historical fiction books set in italy

If you're a fan of historical fiction and have a deep fascination with Italy, then you're in for a treat. Italy's rich history and exquisite charm have inspired numerous authors to write captivating novels set in this beautiful country. In this article, we will explore some of the best historical fiction books set in Italy, written by renowned authors. 

1. "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco: Set in the 14th century, this gripping novel takes place in an Italian monastery. Filled with mystery, suspense, and intrigue, it explores the dark secrets hidden within the abbey's walls. Umberto Eco's masterful storytelling and attention to historical detail make this a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts.

2. "The Leopard" by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa: This classic novel brings to life the dramatic changes experienced by Italian society during the Risorgimento, the period of Italian unification in the 19th century. It follows the decline of the aristocracy and the rise of the bourgeoisie through the eyes of a noble Sicilian family. The book beautifully captures the essence of Italy's social transformation during this pivotal era.

3. "I, Claudius" by Robert Graves: Although primarily set in ancient Rome, a significant portion of this epic historical novel takes place in Italy. Through the eyes of Emperor Claudius, Robert Graves portrays the political intrigues, scandals, and power struggles that characterized the Roman Empire. It offers a riveting glimpse into Italy's ancient past and the fascinating world of Roman history.

4. "The Birth of Venus" by Sarah Dunant: Set in 15th-century Florence, this novel transports readers to the heart of the Italian Renaissance. It tells the story of a young woman named Alessandra, who defies societal expectations and pursues her passion for art amidst the political unrest and cultural flourishing of the period. Sarah Dunant's vivid descriptions and well-researched historical backdrop make this a captivating read.

5. "Under the Tuscan Sun" by Frances Mayes: This memoir-turned-novel chronicles the author's journey as she buys and restores an old villa in the stunning Tuscan countryside. Filled with evocative descriptions of Italy's landscapes, cuisine, and culture, it offers readers a unique perspective on the country. Frances Mayes' love for Italy shines through every page, making it a delightful read for those craving a taste of la dolce vita.

To explore further, you can visit websites such as Goodreads, where you'll find a wealth of user-generated recommendations for historical fiction books set in Italy. Additionally, platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble provide an extensive collection of novels categorized under historical fiction, where you can explore different time periods and settings within Italy.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of historical fiction set in Italy and let these novels transport you through time, exploring the rich tapestry of the country's past. Happy reading!
Flower brocade Fiction
Flower brocade

After being reborn, Kang Yan discovered that some people and things were not as simple as she had thought in her previous life, such as the double demise of her parents, and the trapped souls in her Night Blossom. Woman: Sir, even though I helped you be reborn, haven't we settled our debts? In this lifetime, I just want to take good care of my flowers. Please don't stick to me like this, okay? Man: Well, shouldn't I repay you for saving my life with my body? Woman: Uh, are you sure you want to repay me with your "

164.81 Million words | 2022-02-16 13:01Update

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My Lord Fiction
My Lord

National medicine and national arts combined, shocking the Three Kingdoms. Li Qin, a modern ordinary traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, accidentally falls asleep before a blind date. When he wakes up, he finds himself in the late Eastern Han Dynasty. The Three Kingdoms at the end of the Han Dynasty were filled with wars, chaos, and bloodshed, and there was no peaceful and joyful land in the world. Li Qin's identity has transformed into the eleventh-generation grandson of General Li Guang of the Great Han Dynasty

102.40 Million words | 2022-03-03 02:03Update

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Official Ascension Fiction
Official Ascension

The regret of Emperor Hongzhi was not being able to educate his son properly. Emperor Zhengde was burdened by the throne and had no time for leisure. The Tao of the knave prospers, while the Tao of the gentleman wanes. It was the regret of the loyal minister Li Dongyang to be associated with wolves as a courtier, witnessing the corruption of the beautiful land yet unable to do anything about it. The Ming Dynasty, which should have been the earliest budding capitalist powerhouse, was instead replaced by the Qing Dynasty. This is the regret of the Ming Dynasty. A modern traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, who has been repeatedly trampled upon on the path of employment, returns to the mid

67.45 Million words | 2021-08-25 02:06Update

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Record of Chaos and Intrigue Fiction
Record of Chaos and Intrigue

The countries are in turmoil, and hidden currents surge. Cunning paths or royal paths? The world fluctuates, clouded in mysteries. Hero or tyrant? Beauty and kingdom, captivating nations and cities, which one is the true answer to heroism? Alluring charm and countless admirers, new loves and old affections, who is the so-called beloved? Scholars, between generations, none can escape the ebb and flow. A golden opportunity is truly a pity, while troubled times are unworthy of admiration. Witness the downfall of the discarded crown prince, and the upheaval of fate!

192.00 Million words | 2021-07-20 03:50Update

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The Thirteen Secret Fiction
The Thirteen Secret

Heaven as a tent, earth as a blanket, The sun, moon, and stars accompany my sleep. In the night, dare not extend my feet, Fear of treading upon the mountains, rivers, and sacred places. The QQ discussion groups for this book are as follows: 影魅饕餮商羊虚耗 本有八个群,现在集中一下 希望都加到四个群里 在镜花水月混沌傲因这四个群的观众 希望看到后能够转移。

183.68 Million words | 2021-03-03 16:49Update

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Business Through Words Fiction
Business Through Words

The new book "I Have a Dreamlike Castle" has been published. "Suyan, are you willing to help me unify the world?" "I will bring salt to the world."

