- Reading suggestion
- 20 July 2021
Readers of Europe 2021 – Lithuanian recommendation
Readers of Europe – recommendation by the Permanent Representation of Lithuania to the EU
Book selected: Vilnius: City of Strangers by Laimonas Briedis
Although Vilnius is often viewed as a geographically remote European frontier, its 700 year history demonstrates that that the city has deep connections for many cultures. While Vilnius leaves a lasting impression on all those who visit it, it has also been known as a city of strangers. It is therefore fitting that strangers should narrate a version of Vilnius's history, as is the case in Laimonas Briedis's remarkable book "Vilnius: City of Strangers".
Briedis moulds his text around an immensely impressive collection of travel accounts spanning a number of centuries. He draws on a rich variety of sources, written in a range of languages and covers a number of different periods.
Like an otherworldly atmosphere generated by Lithuanian theremin virtuoso Clara Rockmore, the accounts in this book project a vision of Vilnius from another realm. His assemblage of narratives are carefully crafted from the letters, diaries, thoughts and comments of strangers and foreign visitors who stayed in the city throughout its history.
These "strangers" include such political and cultural figures as Tolstoy, Ostrovsky, Brodsk and the Emperors Napoleon and Alexander. Briedis successfully distils their memories in his work and the sources he uses are authentic and historical. The book is, indeed, so much more than a mere history of Vilnius.
Although Vilnius may have been a city of strangers, it is clear that this is not just a Lithuanian story, but a European one. As Briedis puts it "the city gathers the history of Europe and streams it into uncharted channels". Vilnius grew from an isolated 14th century pagan town, surrounded by hostile invaders, into the capital of what is now an integral EU member state. Over seven centuries you will see the city adapt whilst retaining its hold on Europe's periphery.
Briedis deftly demonstrates his deep understanding of both the significant role the city had in the development of Lithuanian, Polish and Jewish cultures and of its historical Russian and Germanic ties. With grace and guile, he charts a course between the horrors of war and the wonders of enlightenment. He ensures that everyone can be a "stranger" in Vilnius, because the city possesses so many names and histories that it cannot conform to a single entity.
Read Napoleon's narration of the time he spent in the city, when his Grande Armée encamped in Vilnius before and after its ill-fated invasion of Russia. Read, too, about Dostoevsky's brief stay in Vilnius on his way to the European spas. Perhaps the most poignant chapter in the book covers the Jewish experience in the city, and the atrocities of the 1940s.
In the text, Tolstoy proclaims "a crossing through Vilna was like a passage of honour". After reading this eminently readable book, you will understand exactly what he means.
For those looking to unearth other Lithuanian 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 – a book. For many, books were an invaluable means to help deal with the psycho-social 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 hope is that the ever increasing vaccination rates and the EU Digital COVID Certificate will facilitate the safe and free movement of citizens in the EU.
Even so, 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.