The city of books, even more interesting to visit in May during the International Book Fair: an event full of suggestions and inspiration.
For the numerous activities it offers, Turin is one of the most important Italian cities as regards the world of literature and books in general.
The Turin council has in fact signed a document called Pact for reading, which brings together the various actors operating in the literary field, with the aim of spreading and promoting reading in the city.
In recent years, numerous publishing houses have started in Turin and as many writers and philosophers were born in the city or stayed there during their lives, such as the philosopher Nietzsche or Rousseau, but also Fenoglio and Pavese.
The literary history of Turin
The city itself with its history and its points of attraction have inspired the pen of many writers, both Italian and foreign.
Some of these works are "Heart" by Edmondo De Amicis, a very famous children's story set during the unification of Italy, written with the intention of overcoming the social inequalities of the time; “La Casa in Collina” by Cesare Pavese, set in World War II, or “The solitude of prime numbers” by Paolo Giordano, a more recent book, told by the Turin writer, winner of the Strega Award in 2008.
Turin International Book Fair
The key event of the city of Turin as regards reading is certainly the International Book Fair, a fair that takes place every year in May at the Lingotto Fairs, defined the ideal place to host this important event, which always brings together numerous publishing houses and tourists from all over Italy and beyond.
Furthermore, since 2014, the Foundation for Books, Music and Culture organizes at the same time as the Salone, the Salon Off, with the intention of transmitting the atmosphere and the function of the Exhibition also in external places, such as schools, libraries, markets, gardens etc ...
It offers many events characterized by meetings with authors, bookcrossing, literary themed walks, and many more.
The Turinese are very attached to this huge and important fair, since it is the distinctive feature of the city.
The Circle of Readers
Another important place for literature and reading is the Circolo dei Lettere, foundation of the Piedmont Region, located in via Bogino 9, in the city center.
It is neither a library nor a bookstore, it is simply a very suggestive place within which, throughout the week, meetings and reading groups are held, where both writers and ordinary people can communicate and discuss the readings they have done, on literary novelties or on various topics.
This club is located inside a rather old building, the events are free and open to the public.
I strongly advise you, if you are a lover of reading and intend to stay in Turin, to do so during the Salone, you will find many curiosities and literary news.
You will also have the opportunity to meet the emerging authors in person, and to be honest, I myself go there every year and refrain from buying all the books at the fair.
I assure you that the temptation is very strong!
