What happens when a young South Asian man trades certainty for discovery and finds himself swept into the vibrant chaos of 1970s Europe?

In Four Years of Dolce Vita, Zain Baba delivers a deeply personal travel memoir that captures the essence of student life abroad, cultural immersion, and the romanticism of Europe in a post-Dolce Vita era. This coming-of-age abroad memoir chronicles his transformative journey through Italy and France, offering a window into a bygone time of freedom, art, and unexpected friendships.

Set primarily in Rome, where Zain pursues his undergraduate studies at the American College of Rome, this memoir brims with rich encounters with peers from over 20 countries, professors, locals, and fleeting yet meaningful romantic connections. Study tours across Italy take readers from the classical ruins of Sicily and the Renaissance elegance of Florence to the peaceful shores of Lake Garda. Along the way, Zain finds more than just education. He finds identity, belonging, and the quiet beauty of independence.

A two-month interlude in Paris and Normandy adds depth and contrast. It immerses readers in the flavors, tensions, and allure of French life in the late 1970s. Throughout the story, food, architecture, art, and travel become characters of their own in this evocative European memoir.

Perfect for fans of cultural travel writing, expat memoirs, and those nostalgic for the Europe of the past, Four Years of Dolce Vita is an unforgettable journey of growth, curiosity, and self-discovery.

Step into an era of exploration and experience la dolce vita, one page at a time.