Andrew Sean Greer's new novel embraces the ways Italy continues to surprise him

NPR | By Elena Burnett,

Justine Kenin, Diantha Parker

Published June 10, 2026 at 4:41 PM EDT

Pulitzer Prize winner Andrew Sean Greer is out with a new novel, Villa Coco, based on the delights and surprises of a decade living as an American outsider in Italy.

Elena Burnett

See stories by Elena Burnett

Justine Kenin

Justine Kenin is an editor on All Things Considered. She joined NPR in 1999 as an intern. Nothing makes her happier than getting a book in the right reader's hands – most especially her own.

Diantha Parker

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

The Commonwealth

Solar generated more electricity than coal in May, amid Trump investment in coal plants

Curtis Tate

For now, coal is still the dominant fuel for electricity in Kentucky. Nationwide, though, natural gas overtook coal a decade ago. Renewables, including wind and solar, have surpassed coal in recent years.
Lexington/Richmond

Lexington announces third wave of medical debt relief

Lily Burris

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council announced a third round of medical debt for more than 2,000 residents.
Strict regulations on nurses with advanced degrees and training prompt some to move

Najifa Farhat

APRNs — advanced practice registered nurses — help provide access to health care especially in areas where there may be a shortage. Strict regulations in some states prompt many to cross state lines.
Trial starts for man accused of starting what became the Palisades Fire

Steve Futterman

Attorneys gave opening statements in the trial of the man accused of sparking the Palisades Fire. The January 2025 fire was among the most destructive in California history.
Ebola testing has improved in DRC, but still isn't enough

Jonathan Lambert

The Democratic Republic of Congo has improved its capacity for PCR testing. But it may not be enough to keep up with a rapidly expanding outbreak, and there are no approved rapid tests yet.