Not just Romeo and Juliet: besides the famous Shakespearean tragedy, Verona serves as the setting to various literary works that, although not as famous, offer a fresh and fascinating – sometimes even unexpected – perspective on our city.

The works of Berto Barbarani

As told in Verona and its poets: not only Shakespeare, Berto Barbarani, a Veronese poet and writer who lived between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, often paid homage to his homeland through verses and tales that evoke the popular life, traditions and folklore of Verona. His work serves as a significant testimony to the local culture and the daily life of its inhabitants.

In recognition of his contributions, a statue representing Barbarani has been erected in Piazza delle Erbe, as described in the article Discover the most authentic Verona with a walking tour.

“Questione di Costanza” by Alessia Gazzola

Thanks to the book “Questione di Costanza” by Alessia Gazzola, a young contemporary writer already celebrated for her masterpiece “L’Allieva”, Verona temporarily steps away from its role as a theater of love stories to become the setting for intriguing mysteries.

The novel tells the story of Costanza Macallè, a young paleopathologist looking for a job, who relocates from her homeland, Sicily, to seize a job opportunity in Verona.

The novels of Tim Parks

Verona has also been chosen as a setting by contemporary foreign writers, such as Tim Parks. The author, originally English, was adopted by our city out of love in 1981.

Parks explores Verona in his essays “Italian Neighbours” (Italian edition “Italiani”) and “An Italian Education” (Italian edition “Un’educazione italiana”), where he reflects on his initial feelings for the city, caught between charm and frustration.

In “A Season with Verona” (Italian edition “Questa pazza fede. L’Italia raccontata attraverso il calcio”), Parks shares his passion for football with an exhilarating portrait of Italy through the lens of the stadiums.

“Tutto può succedere” by Francesca Ziliotto

The historic center of Verona is the backdrop for “Tutto può succedere”, a contemporary novel by Francesca Ziliotto who tells about the life of three women, Teresa, Lucia and Chiara, respectively grandmother, daughter and granddaughter.

Their routine is suddenly disrupted by the return of Carlo, Teresa’s son and Lucia’s brother, who knocks on their door seeking help as he is wanted by the police. Misunderstandings, unspeakable secrets and furious arguments will challenge the protagonists in profound ways.

The setting of Verona enhances the narrative, making the locations feel familiar, as it is also the author’s hometown.

The fantasy-horror trilogy by Simona Cremonini

Lake Garda and its surroundings are the evocative backdrop of Simona Cremonini’s fantasy-horror trilogy. A saga that combines contemporary narrative with Italian folklore, mystery and fantasy. The author delves into local legends and ancient myths, crafting a tale infused with gothic and unsettling atmospheres.

The three books, “La leggenda degli amanti del lago”, “Le streghe del Monte Corno” and “Il Sigillo di Sarca”, follow the events of characters entangled in supernatural and dark events, where magic, ancient secrets and mysterious creatures blend seamlessly with the popular traditions of Garda.

The trilogy stands out for profound exploration of local legends, which emerge both as protagonists and sources of inspiration, transforming Lake Garda into an enchanted realm brimming with mystery.