In this article, I will introduce you to 10 novels and books set in Puglia, in southern Italy. The list contains books and novels varying from from historical fiction to contemporary novels, and nonfiction titles too.
If you are familiar with this region of Italy, you’ll understand why these writers were inspired to write their books set in Puglia. The stunning Pugliese coastline, rich history and unique culture serve an excellent backdrop to these literary works.
Further reading: Ultimate Puglia Travel Guide.
10 books set in Puglia, Italy.
Each entry in this list contains a link where you can purchase the book from Amazon – either by clicking the link or the picture of the book itself. When you click through to Amazon, you can change the format of the book (paperback, audiobook etc) to your choosing.
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Ways to read these books.
There are some great free trials available if you would like to try reading with Amazon Kindle, Audible or Prime. The offers below are the best deals I have seen from Amazon. You could read every book in this list for free using one of these links!
- Free trial of Audible: 30 days free access to thousands of audiobooks, and one free premium title of your choice. Prime members get 2 free books!
- Free trial of Kindle Unlimited: 30 days free access to unlimited ebook reading on any device. Unlock access to over two million titles instantly.
- Free trial of Amazon Prime: 30 days free trial offering free two-day shipping on all Amazon purchases, plus access to hundreds of new ebooks each month.
- Free trial of Amazon Prime Video: 30 days of free video streaming, HD movies and shows, watch anywhere on any device, including all downloads and other Prime benefits.
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Without further ado, here are 10 books to add to your Puglia reading list.
1. The Flight of the Falcon | Daphne du Maurier.
First on my list of books set in Puglia is The Flight of the Falcon by Daphne du Maurier, set in the Pugliese town of Ruffano. Many think this is a fictional town, but in fact the town does exist in the Lecce province of Puglia. Click the image below to buy the book on Amazon.
The Flight of the Falcon seems to be relatively unknown, considering it’s a Daphne du Maurier novel. I have no idea why, because it’s a great book.
The novel tells the story of Armino Fabbio, a young man who returns to Ruffano after living in London for several years. As Armino tries to adjust to life in his hometown, he becomes fascinated with the town’s mysterious past. He is drawn to the story of the Falcon, a legendary figure who supposedly helped Ruffano resist invasion centuries ago.
2. Casa Rossa | Francesca Marciano.
Next on my list of books set in Puglia is Casa Rossa, a novel which tells the story of a family’s summer holiday in the Puglia region. Our protaganist is Marta, a successful but unhappy fashion photographer based in New York. Marta returns to her family’s ancestral home in Puglia with her teenage daughter. Marta’s estranged half-brother, Antonio, also comes to visit. Together they explore the region, visiting old family friends and discovering new places.
3. Involuntary Witness | Gianrico Carofiglio.
Involuntary Witness is a crime novel by Gianrico Carofiglio. It features the character of lawyer Guido Guerrieri, who is also the protagonist of Carofiglio’s A Walk in the Dark. Both of these are books set in Puglia.
In this novel, Guerrieri is asked to defend a young African immigrant named Abdou Thiam who is accused of murdering a young Italian girl. As Guerrieri delves deeper into the case, he discovers that Thiam’s past is much more complicated than he first thought. It seems there may be more to the murder than meets the eye.
The novel is a gripping legal thriller that touches on themes of immigration, racism, and justice, and offers a compelling portrait of the Italian legal system. As with Carofiglio’s other novels, Involuntary Witness also provides an evocative portrait of Puglia, with its descriptions of the city of Bari and its surrounding areas.
4. Soul of the Heel: A funny thing happened on the way to Puglia | Scott Bergstein.
Soul of the Heel: A funny thing happened on the way to Puglia is a memoir by Scott Bergstein. The author recounts his journey from the United States to Puglia, where he decides to start a new life with his wife and young daughter.
The book is filled with humorous anecdotes and observations about the challenges of adapting to life in a new country. These include things like learning the language and navigating the Italian bureaucracy. Bergstein also writes with affection about the people and culture of Puglia, and shares his love for the region’s food, wine, and landscape.
5. By the Ionian Sea: Rambles in Southern Italy | George Gissing.
By the Ionian Sea: Rambles in Southern Italy, by George Gissing, is the first non-fiction entry on this list of books set in Puglia. It was originally published in 1901. This book is quite difficult to find, but at the time of writing it was available on Amazon, so if you click the image below, hopefully it will still be there.
The book is a collection of essays and travelogues detailing Gissing’s travels through southern Italy, including the regions of Puglia, Calabria, and Sicily. Gissing provides detailed descriptions of the people, customs, and landscapes he encounters, as well as his own reflections on the history and culture of the region. The book offers a fascinating glimpse into Italy at the turn of the 20th century.
