An Italian Adventure (The Italian Saga, 1) — hardcover

"A lighthearted but affecting narrative of childhood’s many changes." Kirkus Reviews

International Book Awards Finalist

Readers' Choice Book Awards 5-star ribbon Winner

Readers' Favorite Honorable Mention

From award-winning author and Ph.D. Gaia B Amman, comes a tale of chosen family, love, and resilience.

"Anne of Green Gables meets The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood."

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The definitive edition of the beginning of this award-winning journey.

Secrets, friendship, and self-discovery in 1980s Northern Italy.

An adult magazine at eight?!

Lee (Leda Balni) is a tomboy whose carefully ordered world is shaken on the eve of her First Confession. When her nemesis, a Sicilian transplant named Nico, shares the startling discovery of an adult magazine, a firestorm of shame triggers questions about an identity Leda doesn't yet have a name for. And how is she going to confess seeing pornography to a priest—at 8?!

As fate forces these two outcasts together, fierce antagonism slowly tempers into a rare kinship forged in the mirroring of each other’s darkness. Together, they fight to uncover their own truths in a cultural landscape defined by silence, rigid tradition, and hypocrisy.

Nonbinary Anne of Green Gables meets the Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.

Why This Edition Belongs in Your Library:

• PREMIUM FORMAT: A high-quality, durable hardcover designed for longevity and gifting.
• A NOSTALGIC MASTERPIECE: Experience the "astute and affecting" atmosphere of 1980s Italy in its most beautiful physical form.
• AUTHENTIC VOICE: Based on the life of Gaia B. Amman, Ph.D., this "own voices" memoir-style fiction is a rare look into queer Italian history.

Perfect for fans of:

The atmospheric tension of Call Me By Your Name, the rebellious spirit of Sex Education, and the heart-wrenching honesty of I'll Give You the Sun.

Product Details:

• Format: Hardcover (Case-wrap)
• Series: Volume 1 of The Italian Saga.
• Note: This premium edition is the perfect companion to the An Italian Summer hardcover.

Experience the beginning of the saga in a format built to last.

Critical Praise for An Italian Adventure:

“…Amman’s novel astutely examines such themes as religion, sexuality, family relations, and gender…A lighthearted but affecting narrative of childhood’s many changes.”—Kirkus Reviews Magazine, recommended

“Gaia B. Amman’s An Italian Adventure is wonderful literary fiction, and Amman writes about childhood with the speed and embarrassment of actually being inside it. Her sense of place is one of the book’s greatest pleasures.”—Readers’ Favorite Awards, 5-star ribbon

“…A fresh take on realistic fiction for youth. Sociologically relevant.”—J. Hall, Professor of Education

“…I could not stop reading and can't wait for more!”—Amy Joslyn, librarian and children's literacy advocate

“…Absolutely delightful!”—L. Dickson, Books Direct

“Wide beyond her years. Excellent job. Side-splitting laughter…”—Angie Readaholic

“…Electrifying!”—5 Girls Book Reviews

“Leda has captured my heart! This was a wonderfully fun, well-drawn read…”—D. Munier, Author

“…Insightful and funny, I loved it!”—Paul Schwartzmeyer, Author

“…Touching and skillful, a masterful execution.”—Neil Daniel, Author 

“…I have never been to Italy, but the writing transported me there and moved the story along at the perfect pace. Laced with humor.”—G. Whyte, Author 

“…A wonderful read full of hope! This is a delightful 5-star novel that moves far beyond the play of childhood. Hard questions are posed as the plot unveils the possibilities.”—CB Ainsworthe, Author

“Well written, fun, real!”—S. Byrde, Author