Three urban areas encounter distinct circumstances and challenges
Traveling scholar Simar Bhasin, a resident of Delhi, combined her love for literature and exploration during a trip to Europe, visiting bookshops in Bergen, Berlin, and Paris. Bhasin, who was invited to present her PhD work at the University of Bergen, took the opportunity to extend her trip and explore these literary cities.
Starting in Bergen, Norway, Bhasin found a haven for bibliophiles. The scenic city, known more for Oslo and the Northern Lights, offered numerous hidden gems, particularly the neo-Romanesque Bergen Offentlige Bibliotek (public library), the second largest in Norway, filled with endless aisles of books. The library houses both Scandinavian and translated works from the Anglophone and Francophone world. A child-friendly space is also available.
Bhasin also visited Boksalongen, located at the Litteraturhuset (House of Literature), which serves as a hub for literary events, welcoming authors, poets, and reading communities. In addition to regional literary texts and canonical works in translation, the store also offers an English section. Tijana Przulj, a PhD fellow at the University of Bergen's Department of Foreign Languages, praised Tekstallmenningen, a local literary organization that serves as an intermediary between small presses and the public.
Norli, one of Norway's oldest bookstore chains, was another bookseller Bhasin visited in Bergen. Here, she bought her first Italo Calvino book, "Invisible Cities." Norli's staff is helpful and gives customers ample browsing space. At the airport bookstore, Bhasin found a unique feature—wrapped books with plot hints.
Unfortunately, Bhasin didn't find "The Lazarus Project" by Aleksandar Hemon in any of the bookstores she visited in Europe. However, she did purchase "The World and All that it Holds."
In Berlin, Bhasin visited Schleichers Buchhandlung, a cosy independent bookshop with a wide selection of English books. A local informed her that the store dates back to the Cold War era when the city was divided. Bhasin also toured Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus, a massive structure with multiple floors and Europe's largest selection of books. Despite being packed, staff members were helpful in locating literary works. She wished she had time to visit She Said, a bookshop specializing in books by women and queer writers.
In Paris, Bhasin visited the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore, known for its significant literary history. With passages designed like book chapters, the store features many nooks and corners filled with books. Bhasin bought Jean Rhys' collection of short stories and had it stamped by the cashier. She also browsed through L'atelier 9, a cultural space hosting writers and doubling as a small bookstore with a collection of books in English.
Bhasin briefly explored the book stalls along the river Seine, which displayed works by or on Montaigne, Flaubert, and Diderot, as well as an impressive collection of magazines, comic books, posters, and art prints. However, the stalls shut down when it began to drizzle, prompting her to seek shelter and a croissant at a quaint café.
For literature lovers, Bergen offers Norli Bookshop, Boksalongen, and ARK Bookstore, while Berlin has notable bookstores such as Bücherhallen, Buchhandlung der Galerie, and Hugendubel. Paris is well-known for its literary history with Shakespeare and Company, Librairie L’Écume des Pages, and Gallimard. These bookstores offer a rich literary experience, giving visitors the opportunity to discover new authors and explore classic works.
Engrossed in her European literary adventure, Simar Bhasin not only delved into the extensive collection of books at Bergen Offentlige Bibliotek but also visited Boksalongen, known for hosting literary events and boasting an English section.
In the heart of Berlin, Simar's entertainment was enriched by exploring Schleichers Buchhandlung, an independent bookshop offering a wide selection of English books, and Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus, Europe's largest bookseller with ample staff to guide her through its literary treasures.
In Paris, her lifestyle blended with her passion for books as she discovered the iconic Shakespeare and Company and L'atelier 9, a cultural space hosting English books and writers. Overall, her travels showcased a variety of destinations that catered to her love for books, entertainment, and travel, enhancing her overall lifestyle experience.