97.19 Million words | 2022-11-19 23:52Update

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Eastern Sea Slaughter Fiction
Eastern Sea Slaughter

How did the hidden currents beneath the surface grow into an empire outside the system? How did an exiled playboy become the master of the seas? How did the Ming Dynasty's maritime merchants break through the policy of maritime prohibition and reach places that even Zheng He had never been to? Let us unfold the ukiyo-e of the era, record an obliterated history, and sing a legendary tale of heroes. In the Age of Exploration, a different possibility in Chinese history. Witness the roaring of mere merchants in the Southeast, shaking the four seas, and forging a new celestial realm! Glory and dreams, all in the Eastern Sea Slaughter!

525.04 Million words | 2021-08-30 03:15Update

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The Rebirth of a Veteran in the War of Resistance. Fiction
The Rebirth of a Veteran in the War of Resistance.

Through 14 years of arduous resistance against the invaders, we fought from Northeast China to the Central Plains. Despite the enemy constantly changing their commanders, our soldiers remain as sharp as a hot knife through butter! Soldiers fear no sacrifice, and the spirit of the military will endure forever! (I've set up a group, feel free to join if you're

138.48 Million words | 2022-01-17 18:51Update

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The Great Song Palace Fiction
The Great Song Palace

The 'Golden Chamber Alliance' left by Zhao Kuangyin sparked a power struggle in the Song court. Liu E, a lonely girl from Shu, fell in love with the third prince Zhao Heng during the war. They went through the rebellion of the Prince of Qin, the struggle for succession among the three princes, and the Battle of Chanyuan. Liu E's exceptional talent and careful handling of political affairs earned her the trust and reliance of Zhao Heng. With several princes lost, the succession to the throne became imminent, and the imperial court faced unprecedented crisis as ministers and influential families fought for their own interests or formed secret alliances. After Zhao Heng's demise, Emperor Ren was young and weak. In order to fulfill her late husband's wishes, Liu E took charge of the court and resolved party disputes, promoted water conservation, established welfare programs, and successfully addressed conflicts and unrest among various ethnic groups. She also boldly recruited new talents such as Fan Zhongyan, Yan Shu, and Su Xun, laying a solid foundation for Emperor Ren's prosperous rule for over 40 years.

99.86 Million words | 2023-02-12 18:54Update

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Door to Anywhere: Starting Point - Qin Shi Huang Enlightenment Fiction
Door to Anywhere: Starting Point - Qin Shi Huang Enlightenment

After graduating from college, Chu Feng refused to become a journalist and chose to be a farmer instead. However, strange guests would occasionally appear after nightfall. Emperor Ying Zheng: "Sir, please save Great Qin!" Emperor Li

18.87 Million words | 2020-08-06 16:58Update

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Dressed in brocade, he walks with a proud smile. Fiction
Dressed in brocade, he walks with a proud smile.

"Heroes of the world are born of my generation, as time hastens once we enter the rivers and lakes." Clad in white like snow, swift as the wind, finding pleasure in justice and vengeance, aiding the weak and overcoming the strong. None of these have anything to do with the protagonist and a penny. A modern commoner, his soul transmigrates to the Ming Dynasty. Attached to the cousin of renowned Zheng Guifei, he finds himself in a dimension quite distinct from both his original world and historical reality. Flintlock rifles, telescopes, anything he can think of, they all exist now? Can't you leave anything for me? Thankfully, I have a capable sister who possesses great skills. No one can take away this advantage. Witness how the resplendent leader of the Imperial Bodyguard plays his part in the rivers and lakes and laughs proudly in the imperial court. Experience a different rivers and lakes, a different form of pride.

549.96 Million words | 2022-11-21 05:45Update

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The Blood Battle of Yue Fei in Central Plains. Fiction
The Blood Battle of Yue Fei in Central Plains.

Being born, I strive for greatness, Even in death, I remain a hero. Thoughts of Xiang Yu still linger, Unwilling to cross the Yangtze River. The Zhao and Song dynasties fear the Jin invaders, Fleeing in haste, abandoning the heartland like worn-out shoes, Discarding millions of people like mere dirt. They may abandon, but I cannot, For my ancestral tomb lies in the heartland. They may leave, but I cannot, For the heartland is my hometown. I, Yue Fei, shall never retreat southward. I will fight in my beloved heartland.

63.51 Million words | 2022-03-12 01:54Update

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Love in Two Lives Fiction
Love in Two Lives

Investigating strange cases and unraveling the mysteries of life and death, Ayuan relies on her extraordinary talent and only seeks a comfortable life. She is just a humble constable, not the infamous Miss Yuan from the Yuan family. And not to mention, Miss Yuan is not the most promiscuous one. The subordinates of Lady Yuan's mother are present in every country, from the emperor to the lowest servant, all of them being privileged by Lady Yuan. The esteemed historian, who appeared out of thin air, smiled coolly, 'Do you believe it? Miss Yuan has already surpassed her predecessor and is never satisfied.' Investigating her mother's lover and then her own, Ayuan discovers countless secrets. Who is she really?

