From the storied histories of landmarks like the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel to the jaw-dropping beauty of Venice and the glittering Mediterranean Sea, it’s no wonder Italy is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the world. Brimming with a rich tapestry of art, culture, food, architecture and overall decadence, the country’s romanticized history serves as a perfect backdrop for captivating historical stories. Here, we gathered up 10 historical fiction books set in Italy—across many bygone eras and World Wars—that deliver immersive plots, beautifully written details (many inspired by true stories and events), high-stakes drama and endless intrigue.
Does stepping into a stunningly breathtaking love story that spans continents and decades sound appealing? Open up The Shoemaker’s Wife by bestselling author Adriana Trigiani. If you’re more in the mood to experience a passionate romance between Botticelli and his legendary muse set in the alluring world of 15th-century Italy, dive into The Most Beautiful Woman in Florence by Alyssa Palombo. Polombo’s propulsive and lush novel is a perfect pick for fans of Tracy Chevalier’s Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Continue scrolling for all of our compelling, must-read book recommendations!
Readers are transported back in time to 1800s Sicily, Italy, in this immersive page-turner. Handsome Franco Fiorvanti, a lemon grower, has dreamed of owning his own grove. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to prove his loyalty to his boss, Baron Zito. But when he is asked to kidnap a boy named Dante, the repercussions may change Sicily forever. A rich, riveting mafia story told from multiple points of view.
What readers are saying: “Loyalty is a story of intrigue, love and mystery. Seamlessly placed details will transport and transform you, it’s a great read, a wonderful experience and a history lesson all in one.”
Bestselling author Jill Santopolo’s Stars in An Italian Sky is a multilayered tale about star-crossed lovers first set in 1946 Genoa, Italy. In the post-WWII world, Vincenzo and Giovanna fall deeply in love at age 21. Then a shift in political power and family differences force them apart. In modern-day New York, Luca and Cassandra are crazy for each other. But when they ask their grandparents to pose for a painting, the past and present collide.
What readers are saying: “Normally, I gravitate toward mysteries and thrillers, but this tale about star-crossed lovers caught my eye,” shares Rachel Cosma, Woman’s World Health Director. “This sweeping saga warmed my heart!”
Set in 1950 through the present day, this vivid, emotional saga follows Claudia Patterson on her journeys in Mississippi, New York, Paris and Rome. Along the way, Claudia meets four men—Denny Clark, Robert Moore, Ashley Booth and Giancarlo Pasquale Fortenza—who challenge her to fight for happiness. This is a story about finding hope amid struggle and how our relationships shape our lives.
What readers are saying: “From a prolific and talented romance and women’s fiction author, I was excited to see Rochelle Alers had written a historical fiction about a fascinating and well-traveled woman. Filled with vivid details and a page-turning plot, Claudia’s experiences came to life within the pages of this novel.”
Beloved author Adriana Trigiani is known for her enchanting historical fiction novels—and The Shoemaker’s Wife remains her biggest novel to date. This mesmerizing, multigenerational novel spans two continents and two World Wars, beginning in the early 1900s. For young couple Enza and Ciro, it’s love at first sight—until disaster forces them from their tiny Italian village in separate directions. Years later their paths cross again.
What readers are saying: “This is the best book I have read in a very long time and the best of Adriana Trigiani, as it is a human story, love story, family story, historical story, working-class story, an immigrant story, and it is rich with art, music, and fabulous writing. All characters, even the secondary ones, are unique, and they are meticulously drawn. Better yet, almost every character is a strong person who determines the course of his or her own life, in spite of the extreme cultural and social changes in those times.”
This sweeping, beautifully written tale begins in 1937 Rome, right before WWII. Elisabetta, Marco and Sandro grow up as best friends, despite their stark differences. Their friendship turns complex when both boys try to win Elisabetta’s heart. As Mussolini aligns Italy’s Fascists with Hitler’s Nazis, the trio and their families are tested in ways they never imagined. A powerfully moving story of loss, loyalty, family and love.
What readers are saying: “I’m a big Lisa Scottoline fan, and this historical novel was her absolute best yet. It was beautifully written, and, as an Italian American, the food references were a fun addition.”
