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Italy may seem like a dreamland to American readers. I went to Italy for the first time last summer, and when I saw in person for the first time many of the historical sites and works of art that I had read about for decades, I still thought: genuine” This isn’t just EM Forster’s creation of “A Room with a View.” The art and architecture that inspired generations of artists has been lovingly preserved, and the countryside is more breathtaking than you might expect. But this country is more than a postcard or just a playground for tourists seeking self-discovery. Italy has a complex political and social hierarchy, and historical novels set in Italy, especially by Italian authors, deal with the country’s chaotic history.
Elena Ferrante’s popularity also influenced the Italian literary world. Her comprehensive historical novels are popular worldwide, and interest in Italian women writers in general is growing. To ride the wave of interest in Italian novels in the United States, many older novels by women authors began to be updated or translated into English for the first time.
Instead, the gap that needs to be filled now is still finding the voices of writers of color. While this is common in the publishing industry, it can be an even bigger problem in translation. Because we don’t value diversity as much as finding the most popular novels from different countries for translation. Writers like Ixaba Chebo are determined to highlight the voices of black women in Italian history, and more black authors are turning to translation to highlight more black perspectives in Italy. I’m focusing on it.
As with any translated work related to a specific country, we only know a small part of the picture, but it’s a start. First, we will introduce 9 must-read historical novel titles set in Italy!
Historical novels set in Italy
The Silent Duchess by Dacia Maraini, translated by Dick Kitto and Elspeth Spottiswoode
In the 1700s, Marianna Urcia is trapped in a bad marriage with her uncle, a situation made worse by the fact that she is deaf and unable to speak. Rather than remain trapped in an unfair situation, she chose to get an education and step out of her position as a submissive wife.
“Tie” by Domenico Starnone, translated by Jhumpa Lahiri
Award-winning author Domenico Starnone explores the dynamics of marriage in this novel. Set in the 1970s, it depicts the relationship between a couple named Vanda and Aldo. Aldo has just left Wanda for another woman, and Wanda is furious with Aldo. However, Starnone jumps between time periods, leaving us wondering if and when they will reconcile. If so, what brings them together?
“Eva Sleeps” by Francesca Melandri, translated by Catherine Gregor
For readers interested in learning more about Italy’s border politics, Francesca Melandri provides an excellent perspective on the historical conflict between northern Italy and Austria. Eva, who lives in northern Italy, receives a call from Vito, an old friend of his mother’s. In the 1960s, Vito is stationed in northern Italy and has an affair with an Austrian woman named Gerda, who has a dark past. Eva goes to see Vito to find out what happened with Gerda and why their relationship ended.
The Color Line by Igiaba Seago, translated by John Cullen and Gregory Conti
In a dual timeline, Ijaba Shego weaves together the stories of a black female artist from the 1800s and an art curator who wants to bring her work to a wider audience in 2019. LaFanu Brown has successfully traveled the world pursuing her art, but in the 1800s, it was difficult for a black female artist to avoid racist attacks. In modern times, Leila becomes obsessed with learning everything she can about Rafanu’s life and how it influenced her work.
Arturo’s Island by Elsa Morante, translated by Anne Goldstein
On the island of Procida in the 1930s, Arturo spends most of his days alone in a crumbling mansion. Since his mother passed away a while ago, he is only used to being with dogs. One day his father brings home his new bride, a teenage girl. Arturo now has to face his stepmother, who is the same age as him.
Belladonna by Ambala Salam
In the 1950s, two friends, Isabella and Brigitte, end up attending a prestigious art school in the grounds of a quiet monastery in northern Italy. The girls jump at the chance to run away and reinvent themselves. Despite a fresh start, the two must face their pasts and their feelings for each other.
Juliet by Anne Fortier
Julie Jacobs never expected to receive just a key after her aunt passed away. To find out what it is, she travels to Siena, Italy, and uncovers her family’s legendary history. Julie’s ancestor, Julietta, fell in love with a man named Romeo in the 1300s. And it caused generations of trauma in the young lovers’ families. It also inspired generations of stories. Julie uncovers a dark history and finds a way to save her family from the plague.
Oil and Marble by Stephanie Storey
In the early 1500s, two artistic geniuses coexisted, but in a bitter rivalry. Leonardo da Vinci wanted to get the commission to create a statue of David, but the young sculptor Michelangelo got it instead. Vinci is angry and directionless, while Michelangelo is overwhelmed by the enormity of his project and struggles to find his way. The rivalry between the men inspires them to do their best work.
Ink Girls by Marieke Nijkamp, illustration by Sylvia Bi
In a fictional Italian city during the height of the Renaissance, two young girls struggle against injustice. Cinzia, an apprentice printer, is arrested after accusing a powerful man of corruption and struggles to prove his innocence. Elena is imprisoned in her home by her family, but by chance she meets Cinzia, who ends up joining her on her mission.
The joy of fiction is finding new perspectives, and books about Italy are especially helpful in contextualizing the country and understanding how it has been shaped by history and international perspectives.
Once you’ve read through our extensive selection of historical fiction about Italy, you’ll find even more translated Italian books, historical fiction in general, and must-read travel books.