Reading Italian books is one of the best ways you can improve your Italian! Whether you’re just getting started or an experienced Italian reader, it’s perfect for building up your vocabulary and expressions. If you’re struggling or reading slowly, look for dual-language books with Italian on one side and English translation on the other. Otherwise, here’s our list of the best Italian books to read!
Furthermore if you read lots, or simply want to read lots easily, getting a Kindle subscription could revolutionise your learning! And if you want to bring your books with you wherever you go, getting a Kindle is perfect (or this is a more general, cheaper option).
Il sentiero dei nidi di ragno – Italo Calvino
Calvinoâs first novel, âThe path to the spiderâs nestâ is a wonderful book to kick off your Italian reading. It tells the story of Pin, an orphan living in Liguria during World War 2. Above all, it is written in clear, easy to understand Italian.
Lâamica geniale – Elena Ferrante
Written by one of Italyâs most beloved writers, âMy brilliant friendâ tells a beautiful story of two friends growing up. It is heartwarming, sad and captivating throughout and one you donât want to miss! Most importantly, this book is one of 4 âNeapolitan novelsâ so thereâs more when youâve finished this.
Se questo è un uomo – Primo Levi
Primo Levi wrote this book based on the many horrors he experienced in World War 2. He was at the Auschwitz concentration camp until it was liberated in 1945, and wrote the book so future generations would reflect on it and its history. The title, âIf this is a manâ, asks at what point you lose your humanity, during all the inhumanity of WW2.
Volevo i pantaloni – Lara Cardella
Cardella wrote âGood girls donât wear trousersâ when she was only 19, and it has been popular all over the world. It describes the level of gender conformity and its restrictions as she was growing up in Sicily. There is a sequel to this book if one isnât enough, so get reading!
Set in the 1880s as a childâs diary, âHeartâ contains lots of important Italian themes. These often come in the form of stories, having some important moral at the end, such as being kind and helping others. The diary form makes it very easy to read, so itâs perfect for learning Italian.
Did you enjoy our list of the best Italian books to read? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below! And once you’ve enjoyed reading these, why not schedule a Lex and share your favorites with your partner.
After that check out our Book Search and see what your fellow learners are reading and share your own recommendations!
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