly emotional.
A Room with A View A Florence-based classic.
The Talented Mr. Ripley Enough said.
Hotel Portofino Political intrigue and family drama, can it get any more Italiano that that?
Angels & Demons I know that Alison is rolling her eyes, but this book gives a lot of love to Rome and Bernini, and that can’t be beat! (Erica)
The Flamethrowers 1970s NYC-Milan-Rome with motorcycles and art.
Roman Stories Pulitzer Prize Winner Jhumpa Lahiri loves Rome. Punto.
The Venice Train A thrilling mystery on a train ride to, you guessed it, Venezia.
The Sicilian Inheritance Sicily thrills and kills. PS author Jo Piazza loves Ciao Bella.
The Italian Escape Finding love, friendship and a fresh start in dolce Italia.
The Sun and Other Stars A disgraced soccer star reconnects with his family.
Beautiful Summer Coming of age story by Cesare Pavese.
One Italian Summer A mother & daughter find healing in Positano.
Love & Gelato A teen romance with a few scoops of gelato.
Beautiful Ruins Faded Hollywood glamour meets Italian charmer.
Sex & Vanity Kevin Kwan’s (Crazy, Rich Asians) jet set Capri wedding.
The Seventh Sinner A thriller set in today’s Rome with an ancient spin.
The Villa Historic Italian villa with a dark past unearths a decades-old secret.
The Raphael Affair Iain Pears’ Art History Mysteries are my guilty pleasure. (Erica)
Soaking in the summer vibes
From yesteryear to freshly pressed vinyl, we’ve curated a playlist that makes you feel like you’re sitting under the ombrellone in Amalfi, Pantelleria, Ponza and Camogli.
Contemporary Art in Palermo
We love Palermo, but don’t be fooled by its old-world stereotype - the city is a thriving center of contemporary art. Find out more on the gallery scene in Ciao Bella, and take a listen to the latest Ciao Bella episode with Francesco Pantaleone, the gallerist who brought contemporary art [back] to Palermo.
These suggestions are so great - how did you know I set my August nights aside just for this?
PS another good one is Delia Ephron’s thriller, Siracusa set in Sicilia