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Reading Habits in Italy: A Nation of Bookworms or Not?

When you think of Italy, you might imagine the birthplace of Dante or the home of some of the world's greatest literature. But if you look at the statistics today, a surprising question emerges: Are Italians actually a nation of readers? The short answer is: not exactly.

Most Popular Italian Books in Italy -

What about the statistics?

Studies show that Italians read significantly less than their neighbors in Northern Europe. While it is true that younger generations tend to read more than those over 50, reading is often viewed more as a chore associated with school rather than a leisure activity.

Here are some interesting facts about Italian reading habits:

  • The Appeal of Paper: Despite the availability of Kindles and tablets, 78% of Italians who read still prefer traditional paper books.
  • Reading Volume: Those who do read are quite consistent, consuming an average of 24 books per year – roughly one every two weeks.
  • Gender and Genre: Statistics suggest that women read more than men in Italy, which might explain why romance novels are the top-selling genre.

What’s on the Italian Bookshelf?

Following romance novels, Italians have a strong preference for thrillers and mystery novels (i gialli), a trend that mirrors the popularity of crime shows on Italian television.

The list of the most-read books in Italy over the last few years features a mix of international hits and beloved classics:

  • International Hits: J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, and Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray.
  • English Classics: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
  • Italian Masterpieces: Modern classics like Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose and Primo Levi’s If This Is a Man remain incredibly popular.
Most Popular Italian Books in Italy -

Are audiobooks common in Italy?

The definition of “reading” is changing. Manu, the creator of Italy Made Easy, admits that he doesn't read many physical books – perhaps only 4 to 6 a year. However, he is a massive consumer of audiobooks.

His personal preferences lean toward biographies of artists and entrepreneurs, as well as technical books on business and marketing. These subjects, as he puts it, really “intrippano” him – a Roman slang term meaning they fill him with enthusiasm and joy!