Point de vue bookclub : Maria Chiara de Bourbon-Siciles, her literary favourites
Princess Maria Chiara
Although she is passionate about painting, Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon Two Sicilies is also an avid reader who finds inspiration in novels. Her bookshelf includes classic works whose morals reflect her values, as well as contemporary books that remind her of her family roots. Here is her ideal bookshelf.
With a flawless academic record and an equally excellent education, Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon Two Sicilies is a bright young woman who enjoys using her title for causes close to her heart. During this week dedicated to the oceans, she and her sister, Princess Maria Carolina—both ambassadors of the charitable organization Passion Sea—share a desire to take action for the planet. She now reveals her list of favorite books. British, French, Italian, or Russian authors, much like the Duchess of Castro who speaks six languages and reads in many of them.
What is your latest literary favorite?
I would say *My Brilliant Friend* by Elena Ferrante. This book touched me deeply, especially because the story is set in Naples, a city that holds a special place in my heart as it is tied to my family roots.
The neighborhood described in the saga, the Rione, is a microcosm that, while intimate and closed, resonates universally. Naples doesn’t only appeal to Italian readers—it is a place where everyone can feel at home.
What particularly moves me in this novel is how the author explores the value of friendship, a theme she handles with great accuracy, as well as the social and economic portrait she paints of the world. Elena Ferrante manages to create a universe open to all, tackling issues of gender, sexuality, and even technology. It’s this openness and her ability to embrace human diversity that make her novels so captivating and compelling to me.