‘Love and Gelato’ by Jenna Evans Welch

The book ‘Love and Gelato’ is like a love letter to Italy, composed in piazzas, and savored in scoops of gelato under the Florentine sun. To borrow Sylvia Plath’s longing, I too find myself in love with places I’ve never been and people I’ve never met. Italy, in this story, isn’t just a destination; it’s a lover you ache for, one who holds your hand and spins you into the timeless dance of discovery.

Italy has always been an admirable muse, but Welch doesn’t just show us its beauty—she breathes it into life. Through the eyes of Lina, a 17-year-old grappling with grief, we don’t merely see Florence; we feel it. It’s as though Italy itself cradles her heartache, offering solace in its artful landscapes and whispered history. Welch’s descriptions are akin to a photographer’s lens, capturing moments with reverence and intimacy, or the stroke of an artist, tenderly shaping a muse.

Lina’s story begins with loss—her mother’s death, a journal left behind, and a summer spent unraveling truths in a land that feels as foreign as her emotions. With her mother’s words as a guide, Lina embarks on a journey through Florence, uncovering the secrets of her mother’s youth. Love, heartbreak, and self-discovery spill from the pages, leading Lina not only through Italy’s streets but through the labyrinth of her soul.

The diary reveals an enigmatic figure, “Mr. X,” whose presence in her mother’s life raises more questions than answers. Was he the love of her mother’s life? Why did her mother leave Florence? And how did a place so full of passion and light lead to so much heartache? These questions become Lina’s compass, pulling her through the shadows of the past while forcing her to face her own emotions.

As we follow Lina’s footsteps, Italy transforms into more than a setting—it becomes a teacher. The streets of Florence whisper lessons of resilience, the warmth of gelato soothes wounds too deep for words, and the hills of Tuscany remind us that beauty persists even in the face of sorrow. Welch captures the spirit of Italy in a way that transcends description; it is felt, like the sun on your skin or the first taste of something you know you’ll crave forever.

At its core, this is a story about love—romantic love, familial love, and the love that lingers in memories. Lina discovers an unexpected bond with Howard, her mother’s old friend and a father figure she never knew she needed. She leans on the quiet support of Ren, the charming boy next door who guides her through Tuscany with humor and sincerity. And most poignantly, she rebuilds her relationship with her mother—not in life, but in the echoes she left behind.

Yes, there is teenage romance, with its predictable angst and fleeting crushes, but it never overshadows the richer relationships that define this story. Lina’s love for her mother, her growing connection with Howard, and her search for herself are what stay with you long after the final page.

Reading ‘Love and Gelato’ feels like falling in love with Italy. You don’t just see the Duomo—you marvel at its grandeur. You don’t just taste gelato—you savor the joy it brings. Welch’s writing immerses you in the magic of Florence, making you feel as though you’ve wandered its streets and stood in its golden light, even if you’ve never set foot there.

This is not just a book; it’s a reminder. Of the beauty of grief, the bittersweetness of discovery, and how love—whether found in a place, a person, or a memory—has the power to change us. ‘Love and Gelato’ is sweet and tender, much like the country it celebrates.

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