Genre: Adult Fiction
Publication Date: July 8, 2025
Publisher: Dutton
Source: Publisher for review
Other Books By Author: The Good Left Undone,
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Goodreads says, "Jess Capodimonte Baratta is not living the life of her dreams. Not even close. In blue-collar Lake Como, New Jersey, family comes first. Recently divorced from Bobby Bilancia, “the perfect husband," Jess moves into her parents’ basement to hide and heal. Jess is the overlooked daughter, who dutifully takes care of her parents, cooks Sunday dinner, and puts herself last. Despite her role as the family handmaiden, Jess is also a talented draftswoman in the marble business run by her confidant, her dapper uncle Louie, who believes she can do anything (once she invests in a better wardrobe).
When the Capodimonte and Baratta families endure an unexpected loss, the shock unearths long-buried secrets that will force Jess to question her loyalty to those she trusted. Fueled by her lost dreams, Jess takes fate into her own hands and escapes to her ancestral home, Carrara, Italy.
From the shadows of the majestic marble-capped mountains of Tuscany, to the glittering streets of Milan, and on the shores of enchanting Lake Como (the other one), Jess begins to carve a place in this new/old world. When she meets Angelo Strazza, a passionate artist who works in gold, she discovers her own skills are priceless. But as Jess uncovers the truth about her family history, it will change the course of her life and those she loves the most forever. In love and work, in art and soul, Jess will need every tool she has mastered to reinvent her life.
Fed by the author’s cherished Italian roots comes a bighearted, hilarious novel of the the story of one woman’s determination to live a creative life that matters, with enough room left over for love. With a one-way ticket to Italy, Jess is determined to write a new story on her own terms--this time, in stone."
Readers can always rely on Trigiani for engaging entertainment, particularly if they have Italian family members, as many of their idiosyncrasies are incredibly relatable. Jess is a character you can't help but root for, and I eagerly anticipated her escape from her parents' basement. Their overbearing influence on her life felt overwhelming at times (she experienced panic attacks!), and I was excited for her to break free and truly experience life in Italy. This brings me to Trigiani's vivid descriptions of Italy.
Her legions of fans will not be disappointed in The View from Lake Como. I loved the vivid descriptions of the food, the people, and the stunning views, and there's even some romance. Trigiani has woven together everything I enjoy in a beach read. While it may not be my favorite of her novels, I found it to be a delightful way to spend a summer weekend. The View from Lake Como is a beautiful story about family, forgiveness, Italy, and the idea that it's never too late to live the life you've imagined.
Are you a fan of Adriana Trigiani? Let me know if you read The View from Lake Como in the comments below.

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