Book cover of In Bruno's Shadow

Book description

A troubled young Croatian woman named Dubravka travels to the site of apparitions of the Virgin Mary and witnesses a miracle. Twenty years later, after working as a kitchen sister in a cloistered convent, she goes to Rome where she finds that for a few months prior to the pope's…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked In Bruno's Shadow as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Ardizzone is one of those American novelists who deserves more recognition.

In Bruno’s Shadow, set in Rome, is writing of the highest order from a novelist who tackles big themes and big personalities and fills each page with wisdom and insight of the highest order. 

Ardizzone artfully weaves together the stories of seven strangers whose fates--and faiths--become intertwined as they make a pilgrimage to the fountains, the churches, and the miracles of Rome.

If you love In Bruno's Shadow...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Want books like In Bruno's Shadow?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like In Bruno's Shadow.

Browse books like In Bruno's Shadow

Book cover of Nero: Matricide, Music, and Murder in Imperial Rome
Book cover of The Atlas of Ancient Rome: Biography and Portraits of the City - Two-Volume Slipcased Set
Book cover of The Light Bearer

Share your top 3 reads of 2026!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

219

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like In Bruno's Shadow, you might also like...

Book cover of Christmas Actually

Christmas Actually by Lisa Darcy,

Every picture tells a story, but it’s not always the one we expect or remember. Christmas Actually is a festive drama about family and forgiveness and a snapshot of modern family life, addressing Instagram to motherhood and everything in between.

Why Christmas? My publisher wanted my new novel to have…

Book cover of The Shift

The Shift by Theresa Brown,

In this New York Times best-selling book, Theresa Brown, nurse and writer, invites us to experience not just a day in the life of a nurse but all the life that happens in just one day in a busy teaching hospital’s cancer ward.

In the span of twelve hours, lives…

5 book lists we think you will like!