books about Italy: not necessarily guidebooks
 

Hi Fodorites.

In preparation for my November trip to Venice, Florence and Rome, I am reading John Berendt's book about Venice: The City of Falling Angels. He has a list in the back of other books you might enjoy, fiction and non-fiction, about Venice.

Now I am looking for ideas on what to read set in the other cities. I want to immerse myself in Bella Italia from now til November.

I searched for ideas here and found a short thread for recommendations for young people--it included The Agony and The Ecstasy, that sounds like a good idea and I'm sure I can get it used on Amazon.

I am looking for fiction or literary non-fiction. I would love to hear your ideas.
Thank you.

Olive Oil

See http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34410488

Best wishes,

Rex

I just bought The Agony and The Ecstasy for the same reason. It's in paperback at any bookstore for about $8.99. It's a good read so far!

Thanks Rex, I had searched but had not found that thread. Wow. Lots there.

Maureen, I'll start my search at Amazon. Thanks.

OO

Hi olive oil,
My trip to Italy is in November too. I am also looking for book suggestions. I read Angels and Demons. It is set in Rome.

Check the Reading List page on www.elegantetruria.com for my special list of books about Italy.

Hi olive_oil, since you are going to be in Florence may I suggest that you read "The Birth of Venus" by Sarah Dunant. A novel but with a historical background of Florence. Wishing you a beautiful time in Italy!!