- Reading suggestion
- 19 July 2021
Readers of Europe 2021 – Latvian recommendation
Readers of Europe – recommendation by the Permanent Representation of Latvia to the EU
Book selected: The book of Riga: a city in short fiction by Andra Neiburga, Arno Jundze, Dace Rukšāne, Gundega Repše, Ilze Jansone, Juris Zvirgzdiņš, Kristīne Želve, Pauls Bankovskis, Sven Kuzmins, William B. Foreignerski
If you are familiar with Riga you might know that one of the names by which it is known is the city of faces. From art nouveau grandeur to former Soviet styles, a rich history shines through.
In recent years Riga has established itself as a vibrant, creative hub. Mysterious and northern, it is clear why it has attracted so many creatives. For, much like its multifaceted features, this is a city with many tales to tell. Happily, for those who want to hear some of these stories, The Book of Riga: A City in Short Fiction by Comma Press, offers an ideal introduction.
A book from the Baltics that offers a short, sharp hit of contemporary Latvian literature, The Book of Riga is a collection of ten short stories that represents Riga though the eyes of modern writers.
As with every short story collection there are some stories that go deeper than others. Some will vary stylistically, as is this case with this collection. While these fresh voices demonstrate the contrast between Latvia's rural past and the verve of its creative capital, they are all bound together by a common thread – they are great fun to read.
These ten twinkling lights transmit dark humour in abundance. From riding a flying sleigh, to meeting murderous grandchildren, to seeing a staged suicide attempt from the top of St Peter’s church, you'll appreciate how witty the writing can be.
At its core reading fiction is pure escapism. You read to be transported to another realm, to experience lives entirely different from your own. The stories in this collection offer a distinctly Latvian literary reflection of life in a city with lots to say.
For those looking to unearth Latvian literary gems, discover more via Eureka, the online catalogue of the Council libraries.
About the Readers of Europe campaign – Travel across Europe through literature
Through the long months of winter, in the darkest depths of the pandemic, the thought of travelling again was a guiding light for many sailing towards uncertain shores.
Although people were confined to their homes, many made epic voyages in uncharted lands with the aid of an old friend – books. For many, books were an invaluable coping measure to help deal with the psychosocial strain of being confined to their homes. Reading has helped people in Europe and around the world to cope with isolation during lengthy lockdowns, and to deal with the uncertainty about the future.
Summer 2021 has a more hopeful feel than last year. The ever increasing vaccination rates and the EU Digital COVID Certificate will hopefully facilitate the safe, free movement of citizens in the EU.
But situations can change quickly during pandemics. Some people may prefer to have staycations in their country of residence. But whether you are travelling at home or abroad, the Council Library has found a ‘low-cost’ way to enable everyone to visit other European countries.
This summer the Council Library will whisk you away across the continent, moving not only across the member states, but in and out of time as well.
We have once again invited staff from the member states’ permanent representations to the EU to make recommendations for books to read over the summer, for this second edition of our Readers of Europe campaign. This year’s theme is ‘Travel across Europe through literature’.
The literary pit stops on this tour will shine a light on some of Europe’s hidden charms, visiting places that are both eerily familiar and profoundly new. The works selected cover a broad range of genres, from the contemporary to the classic. Stories that penetrate deeply and consume entirely. Stories with strange beauty, nostalgia, mystery and love. Stories that showcase the vast wealth of European literature.
The itinerary is set. No passport is needed to go on this trip. The only carry-ons permitted are books and bookmarks (and maybe a cup of tea).
Join us as we travel across Europe through literature, as we once again encounter Readers of Europe.
For more information about the EU Digital COVID Certificate, please see
This post does not necessarily represent the positions, policies, or opinions of the Council of the European Union or the European Council.
The Council Library reading room is currently closed. The Info Desk remains open online and will reply to queries by email from Monday to Friday, 10.00 to 16.00.