Bella Italia: Italy on the Page

Italy has always been a popular travel destination. It is a place where the ancient and the modern co-exist. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, it was and continues to be a cultural and artistic center providing inspiration for writers. So andiamo, let’s see many views of and about Italy!

Gilbert, Elizabeth. Eat, Pray, Love.http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b3752804~S50

While only the first third of the book is set in Italy, it is the first place where Elizabeth Gilbert goes to recharge after the dissolution of her marriage. While there, she makes the acquaintance of Luca Spaghetti (yes, that is his real name). She eats well, and attends a football match (soccer game). Refreshed in body and spirit Gilbert leaves Italy ready for her next adventure. The book was made into a movie starring Julia Roberts: http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4319883~S50

Spaghetti, Luca. Un Amico Italiano: Eat, Pray, Love in Rome http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4352241~S50
Luca appeared in Eat, Pray, Love. The charming young Italian with the funny name gets to recount his views in his own book. Readers are treated to his personal pasta ranking system. He provides anecdotes about his visit to America and more details about his time with Gilbert.

Mayes, Frances. Under the Tuscan Sun http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b3486373~S50

Frances Mayes, American creative writing professor decides to purchase a home in Italy after having spent several summers there renting. After a long search she finds the perfect property, however, it needs work. Mayes writes about both the wonders of the Italian countryside, but also the frustrations of working with the Italian bureaucracy and the challenges of repairing the aged villa. Recipes are also included. This book will make nearly everyone want to spend some time of their own “under the Tuscan sun”.  This was also turned into a movie starring Diane Lane: http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b3460685~S50

Severgnini, Beppe. La Bella Figura http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b3797548~S50

Italians place priority on “la bella figura”, the art of looking good. Servergnini offers a more honest exploration into the hearts and minds of the Italians. Only in Italy would cheating on your taxes be a national past time, and a red light mean a contemplation before a complete stop. A more humorous view of Italian life and culture. Readers who enjoy this book might want to try his exploration of the United States in Ciao America http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b3221454~S50

Italy is not always bright and beautiful. Like everywhere else it has a darker side.

Leon, Donna. The Inspector Brunetti Mysteries (see for full series listing; http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/l/donna-leon/)

Author Donna Leon, an American, has lived in Venice for over twenty five years. Her series of twenty one (and counting) mysteries feature Commissario Guido Brunetti. The setting for the stories is in or around Venice. They are not merely mysteries, but also examine Italian society. In an interesting twist the novels have never been translated into Italian and the television series featuring Brunetti is produced by German television. Episodes 1-8 have been released on DVD. They are in German with English subtitles. They are good adaptation and Masterpiece Mystery fans might want to check them out: http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4514624~S50

Preston, Douglas. The Monster of Florence http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4011633~S50

Italy, while famed for its many beauties, has a darker side. Crime fiction author. Preston, moves to Florence and discovers his new home was the site of a double murder. Preston unites with Italian journalist Spezi, who has been following the series of murders. They undertake their own investigation.

Italy from any literary perspective is always interesting!