But this is a post about books, so I'll stop there. When I started thinking about my favorite love stories, I realized many of them are set in this place to which I'm so drawn. I'd thought I'd share three of my picks, just in time for Valentine's Day.
In these historical fiction novels, romance is a central element; however, they're also about strong women who live in turbulent times and do whatever it takes to survive. I love the way the authors manage to combine a page-turning plot with historical details that give you a little window into another world, whether ancient Rome or Renaissance Florence.
I hope these books find a place in your heart as they have in mine. Buona lettura! (which should mean "thanks Google Translator")
As someone who dreams of Rome, I couldn't pass up a book about ancient power couple Augustus and Livia. As the wife of one of the greatest Roman emperors, Livia has spent the last two millennia with a pretty ruthless reputation. Here she finally gets her say.
Get the real story behind the famous smirk, at least as imagined by Jeanne Kalogridis, who does a wonderful job crafting a novel that captures all the grandeur, intrigue, and fanaticism of fifteenth century Florence. Be prepared for the suave yet sweet Giuliano to sweep you off your feet.
Beginning in Rome but set mostly in sixteenth century Venice, this is the story of Fiammetta Bianchini, a successful courtesan (which is definitely a prettier word for her profession than others) and her companion, a whip-smart dwarf named Bucino. The plot twists and turns as they navigate Venetian high society together, making this the perfect read for the beach (if you're lucky enough to have an upcoming getaway) or a stormy evening. I also love The Birth of Venus, Dunant's first book set in Renaissance Italy.
What are your favorite love stories, Italian or otherwise?
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