6 Books About & Set in Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia, Italy’s second-largest island, is a place of wild landscapes, ancient traditions, and a culture all its own. Unlike the mainland, Sardinia feels almost like a country within a country—one with its own language, legends, and rhythms of life.

Whether you’re planning a visit or simply curious about this unique Mediterranean island, here are some of the most compelling books about and set in Sardinia.

I’ve included Amazon links to each recommended book, but you can also see my post on where to get e-books and audiobooks for free. (Check out how to gift Kindle books and how to gift Audible for digital versions.)

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using this link, but at no cost to you.

1. Sea and Sardinia by D.H. Lawrence (1921)

Perhaps the most famous literary tribute to Sardinia, D.H. Lawrence’s travel memoir, Sea and Sardinia, recounts his 1921 journey across the island with his wife Frieda.

With his poetic style and sharp observations, Lawrence explores not just the geography but the character of Sardinia and its people.

“Sardinia is another thing. Much wider, much more ordinary, not up-and-down at all, but running away into the distance. Unremarkable ridges of moor-like hills running away, perhaps to a bunch of dramatic peaks on the southwest. This gives a sense of space, which is so lacking in Italy. Lovely space about one, and traveling distances—nothing finished, nothing final. It is like liberty itself, after the peaky confinement of Sicily.”

Lawrence’s impressions—at times admiring, at times critical—offer a unique window into the early 20th-century life of the island.

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2. Accabadora by Michela Murgia (2009)

Translated by Silvester Mazzarella

The award-winning novel Accabadora by Sardinian author Michela Murgia is steeped in the island’s customs and moral dilemmas. The story follows a young girl adopted by a mysterious older woman known in the village as an accabadora—a figure associated with ritual mercy killings.

“Don’t start naming things you don’t understand, Maria Listru. You’ll make many choices in life that you won’t like, and you’ll make them too because they have to be made, like everyone else.”

Deeply rooted in Sardinian tradition, the novel is both haunting and philosophical.

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3. The Day of Judgment by Salvatore Satta (1977)

Translated by Patrick Creagh

A posthumously published classic, The Day of Judgment is semi-autobiographical novel that paints a rich portrait of Nuoro, a town in the heart of Sardinia. Through the lens of the narrator’s family and community, Salvatore Satta reflects on justice, religion, and the decay of a patriarchal society.

“To know ourselves we must live our lives to the bitter end, until the moment we drop into the grave. And even then, there must be someone to gather us up, revive us, and tell of us to ourselves and to others as in a last judgment. It is this that I have done these past years; that I wish I had not done yet will continue to do. Because it is no longer a question of others’ destinies, but of my own.”

A powerful and introspective read, it’s often regarded as one of the great Italian novels of the 20th century.

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4. Reeds in the Wind by Grazia Deledda (1913)

In this poetic novel, Nobel laureate Grazia Deledda delves into the decline of the noble Pintor family in early 20th-century Sardinia. Set in the village of Galtellì, Reeds in the Wind intertwines themes of fate, guilt, and redemption.

“We are reeds, and fate is the wind.”

Deledda’s lyrical prose paints a vivid picture of Sardinian life, where folklore and superstition permeate daily existence.​

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5. In Sardinia: An Unexpected Journey in Italy by Jeff Biggers (2023)

In this immersive travelogue, journalist and historian Jeff Biggers explores the multifaceted identity of Sardinia. From its ancient nuraghi towers to its vibrant contemporary culture, In Sardinia delves into the island’s rich history and diverse communities.

“An Italian romance may begin in a gondola amid the marvel of Venice, but a traveller looking for the great stories of Italy will board a sailboat amid the gale force of mistral winds, confront the rough seas and warnings of ‘the insane mountains’ that have addled visitors for thousands of years, and then traverse the Strait of Bonifacio in search of Sardinia.”

Biggers’ narrative challenges the notion of Sardinia as an isolated outpost, highlighting its central role in Mediterranean history and its ongoing cultural renaissance.​

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6. Bitter Honey: Recipes and Stories from the Island of Sardinia by Letitia Clark (2020)

For a taste of the island—literally—this cookbook is a sensual delight. More than just recipes, Bitter Honey includes stories and reflections on Sardinian life, drawing a culinary map of the island’s regions and ingredients.

“Cookbooks should be escapist. They give us the joy of being transported to a different place.”

Letitia Clark, a British chef who moved to Sardinia, brings the food and the people to life with affection and humour.

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Why Read Sardinian Literature?

The island’s history—marked by invasion, isolation, and resilience—lends itself to stories about identity, family, and transformation. If you’re longing for rugged mountains, turquoise seas, and a culture as rich as its flavours, pick up one of these books—and let Sardinia speak to you.

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Fantastic Books & Where to Find Them

For more of what to read where, check out my full Travel Books Guide, filled with  book recommendations for different destinations, the most beautiful bookstores around the world, tips on how to get the best deals on audiobooks and e-books, as well as more literary travel.