One of my favorite things to do before and during a vacation is to read something set where I’m visiting. In Egypt I read Death on The Nile by Agatha Christie. In Greece I read The Magus by John Fowles and the last time I was in Italy I re-read one of my favorite books, A Room With a View by E.M. Forster. I think I’ll re-re-read it now! I highly recommend it. I also recommend the beautiful Merchant & Ivory film adaptation starring a very young, dewy-eyed Helena Bonham Carter and the venerable Maggie Smith. There is also a wonderful BBC/PBS Masterpiece Theater production that came out in 2008 and is available on DVD.
A Room With a View: Merchant Ivory
Another of my favorites set in Italy is also by E.M. Forster, Where Angels Fear to Tread which takes place in Tuscany. It’s about a no-no love affair between an English widow and a much younger Italian man. And again, there is a film adaptation starring Helena Bonham Carter (and the always divine Helen Mirren)!
Where Angels Fear to Tread: Movie
I also recommend The Name of The Rose by Italian Author Umberto Eco which takes place in a Benedictine monastery in the year 1327. It’s a gripping mystery and exquisitely written/translated. There is also a 1986 film adaptation you may remember starring Sean Connery and Christian Slater (of all people) which I remember as being pretty good. The movie was filmed in Rome on a set and the interiors were shot an abbey in Germany.
For a little lighter fare, there is also the book (which I’ve never read) and the movie Under The Tuscan Sun.
One of my favorite movies of all time is Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. If you’ve never seen it, RECTIFY THIS IMMEDIATELY!
A much sillier (but also fun) movie from the 1960’s is Three Coins in the Fountain. It’s about three American gals living abroad in Rome and looking for love.
Three Coins in the Fountain: A Not-Quite Classic
And speaking of that fountain…
Of course, Italian cinema is it’s own special joy. Perhaps the most iconic are the films of Federico Fellini. I’m excited to watch La Dolce Vita for the first time. I’m afraid I don’t know much about Italian Cinema so if anybody has other suggestions or input, please leave a comment!
There is another movie I have to tell you about. It’s called The Best of Youth (La Meglio Gioventu) and it’s six hours and they fly by. It’s a multi-generational saga that follows one family from the 1960’s to present day. I don’t really know what else to tell you except that it’s well worth your time.
No Responses to “ Suggested Reading/Viewing ”