Italian Literature Book Group: The Raphael Affair by Iain Pears

Dante Italian Book Club: Winter/Spring 2026

Participation is open to all Dante members.  The book selections are mainly by Italian authors of any genre (of course, translated into English).  The group will meet once every 6 weeks, on Friday evening from 5-6:30 pm, in  private homes.  Our self directed group will be facilitated by 5 core members.

 📚 The March  Book Selection  — The Raphael Affair by Iain Pears

An Art History Mystery 

English art scholar Jonathan Argyll was amazed to find himself arrested for vagrancy-while searching for a long-lost Raphael in a tiny Roman church. Although General Bottando of the Italian National Art Theft Squad has little confidence in Jonathan's theories, Bottando's lovely assistant, Flavia di Stefano, is intrigued by the idea of a lost classic, and by Jonathan himself. But in the midst of the painting's discovery and the resultant worldwide publicity, a new chain of events is set into action. First vandalism, then murder, surround the painting. And as new facts about its true nature emerge, Bottando sends Flavia and Jonathan to investigate--little knowing that the pair will be on the run for the truth.. and for their very lives.

*the size of the group is limited to 10 members.  If you are not yet a paid member of Dante, sign-up here.