The Eight Mountains

A Novel

By: Paolo Cognetti

Narrated by: Jacques Roy

*The book that inspired the film The Eight Mountains*

For fans of Elena Ferrante and Paulo Coelho comes a moving and elegant novel about the friendship between two young Italian boys from different backgrounds and how their connection evolves and challenges them throughout their lives.

“Few books have so accurately described the way stony heights can define one's sense of joy and rightness...an exquisite unfolding of the deep way humans may love one another” (Annie Proulx).

Pietro is a lonely boy living in Milan. With his parents becoming more distant each day, the only thing the family shares is their love for the mountains that surround Italy.

While on vacation at the foot of the Aosta Valley, Pietro meets Bruno, an adventurous, spirited local boy. Together they spend many summers exploring the mountains’ meadows and peaks and discover the similarities and differences in their lives, their backgrounds, and their futures. The two boys come to find the true meaning of friendship and camaraderie, even as their divergent paths in life—Bruno’s in the mountains, Pietro’s across the world—test the strength and meaning of their connection.

“A slim novel of startling expansion that subtly echoes its setting” (Vogue), The Eight Mountains is a lyrical coming-of-age story about the power of male friendships and the enduring bond between fathers and sons. “There are no more universal themes than those of the landscape, friendship, and becoming adults, and Cognetti’s writing becomes classical (and elegant) to best tell this story…a true novel by a great writer” (Rolling Stone Italia).

Critic reviews

“A fine book, a rich, achingly painful story that is made for all of us who have ever felt a hunger for the mountains. Few books have so accurately described the way stony heights can define one's sense of joy and rightness. And it is an exquisite unfolding of the deep way humans may love one another.” (Annie Proulx)

A Mountain High!

This has been my favorite Audible book. Totally engaging throughout, with a dramatic ending. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but hope that it will equal the book’s magnificent story about ordinary lives and powerful friendship.

Must Read!

This is an absolute masterpiece! I've read it twice already, and just purchased the audio version. I also sent it to a friend of mine for his birthday. We grew up under similar circumstances. so now I'm just going to start calling him Pietro!

A story about human relationships

I have recommended this to my children and parents.

I enjoyed the progress of this story and the characters.

Simple and beautiful

I really enjoyed The Eight Mountains. The beginning felt slow, but I later realized it beautifully sets up the emotional depth of the relationships, especially between generations. Pietro’s wanderlust and his mother’s quiet strength stayed with me. The mountains feel alive in this story — not just a setting, but a presence. As someone who loves the Himalayas, the descriptions brought back wonderful memories. A reflective, heartfelt novel that rewards patience.

Great Novel

This was an excellent story that kept me
listening - finishing it within two or three days. It was well written, well read, and left me with many things to think about.