Travel to Italy Through the Eyes of Great Writers: Must-Read Books

If you are a traveler with a passion for literature, then you must be familiar with the power of books to inspire and transport us to different times and places. And what better way to prepare for your future travels to Italy than by delving into two masterpieces of Italian and English literature that perfectly capture the essence of the country and its people?

I Malavoglia by Giovanni Verga

The first book on our list is I Malavoglia by Giovanni Verga, a seminal work of Italian literature that depicts the struggles and triumphs of a group of fishermen in the small town of Aci Trezza in Sicily. The novel is a profound and poignant exploration of poverty, family, and community that speaks to the human condition with great depth and insight.

Verga’s language is at once raw and lyrical, imbuing his characters with a sense of authenticity and humanity that is both rare and captivating. As the author himself noted in the preface to the book, I Malavoglia is a “sincere and dispassionate study of society,” one that seeks to capture the lives of ordinary people in all their complexity and richness.

The novel’s central character is Padron ‘Ntoni, the patriarch of the Malavoglia family, who is forced to confront the harsh realities of life in a world where hard work and determination are not always enough to overcome the forces of poverty and nature. Through his struggles and those of his family, we witness the deep bonds of love and loyalty that exist between people who have nothing but each other.

Travel to Italy Through the Eyes of Great Writers
Travel to Italy Through the Eyes of Great Writers

Sea and Sardinia by D. H. Lawrence

The second book on our list is Sea and Sardinia by D. H. Lawrence, a renowned English writer who, in this travel book, takes us on a journey to the rugged and beautiful island of Sardinia. Accompanied by his wife Frieda, Lawrence explores the interior of the island, visiting towns and villages such as Cagliari, Mandas, Sorgono, and Nuoro.

Despite the brevity of their visit, Lawrence manages to capture the essence of Sardinia and its people with remarkable clarity and sensitivity. His descriptions of the landscape, the architecture, and the local customs are vivid and evocative, bringing the island to life in all its rugged beauty.

One of the highlights of Lawrence’s trip is his visit to Nuoro, a town that was home to the renowned Italian writer Grazia Deledda. Although Lawrence did not meet Deledda personally, his homage to her and her work is evident in the way he portrays the town and its people. Through his eyes, we see a Sardinia that is both ancient and modern, a place where tradition and innovation coexist in a delicate balance.

Both I Malavoglia and Sea and Sardinia are essential reading for anyone who wants to experience Italy through the eyes of its greatest writers. Whether you are planning a trip to Sicily, Sardinia, or any other part of the country, these books will provide you with a deeper understanding of the people and places that make Italy such a unique and enchanting destination.

So, whether you prefer the raw and powerful language of Giovanni Verga or the poetic and evocative prose of D. H. Lawrence, make sure to add these books to your reading list before embarking on your Italian adventure. With their rich characters, vivid descriptions, and profound insights into the human condition, they are sure to inspire and transport you to a world of beauty and wonder that is uniquely Italian.