6. Head Over Heel: Seduced by Southern Italy | Chris Harrison.
Head Over Heel: Seduced by Southern Italy is a memoir by Chris Harrison, a British journalist and travel writer who fell in love with Puglia and decided to make it his home.
The book chronicles his journey from his first visit to Puglia, to his decision to buy and renovate a trullo (a traditional stone house with a conical roof) in the Pugliese countryside. Along the way, Harrison provides insights into the region’s history, culture, and way of life. This is another book which deals with the challenges of adapting to life in a foreign country.
7. A Walk in the Dark | Gianrico Carofiglio.
A Walk in the Dark by Gianrico Carofiglio is a crime thriller set in the city of Bari, Puglia.
The novel follows the story of a young lawyer named Guido Guerrieri, who is asked to defend a man accused of drug trafficking. As Guerrieri delves into the case, he begins to uncover a web of corruption and violence that threatens to ensnare him as well.
The novel is a gripping and atmospheric thriller, with a strong sense of place that evokes the gritty streets and alleyways of Bari.
8. The Castle of Otranto | Horace Walpole.
Next on my list of books set in Puglia is The Castle of Otranto, a gothic novel by Horace Walpole, first published in 1764. Although not set exclusively in Puglia, the novel features the region prominently as it is set in the castle of Otranto, located in the Salento peninsula.
The novel tells the story of Manfred, the prince of Otranto, who attempts to maintain his power by forcing his son to marry a woman he does not love. The novel is known for its melodramatic plot, supernatural elements, and intricate web of family secrets and intrigue.
As one of the earliest examples of the gothic genre, The Castle of Otranto has had a significant impact on literature and popular culture. It remains a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history and evolution of the gothic novel.
9. The Dolce Vita Diaries | Cathy Rogers and Jason Gibb.
The Dolce Vita Diaries is a memoir by Cathy Rogers and Jason Gibb, a British couple who decided to leave their stressful jobs in London and move to Puglia to start a new life.
The book tells the story of their adventures as they adjust to life in Italy, navigating cultural differences, language barriers, and the challenges of starting a business. Their memoir is structured around a year of their lives, with each chapter devoted to a different month and season. The book includes anecdotes and observations about daily life in Puglia, as well as mouthwatering descriptions of the region’s cuisine.
10. The Night Falling | Katherine Webb.
Last but not least on my list of books set in Puglia is The Night Falling, by Katherine Webb.
The novel is set in 1920s Puglia and follows three characters: Italian farmer Corrado, his wife, Lili, and a young British woman, Rebecca, who comes to Puglia to work as a governess for their son. As the characters navigate the aftermath of World War I and the changing social and political landscape of Italy, they find themselves drawn together by shared secrets and desires.
Books set in Puglia: reading options
There are lots of ways to read these books set in Puglia (or any book, for that matter).
When travelling, my preference is to listen to books in audiobook format, using the Audible app. This way I can still look out of the window and see all of the scenery around me!
Kindles are also extremely useful for being able to carry hundreds of books in one device.
Have a look at these free trials below if you are interested in trying one the Amazon services free for 30 days. These are the best deals I have seen from Amazon (they don’t offer 30 day trials any more, unless you have a link like these ones):
- Free trial of Audible: 30 days free access to thousands of audiobooks, and one free premium title of your choice. Prime members get 2 free books!
- Free trial of Kindle Unlimited: 30 days free access to unlimited ebook reading on any device. Unlock access to over two million titles instantly.
- Free trial of Amazon Prime: 30 days free trial offering free two-day shipping on all Amazon purchases, plus access to hundreds of new ebooks each month.
- Free trial of Amazon Prime Video: 30 days of free video streaming, HD movies and shows, watch anywhere on any device, including all downloads and other Prime benefits.
Books set in Puglia: Conclusion
In conclusion, Puglia is a region of Italy that has inspired many authors to write stories that capture its unique culture, history, and landscape. From crime thrillers to memoirs, and from historical fiction to travel writing, these books set in Puglia offer readers a chance to explore the region and its people.
Whether you are a seasoned traveller or an armchair adventurer, these books set in Puglia are sure to transport you to this captivating corner of Italy!
Further reading: Must See Sights: The 30 Best Places to Visit in Puglia.
Books set in Puglia: Pin it For Later
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Related reading for Puglia, Italy:
Travelling soon? Check my 20 Must-Have Travel Essentials post before you go.
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