With foreign holidays off the cards for some time to come, armchair travel has never been more tempting. Here are some of the best books to take you beyond your living room.
The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
Four women answer an advertisement in The Times, ‘To those who appreciate wisteria and sunshine. Small medieval Italian Castle on the shores of the Mediterranean to be let furnished for the month of April.’ What follows is a delightful holiday in picturesque scenery as the women escape the monotony of everyday life. Don’t deny yourself the opportunity to share their views of ‘the Judas tree and an umbrella pine […] the freesias and the lilies,’ and vistas ‘across the tranquil clear green water of the little harbour.’ It’s a wonderful story and an effortless way to see the Italian Riviera.
The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
Although some of the book is set in the fictitious resort of ‘Mongibello’, much of the narrative takes place around well-known regions of Italy, from Rome to San Remo and Venice.
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