I was extremely disappointed with this novel. While the Italian setting was stunning, I found Carrie to be a very uninspiring protagonist. In fact, I didn't like any of the characters and very little happened throughout the whole novel. Overall, a very lacklustre read. ( )

In the early 1920s, Carrie Stone, trapped in a passionless marriage to a punctilious and vaguely sinister husband, dreams of the halcyon days of childhood, which she spent at the beloved Tuscan Villa of her grandmother Carrie is surprised to find she has inherited the house when her grandmother dies She struggles with mixed emotions regarding her own needs and her obligation to be a good wife. Her husband wants the house sold quickly and complains about her need to settle Italian legalities in person. His miserly nature leads to Carrie taking the trip alone . When she arrives in Italy, she finds her cousin and childhood companion, Leo in the house. Delighted to see him after a long absence, she asks him to stay and help.Since he is penniless, he agrees. As they sort out the accumulated junk and priceless art objects, they succumb to a forbidden passion.
As they sort through the Villa, their passion deepens and frightening echoes of past secrets, liaisons, bigamy, greed and murder resound through their lives.
The language of The Italian House is simple, the story unfolds from Carrie’s perspective. The descriptions of the Italian landscapes (one of my favorite places) and seasons are lyrical. ( )