49.50 Million words | 2022-05-26 10:42Update

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The Invincibility of the Yellow Turbans in Three Kingdoms. Fiction
The Invincibility of the Yellow Turbans in Three Kingdoms.

The ruler called them "ant thieves", the aristocratic families called them "moth thieves", only the common people called them the Yellow Turban Army. The Yellow Turban Army was tragic. Emperor Fu Song, Zhu Jun, stepping on the countless white bones of the Yellow Turban soldiers, climbed to power, claiming it was for the sake of pacifying the world. The Yellow Turban Army was heroic. Liu Bei, stepping on the countless white bones of the Yellow Turbans, transformed from a commoner to an official, tearfully saying, "All for the sake of the people." The Yellow Turban Army was helpless. Cao Cao, relying on the 300,000 Yellow Turban defectors in his hands, leapt to become the greatest warlord

99.88 Million words | 2022-04-01 18:04Update

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Encounter in the Three Kingdoms Fiction
Encounter in the Three Kingdoms

The Three Kingdoms we see, full of turmoil and fierce battles among extraordinary talents. Yet the Three Kingdoms I perceive, a turbulent era, struggling to survive. It seems that I am also the hero in people's hearts.

522.88 Million words | 2021-12-14 02:14Update

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Heroes of the Three Kingdoms Fiction
Heroes of the Three Kingdoms

After a thousand years of dreaming, I woke up only to find myself as an injured soldier in the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Life seems full of despair, but as the protagonist, how could I not have a trick up my sleeve? Enter the Group of Heroes System, dedicated to cultivating the most powerful generals of the Three Kingdoms. To be proficient in both military and literature, it's simple! What? I can create my own generals? Perfect! This is

85.63 Million words | 2021-10-14 13:51Update

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Rebirth of the Second Empire Fiction
Rebirth of the Second Empire

A strange and bizarre encounter led the young Chinese youth, Qingying, to defy the flow of time and possess the body of the second son of the German Emperor. From that moment on, the colossal wheel of history entered a whole new realm. The thundering cannons of the Battle of Dadonggou, the smoke and clouds of the Philippine colonization, the conflicting aid and support of Russo-Japanese relations, the revolution of the Grand Fleet... together, they compose a magnificent and enthralling symphony. With the knowledge that Qingying is a fan of battleship technology, any errors or omissions in the content of this article are humbly welcomed and appreciated.

381.51 Million words | 2021-07-13 10:10Update

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My father-in-law's name is Lu Bu. Fiction
My father-in-law's name is Lu Bu.

Liu Mang, who accidentally cosplayed as a Golden Saint Cloth from the Aries Constellation, traveled back in time to the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Just as Cao Cao was attacking Lu Bu and the city of Xiapi was about to fall, he appeared on the city wall. "Big brother, don't kill me! I'm not one of Cao's subordinates!" he exclaimed. "Hey hey, you got the wrong person. Lu Bu's subordinates are over there, not me!" he shouted. By inadvertently saving Lu Bu, who was bound by Song Xian and Wei Xu, Liu Mang became Lu Bu's son-in-law and inadvertently changed the course of history in the Three Kingdoms. When the twelve sets of aluminum-plated golden Saint Cloths shimmered in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, adorning the bodies of fierce generals like Zhang Liao and Gao Shun. When the Vanguard Corps wielded mechanical repeating crossbows, each soldier equipped with one. When hybrid rice was cultivated in Lu Bu's territory. Liu Mang knew that this was the world belonging to the Lu family that was about to unfold. Traversing between the Three Kingdoms and the modern era, it was a unique Three Kingdoms and a unique life.

509.77 Million words | 2020-08-24 20:42Update

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The Legend of Steel Backbone in the Late Ming Dynasty Fiction
The Legend of Steel Backbone in the Late Ming Dynasty

The bloody battle on the Hun River in Shenyang during the later period of the Ming Dynasty saw the last brave soldiers of the Qi Family Army, Zhejiang Army, and White Pole Army fighting against the ten thousand Jurchen cavalry. In the end, the Ming army was defeated and destroyed. In this battle, the Ming army killed over ten thousand Jurchen soldiers, leaving behind the last pride of the Great Ming. Our protagonist, Zhang Dou, woke up to find himself a member of this army. Can he survive the perilous battle on the Hun River? Will he lead his troops to defeat the Jurchen and become the indomitable backbone of China? Stay tuned

490.54 Million words | 2022-03-23 20:56Update

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The Blissful Life of a Junior Official in the Northern Song Dynasty Fiction
The Blissful Life of a Junior Official in the Northern Song Dynasty

This is a golden age for Chinese literati. The artistic youth travels back to the Qingli period of the Northern Song Dynasty. From then on, they flourish and achieve an extraordinary life.

249.13 Million words | 2022-11-25 01:10Update

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