In Calabria - Peter S. Beagle

OpenLibrary Summary: "Claudio Bianchi has lived alone for many years on a hillside in Southern Italy's scenic Calabria. Set in his ways and suspicious of outsiders, Claudio has always resisted change, preferring farming and writing poetry. But one chilly morning, as though from a dream, an impossible visitor appears at the farm. When Claudio comes to her aid, an act of kindness throws his world into chaos. Suddenly he must stave off inquisitive onlookers, invasive media, and even more sinister influences" -- provided by publisher.

So, this is not really a book, but a novella. And that's no shame.

For all that's worth, the writing is pretty good and makes the things really flow, although it gets a bit messy in the end, in the climatic scene. Also, I'm pretty sure there the author messed with some of main character cats at some point.

The story is quite simple and, for someone from an Italian family, feels quite at home. But, for all that's worth, it is kinda weird that Italians, in Italy, speak in English, but use Italian for emotional effect.