Books I love about Italy and La Dolce Vita
I love nothing more than a great memoir or a beautiful story set in Italy…especially the kind that leaves you feeling inspired and hopeful. The kind that reminds you that anything is possible, and that dreams really can come true. There’s something so magical about the Italian dream too. The food, the people, the landscapes, the pace of life. It’s all so enchanting. To me, it’s simply the best.
This is a collection of books that I’ve personally read and loved. They aren’t listed in any particular order, and I know it’s not a very long list (yet!). Between running small businesses, raising kids, and navigating some big life moves, this just hasn’t been my season for reading books….haha! But I’ll continue adding to this list as I read more.
And of course, I’m always happy to take recommendations if there’s an Italy inspired favorite you think I should add!
Below the book covers, you'll find a list of all the titles in alphabetical order, along with a short description of each story :)
The Books and what they are about - in alphabetical order
1000 Days in Tuscany - Marlena de Blasi > Paperback / Kindle
Marlena de Blasi continues her Italian love story as she settles into life in rural Tuscany, embracing village traditions, friendships, and the rhythms of everyday Italian living through food and family.1000 Days in Venicse - Marlena de Blasi > Paperback / Kindle
A romantic memoir about an American chef who falls in love with a Venetian man and leaves her former life behind to begin a new life in Venice filled with passion, food, and discovery.A Vineyard in Tuscany - Ferenc Máté > Paperback / Kindle
Ferenc Máté shares the story of restoring an abandoned Tuscan vineyard and learning the art of winemaking while adapting to the joys and frustrations of Italian country life.Bella Figura - Kamin Mohammadi > Paperback / Kindle
After leaving behind a stressful life in London, Kamin Mohammadi moves to Florence and discovers the Italian philosophy of “bella figura” - making every aspect of life beautiful through food, friendship, love, and daily rituals.Bella Tuscany - Frances Mayes > Paperback / Kindle
Frances Mayes returns to Tuscany with more reflections on restoring her villa, savoring seasonal Italian cooking, traveling through Italy, and embracing the beauty of Tuscan life.Dreaming Sophia - Melissa Muldoon > Paperback / Kindle
A woman travels to Italy after heartbreak and becomes immersed in the beauty of Florence while uncovering family secrets, art, language, and personal transformation.Love in a Tuscan Kitchen — Sheryl Ness > Paperback / Kindle
A heartfelt memoir about falling in love with an Italian chef in Tuscany while discovering the beauty of Italian food, traditions, village life, and the joy of following unexpected dreams.Piera -Piera Salvatici Misciattelli Bernardini > Paperback / Kindle
The true story of a young Tuscan woman surviving World War II in Italy while witnessing the complexities of war, loss, and forbidden love in the years that followedRestored in Tuscany - Angela Correll > Hardcover / Kindle
Angela Correll shares her experiences restoring a home in Tuscany while discovering healing, simplicity, friendship, and a deeper connection to Italian culture and slower living.Taste - Stanley Tucci > Paperback / Kindle
Stanley Tucci reflects on his life through food, sharing family traditions, personal stories, travel experiences, and his lifelong love of Italian cooking and gathering around the table.The Hills of Tuscany - Ferenc Máté > Paperback / Kindle
A charming memoir about leaving behind city life to renovate a crumbling farmhouse in Tuscany while learning to navigate Italian customs, rural life, and restoration projects.The Italians: Creating Our Italy - Richard Lonsdale > Paperback / Kindle
A journey across Italy exploring the lives, passions, and stories of the restaurateurs, artisans, and hoteliers who create the Italian experience travelers fall in love with.Under the Tuscan Sun - Frances Mayes > Paperback / Kindle
Frances Mayes recounts buying and restoring an abandoned villa in Tuscany, weaving together stories of renovation, food, travel, and personal renewal in the Italian countryside.Waking Isabella - Melissa Muldoon > Paperback / Kindle
Set in Florence, this novel follows a woman uncovering hidden family history while experiencing personal transformation through Italian art, culture, and life abroad.
This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission (trust me...it’s not a lot and I’m definitely not getting rich here...haha) if you choose to make a purchase through the links…at no additional cost to you. I only share products, books, and experiences I genuinely love and think you might enjoy too :) Grazie!!!