Summer is one of the best times to devote oneself to reading and finally pick up that book that has been lying there on the bedside table for too long; not to mention the new releases and the great classics, the ones to be read at least once in a lifetime. How do you choose? Here are our summer reading recommendations for those of you who like to read under the umbrella.

Summer thrillers: the perfect book to read under the umbrella

If you love the thriller/mystery genre, you cannot miss these classics and new releases. When it comes to detective stories, we must recommend a book by the queen of crime. We are talking about Agatha Christie and her perfect summer masterpiece: ‘Evil Under the Sun’.

Intrigue, forbidden romance, power and a seemingly impossible crime to solve. In this novel, Agatha Christie brings to life the perfect mix to create the best detective story.

Fun fact: the first film adaptation of the novel features one of the greatest fashion icons Jane Birkin, who wears several iconic outfits in the film. It’s a perfect book for those who love reading but don’t want to forfeit walks, hikes and other activities typical of life by the sea.

The novel to read this summer, an all-Italian best seller

If you don’t like thrillers and what you need is a good, engaging and exciting book to read at the beach, we have just the one for you: ‘La portalettere’ (The postmistress). This incredible debut novel by Francesca Giannone has won everyone over since its arrival in bookshops, even winning the prestigious Bancarella Prize. ‘La portalettere’ is a journey through space – southern Italy – and time, as it takes us back to the 1930s. But above all, it’s a love story and a family saga.

The protagonist Anna is an intelligent, sensitive and cultured woman, much more cultured than the women of her time and certainly much more cultured than the people of the small southern Italian village where she moves to please her husband who wants to return to his homeland. Anna will do everything to change the culture of the small town where women are considered little or nothing. Anna’s story reminds us of the important battles fought by the women who came before us and who made the freedom we have today possible. This book is perfect for those who need a moment for themselves, to reflect and confront a great and exciting story with a strong female protagonist.

Fashion, a passion to be experienced even at the seaside

When you have a strong passion for a subject, you can’t leave it at home when you are on holiday. Fortunately, fashion is a passion we can enjoy in many ways, including reading. A book was published tracing the extraordinary life of visionary fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, one year after his death. Very little is known about his private life, but everything we may be aware of is captured in these pages: ‘Karl Lagerfeld, a German in Paris’.

His youth, the arrival in the French capital, the rivalry with Yves Saint Laurent, his success and consecration with the Maison Chanel. Karl was a revolutionary, an eclectic artist with a passion for art and photography, an extraordinary designer who continues to inspire. Again, you can learn more about his story thanks to the TV series dedicated to him, in which the designer is played by the very talented Daniel Brühl.

A holiday is more than an opportunity for rest, it’s a time to devote to yourself, your interests and your passions. With your favourite fashion to keep you company.