valerie

Any recommendations for good novels, historical or otherwise, about Italy?

Jill

If you haven't read Under the tuscan Sun and Bella Tuscany by Fancis Mayes you have too. The first one is better. ALso, Summer's Lease by EM Forrester is very good. If you are planning a trip and want to be inspired there are a few movies you could rent - Enchanted APril - wonderful movie! Also try Il Postino, Where angels fear to tread and Life is beautiful. enjoy!

erica

Valerie - I just put all my Italy books together in one place yesterday. If you get more specific about an area I could help. Also go to Slowtrav.com and read their book/memoir section. There is ALOT written about all parts of Italy, the majority being on Rome, Tuscany and Umbria. Going there?

adams

"Beach Music" by Pat Conroy.

dan woodlief

Room with a View by E.M. Forster is good and very readable. It combines Florence sights with a look into English society, along with a love story.

Wendy

The Agony and the Ecstasy is a fantastic novel following Michael Angelo from Florence to Rome and beyond. It gives amazing history, art and religeous backgrounds!

gb

I read As Romans Do. A true story about a US family living in Rome

valerie

thanks for the good suggestions.<BR><BR>Erica -- I'll be in Milan, Venice and Varenna. traveling by train.<BR><BR>

Maria

I know I will probably get in trouble for suggesting this -- but The Sicillian by Mario Puzo is wonderful. I fell in love with Sicily just by reading his discriptions. Besides, it is really entertaining too. There I said it!

Geo

I have to second The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone. I just finished reading it and couldn't put it down.