Test Your Knowledge of Books Set in Rome

This week, a literary geography quiz invites readers to explore the profound impact of Rome on storytelling, highlighting how the city often serves as a character in its own right. The quiz focuses on various works set in Italy's Eternal City, offering a chance for literary enthusiasts to engage with the rich cultural backdrop that shapes these narratives. For those interested in further exploration, links to the featured books will be provided at the end of the quiz. Among the notable works included is Robert Graves' 1934 novel "I, Claudius," which recounts the life of the fourth emperor of Rome. The story is set against the backdrop of a hill central to the city's founding myth involving Romulus and Remus. Participants are challenged to identify this historically significant location, emphasizing the intertwining of geography and narrative. The quiz also poses questions about the opulent Borgia apartment suite, inviting readers to delve into the luxurious settings that characterize Rome's storied past. Additionally, Irving Stone's 1961 novel "The Agony and the Ecstasy" is featured, focusing on the struggles of an artist creating a masterpiece that has become a major attraction in the region. Lastly, the quiz highlights William Demby’s 1965 experimental novel, which mirrors the author's own experiences as a Black expatriate in 1960s Rome. This work, sharing its title with a significant aspect of the city’s religious diversity, underscores the multifaceted nature of Rome's literary landscape.