Told in a dual-timeline, this immersive novel follows two women on a journey to discover who they are. After arriving in Venice in 1938, art teacher Juliet Browning is ready to reconnect with her long-lost love, Leonardo Da Rossi, despite his family’s protests. Soon, though, the war begins to close in, and Juliet and Leonardo are forced to do everything they can to fight, survive and keep their darkest secret buried. Flash forward to 2001, when the recently divorced Caroline Grant learns that her great aunt Juliet “Lettie” Browning has died—and she’s left Caroline with her sketchbook, three keys and a mission to scatter her ashes in Venice. What follows is an adventure of untold secrets, bravery and deep love.
What readers are saying: “I read this book when it first came out and loved it! Now, two years later, I recommended it to my book club and have just finished reading it for the second time. Certain things I remembered, and others I liked discovering for the first time. I loved going from 1939 and then leaping to 2001. A very good story with history melted into it.”
Sensual scenes, complex characters and rich history abound in this story by Alyssa Palombo. Set in 15th-century Italy, the plot follows Simonetta Cattaneo after she agrees to marry the handsome Marco Vespucci—who is heavily favored by the Medici family. Simonetta finds herself swept away by the glamorous lifestyle of the Medicis and becomes involved with men like Giuliano de’ Medici and Sandro Botticelli. Botticelli is taken with Simonetta and asks her to pose for him—and the resulting work becomes the masterpiece known as The Birth of Venus. A romantic, unforgettable tale that examines the remarkable connection between artist and muse.
What readers are saying: “I have always loved the works of Botticelli and have seen the famous painting of the Birth of Venus in the Uffizi. I was not prepared, however, for the way that Alyssa yanked me into her story and kept me there; so smitten was I that I stayed up far too late in the night to find out what happened to the beautiful Simonetta and her love, Sandro. I will never again be able to look at Botticelli and not think of this novel.”
Based on the incredible true story of a forgotten hero, this bestselling novel tells the epic story of one man’s courage during a dark time in history. The plot centers on Pino Lella’s life as an Italian teenager during the war. Pino helps Italian Jews escape from the Nazis and works as a spy for the Allies. His heroic journey takes him around Europe, then back to occupied Milan, where the life he once knew has all but disappeared.
What readers are saying: “Among all the books that I have read in my life, this may be the very best. To say that it is riveting is an understatement. To say it is suspenseful is an understatement. Page after page, it will leave you breathless in anticipation of what heroic or horrific or miraculous thing might happen next.”
In 1550s Florence, Lucrezia—the third daughter of the grand duke—enjoys a simple and creative life focused on art and quiet observation. But when her older sister dies on the eve of her wedding to the ruler of Ferrara, Modena and Reggio, Lucrezia is pushed into the spotlight and forced into a marriage with this ruler named Alfonso. As she navigates the political court and her mysterious new husband, she realizes her primary role is to secure the future of the Ferranese dynasty. In this enthralling story, bestselling author Maggie O’Farrell crafts a vivid portrait of a young woman’s struggle for survival amidst power, duty and danger.
What readers are saying: “Beautifully written and imagined, you’re transported right into the world of the Dukes of Renaissance Italy. I found the protagonist compelling and the plot pacing was just right. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and couldn’t put it down!”
Compelling drama, vivid history, picturesque Italian settings…this novel has it all. Set in 1947 Tuscany, this tale follows a young outcast mother and former ‘resistenza’ secret keeper named Fosca Sentino. To keep her family safe, she flees after her best friend Simonetta goes missing and takes refuge with a British war hero named Richard—who is in Tuscany to escape his own past. At first, Fosca is skeptical, but Richard’s kindness toward her family brings her a slice of peace. Then, she discovers her best friend’s brooch in the garden and wonders if Richard is the key to learning what really happened to Simonetta. A perfect blend of mystery, romance and found family.
What readers are saying: “This book captured my interest from page one. I loved the beautiful descriptions of the Italian landscapes and the Italian people and their customs, food and clothing during this period in history. I felt like I was traveling in Italy and seeing the sights.”
This post was originally published on here
