Review: The View From Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani
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Adriana Trigiani has done it again. The View From Lake Como swept me off my feet and straight into the heart of Italy – Carrara, to be exact. If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming of the Tuscan hills or craving a multigenerational story packed with charm, resilience, family drama, and (yes!) an irresistible Italian book boyfriend, then this is the one.
This is easily a 5-star read for me. Days after finishing it, I’m still thinking about the characters, the customs, the marble mountains, and that blue Fiat. This book is a love letter to Italian-American identity, to the strength of women, and to the magic of starting over.
Key Takeaways: The View From Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani
What It’s About
The View From Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani follows Jess Capodimonte Baratta, a recently divorced, living in her parents’ basement in Lake Como, New Jersey, and juggling caregiving duties for her aging parents. When her beloved Uncle Louie passes away, she inherits his marble company – along with a few unexpected legal messes, courtesy of a mysterious shell corporation and an FBI investigation.
Determined to learn more about the family business and her own roots, Jess heads to Carrara, Italy, the origin of the Capodimonte marble legacy. There, she uncovers more than just business secrets – she finds beauty, purpose, passion, and Angelo Strazza, a local artist who works in gold and quietly steals every reader’s heart.
As Jess steps into a new life full of Italian sunshine, layered family secrets, and second chances, she learns that sometimes the path forward begins with a return to where it all began.
My Review Rating – 5 out of 5 stars.
This book is everything I love about Adriana Trigiani’s work – lush setting, strong family ties, rich Italian heritage, and deeply felt emotion. The Carrara setting was especially meaningful for me, having visited the region myself, and it felt like stepping back into a beloved memory. I’ll be thinking about this book – and these characters—for a long time.
What I Liked
The Setting
Carrara! Italy! Marble mountains! I was fully transported. Trigiani’s writing made me feel the texture of the marble dust, hear the clinking of espresso cups, and see the soft light drifting through gauzy curtains in a studio apartment overlooking a piazza.
The Characters
Jess is relatable, brave, and complex. I loved the layers of her journey—from heartbreak to healing to finding new love. And Uncle Louie? A scene-stealing legend. His chartreuse Impala alone deserves its own novella.
The Book Boyfriend
Angelo Strazza. Enough said. A golden-hearted artist with swoony Italian charm? He might just be one of my favorite book boyfriends of the year.
The Plot & Storyline
Italian names, traditions, family bonds, food, language—all woven in seamlessly. If you’ve ever loved Italy, this book will feel like going home.
What I Disliked
Honestly? Nothing. I wouldn’t change a single thing.
Frequently Asked Questions About The View From Lake Como
Is this book part of a series?
Nope! It’s a standalone novel, though longtime Trigiani fans will love the familiar warmth and themes.
Do I need to read The Good Left Undone first?
No, but if you haven’t read it yet, do yourself a favor and read it next. Here’s our full review of The Good Left Undone.
Is this a romance?
There’s romance, yes – but this is more of a personal journey story, with love as one of many layers.
Is Carrara a real place?
Yes! Carrara, Italy, is world-famous for its marble and has a long, fascinating history. The setting is real, and Trigiani brings it vividly to life.
Conclusion: Why This One Earned 5 Stars
The View From Lake Como is Adriana Trigiani at her best – effortless storytelling, unforgettable characters, and a setting so vivid it practically glows. I didn’t just love this book – I lived in it. And now that I’ve finished it, I’m already missing it. This one’s going on the reread shelf.
📚 Did You Know?
The marble quarries of Carrara have been in use since Roman times, and supplied the marble for Michelangelo’s David. Adriana Trigiani drew on this rich history when creating Jess’s family legacy in the novel.
