Historical fiction books from Italy
Recommended historical fiction books (28)
Travel the world without leaving your chair.
If you are into historical fiction here are some historical fiction books from Italy for the next part of the Read Around The World Challenge.
1.
Accabadora by Michela Murgia EN
Description:
The award winning Accabadora is an exceptional English–language debut, written with intriguing subtlety reflecting a sensual picture of local Italian life and death in villages during the 1950's. A time where family ties and obligations still decide much of life's ebb and flow. A must read for those who love a touch of the unusual. Formerly beautiful and at one time betrothed to a fallen soldier, Bonaria Urrai has a long held covenant with the dead. Midwife to the dying, easing their suffering and sometimes ending it, she is revered and feared in equal measure as the village's Accabadora. When... continue
2.
Description:
Alamut takes place in 11th Century Persia, in the fortress of Alamut, where self-proclaimed prophet Hasan ibn Sabbah is setting up his mad but brilliant plan to rule the region with a handful of elite fighters who are to become his "living daggers." By creating a virtual paradise at Alamut, filled with beautiful women, lush gardens, wine and hashish, Sabbah is able to convince his young fighters that they can reach paradise if they follow his commands. With parallels to Osama bin Laden, Alamut tells the story of how Sabbah was able to instill fear into the ruling class by creating a small army... continue
3.
Description:
Artemisia Gentileschi was an Italian Baroque painter, today considered one of the most accomplished painters in the generation following that of Caravaggio.
4.
Description:
Baudolino, having just rescued a court official caught in the sacking and burning of Constantinople in 1204, proceeds to entertain the man with the fantastical story of his life.
5.
Beyond Babylon by Igiaba Scego EN
Description:
"Describes Argentina's horrific dirty war, the chaotic final years of brutal dictatorship in Somalia, and the modern-day excesses of Italy's right-wing politics through the words of two half-sisters, their mothers, and the elusive father who ties their stories together"--
6.
Der Name der Rose by Umberto Eco DE
Description:
Daß er in den Mauern der prächtigen Benediktinerabtei an den Hängen des Apennin das Echo eines verschollenen Lachens hören würde, das hell und klassisch herüberklingt aus der Antike, damit hat der englische Franziskanermönch William von Baskerville nicht gerechnet. Zusammen mit Adson von Melk, seinem etwas tumben, jugendlichen Adlatus, ist er in einer höchst delikaten politischen Mission unterwegs. Doch in den sieben Tagen ihres Aufenthalts werden die beiden mit kriminellen Ereignissen und drastischen Versuchungen konfrontiert: Ein Mönch ist im Schweineblutbottich ertrunken, ein anderer aus de... continue
7.
Don't Tell Me You're Afraid by Giuseppe Catozzella EN
Description:
Based on a remarkable true story, an unforgettable Somali girl risks her life on the migrant journey to Europe to run in the Olympic Games At eight years of age, Samia lives to run. She shares her dream with her best friend and neighbor, Ali, who appoints himself her "professional coach." Eight-year-old Ali trains her, times her, and pushes her to achieve her goals. For both children, Samia's running is the bright spot in their tumultuous life in Somalia. She is talented, brave, and determined to represent her country in the Olympic Games, just like her hero, the great Somali runner Mo Farah. ... continue
8.
El nombre de la rosa by Umberto Eco ES
Description:
La novela emblemática de Umberto Eco. Una trama apasionante. Una admirable reconstrucción del conflictivo siglo XIV «Umberto Eco cambió nuestra mirada sobre los libros: imprescindibles, pequeños, frágiles, a veces criminales, casi siempre salvadores. Un maestro que nos enseñó a entrelazar la sabiduría y el juego con su estilo sagaz y lúdico, con su asombrosa inventiva y certera lucidez.» Irene Vallejo UNO DE LOS 100 TÍTULOS FUNDAMENTALES DEL SIGLO XX SEGÚN LE MONDE Valiéndose de las características de la novela gótica, la crónica medieval y la novela policíaca, El nombre de la rosa narra las i... continue
10.
Forbidden Notebook by Alba de Cespedes EN
Description:
Out running an errand, Valeria Cossati gives in to a sudden impulse - she buys a shiny black notebook. She starts keeping a diary in secret, recording her concerns about her daughter, the constant churn of the domestic routine and her fears that her husband will discover her new habit. With each entry Valeria plunges deeper into her interior life, uncovering profound dissatisfaction and restlessness. As she finds her own voice, the roles that have come to define her-as wife, as mother, as daughter-begin to break apart.Forbidden Notebook is a rediscovered jewel of Italian literature, published ... continue