Reading for the Road:
Books About the Italian Lakes

Georgia Yuill

Italy | Lakes District

At The Slow Road we answer to many names (wanderers, bon vivants, students of life) but first and foremost, we’re a group of dedicated travellers.

That’s why we love compiling reading lists that include those books—from novels to memoirs, and everything in between—that have really opened up our favourite regions.

In this post we’ll round up a few of our favourite books about the Italian Lakes.

Must-Read Books about The Italian Lakes

Cadogan Guide:
Lombardy & the Italian Lakes

By Dana Facaros

Cadogan brings travelers Lombardy and the Italian Lakes in all their glory, from the powerhouse of Milan to the idyllic beauty and tranquility of Lake Garda and the Renaissance cities of the Lombard Plain

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THE ITALIANS

By Luigi Barzini

The definitive portrait of the Italian people, this is a classic, scholarly essay on the Italian character. Though first published in 1964, it’s still worth reading for its insight, grace and wit.

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D.H. Lawrence and Italy

D.H Lawrence

This omnibus Penguin Classics edition includes Lawrence’s three travel tales, each very different in tone and all wonderful: Sea and Sardinia is a nostalgic look at traditional ways of life; Twilight in Italy, an evocation of Lawrence’s memorable stay on Lake Garda; and Etruscan Places his musings on ancient sites, including the painted tombs of Tarquinia.

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Experience Lakes District With B&R

Scheduled Group Walking Trip

On our scheduled Italian Lakes Walking trip, truly incredible walks lead us through the charming streets of Lugano and über-chic Bellagio to unforgettable authentic meals at opulent waterfront resorts.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Private Walking Trip

Go private on this Italian Lakes Walking trip, making your way through sublime mountain scenery, travel along the glamorous lakefront by private boat, and stay in star-studded villas along the way.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Italian Days

By Barbara Grizzuti Harrison

Grizzuti Harrison writes with warmth and depth of her journey from Milan south to Calabria in this sprightly account of Italy and the Italians.

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A Farewell to Arms

By Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway’s great work, is a semi-autobiographical take on his time in Stresa and the nurse he loved.

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The Betrothed

By Alessandro Manzoni

A seminal Italian novel set amidst the stunning Lakes.

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Georgia Yuill

As a columnist for The Slow Road, veteran Trip Designer Georgia Yuill draws upon her experience as a guide, a hotel expert, an Italian resident and, above all, a facilitator of fun.