My Roman History

Historian Holstein elegantly interweaves academic inquiry and autobiography in this lush debut memoir about her love affair with Italy. Inspired to pursue a PhD on 14th-century Italian history by a high school teacher who introduced her to Dante, Holstein studs her recollections of trips to Rome—for research and pleasure—with stimulating tidbits on medieval literature, 14th-century religious squabbles, and Dante’s life and work. There are also episodes highlighting her occasional cluelessness as a tourist and underscoring her passion for the city’s aesthetic beauty. After completing her PhD and teaching for a few years, Holstein got married, had children, and founded a baby supply company in Rhode Island, which pulled her away from her academic pursuits. While casual readers may find the scholarly references tough sledding, serious Italophiles are a shoo-in for Holstein’s lovingly rendered tribute to one of the world’s greatest cities. This sings. Agent: Bill Clegg, Clegg Agency. (June)