(Reviewed by JD Jung)
“People want stories; it doesn’t matter who wrote them, they need stories to take their mind off things, stories to identify with or to take them elsewhere. Stories that won’t hurt, that will heal a wound, restore trust, instil beauty into their hearts.”
One of my favorite things to do while traveling is to browse the English-language sections of local bookstores. That’s exactly how I discovered Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop by Alba Donati at Feltrinelli Librerie in Bologna, Italy. It turned out to be one of those books that feels like a conversation with a fellow book lover.
Alba Donati spent twenty-five years in publishing before returning to her tiny hometown of Lucignana, Tuscany, to fulfill her dream of opening an independent bookstore. Many thought she was taking a huge risk in a village of only 180 residents, but this memoir chronicles how that dream became a reality.
Written as a diary between January and June 2021, the book explores the daily challenges of running a bookstore during the COVID-19 pandemic while also delving into Donati’s complicated family relationships. What fascinated me most was seeing how the bookshop became a gathering place for the community, especially when locals rallied together after a fire damaged part of the store.
I especially enjoyed Donati’s reflections on literature and the many books that shaped her life and worldview. Her vivid descriptions of Tuscany’s landscapes, architecture, and culture transported me straight to the region. The memoir is filled with references to both Italian and English-language authors, making it a delight for avid readers.
Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop will appeal to a niche audience—book lovers, bookstore enthusiasts, and anyone interested in literary culture. For those of us who believe books can change lives, this memoir beautifully captures the enduring magic of independent bookstores and the communities they create.