A hub for camaraderie
A hub for camaraderie
Librairie Alinéa: One independent women-owned bookshop offers a happy hunting ground for wordsmiths and literary vagabonds
“In a world dominated by digital technology, I believe it's essential to preserve the tradition of books, and it's an honor to be one of the remaining bookshops in Luxembourg” - Ava Najafi
We transport you to Luxembourg this Independent Bookstore Day with the story of Librairie Alinéa — an independent women-owned bookshop on a mission to keep the spirit of books alive.
We met with Ava Najafi, one of Alinéa’s founders — a social activist dedicated to preserving the traditions of books in a world dominated by digital technology. Our conversation with Ava reminded us about the unique role of bookshops — to offer a cultural platform and source of inspiration, bringing together readers and writers. An escape from the hustle and bustle of our cities. We delve into the challenges of running an independent librairie, and talk about the experiences of the Iranian community in Luxembourg. Ava also offers some book recommendations for politicians.
Can you tell us more about who you are today – the things you do and love?
My name is Ava, and I am a thirty-one-year-old bookseller. As you may imagine, I am obsessed with books, and I feel honored to be surrounded by them every single day. My favorite thing to do is read while having my two beautiful cats lie on my lap; that is pure bliss to me.
I wonder if there’s an opportunity to go all the way back and ask about your origin story?
Although I was born and raised in Luxembourg, my mother did a good job of trying to keep us connected to our Iranian roots. When I was little, we would spend the entire summer holidays in Iran, so I really feel very close to my country. Unfortunately, this has changed since the Women's Freedom Movement. When you share anti-regime posts on social media, there is always a danger of being arrested as soon as you step foot into the country. Consequently, we haven't been able to go back for a while now, which saddens us a lot.
Ava means “voice”. Over the years, what has helped you find yours?
I have been very vocal since I was a teenager about injustices all around the world. That's how I like to use my voice — to speak up for those who don't have one. Whether it's the Black Lives Matter movement, the Iranian freedom movement, or advocating for a free Palestine, I have never been afraid to speak up. I believe many people in my environment can confirm this.
What is it like to run an independent bookstore?
It is truly a dream come true, I cannot deny that. To be able to do what you love, surrounded by colleagues you cherish, and having the freedom to choose the books you want to sell is honestly THE dream. However, being independent comes with its fair share of hardships. We are dependent on our customers, and during quieter periods, anxiety creeps in because we know there are hundreds of bills to be paid, and more importantly, our employees rely on us. These are challenging times because we don't know if it's just a phase or if this will be a permanent situation. Being independent has its advantages, but what we never have is the reassurance that we'll still be here in a year, especially given the current economic situation.
What titles can book lovers find in Librairie Alinéa?
We offer a wide selection of books in Luxembourgish, English, German, and French, covering both fiction and non-fiction on a variety of topics. I make it a point to include books on themes that are currently trending or related to major world events, as I know people like to educate themselves on these matters. This applies not only to adult books but also to children's books. For significant days or months, such as Black History Month in February or International Women's Day on March 8, I dedicate entire window displays and a big corner filled with relevant books. There's always a personal touch in our bookstore because of our small size, and I encourage my employees to order books they believe will complement our collection.
What is the message you want to give, the conversations you want to evoke?
I'm not sure if it's a formal message, but I believe our mission at Alinea Bookstore is to keep the spirit of books alive and accessible to people. When I started this job, I worried that interest in reading was dwindling, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that people still value the experience of reading a physical book.
Our role is to provide a welcoming space for people to enter, wander, and perhaps find inspiration. A book isn't just about reading the words on the page; it's about the tactile experience—feeling the weight of it in your hands, flipping through the pages, and even savouring that distinct book smell (as true bookworms understand).
Can you shed some light on the experiences and challenges faced by the Iranian community in Luxembourg?
It's noteworthy that the Iranian community in Luxembourg is growing but it's a shame that within Luxembourg's Iranian community, there's a bit of a divide. We've got folks from different religious and ideological backgrounds, which sometimes makes it hard for us to come together. But here's the thing: deep down, we all share the same goal — freedom for our people back in Iran.
If we could put aside our differences and stand united, imagine the power we'd have in fighting against the Islamic Republic. But right now, that sense of unity is lacking, and it's holding us back.
If you could require the politicians in Luxembourg to read one book (and take it as a guiding light throughout their career), what would it be?
Picking just one book for politicians in Luxembourg is tough, but if I had to, I'd go with "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu. It's not your typical politician read, but this old-school military guide is packed with wisdom on strategy, leadership, and sorting out conflicts. It's like a crash course in handling tough situations and making smart moves. So, even though it might seem unexpected, "The Art of War" could be just the ticket for our politicians to up their game and steer Luxembourg in the right direction.
What has Western feminism overlooked?
One thing Western feminism has sometimes missed is intersectionality. It's about understanding how factors like race, class, and sexuality intersect with gender identity. This helps ensure that everyone's experiences and perspectives, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, are included in feminist discussions and actions.
mainstream feminism has focused mainly on issues faced by white, middle-class women, overlooking the unique challenges faced by women from diverse backgrounds.
Can you recall a specific moment, person, or book that sparked your love for activism and social causes?
I can't pinpoint exactly when my passion for the Gaza issue began, but I know I was quite young when I first heard about it. Since then, it's been something that has really struck a chord with me. I delved into reading about it, and from that moment on, I was hooked. I used to follow the news avidly, but I've realised it can sometimes put me in a negative mood, so I've been trying to limit my consumption. However, I remember we had a subscription to the 'Luxemburger Wort' at my house, specifically for me. I've always had this urge to stay informed about what's happening in the world.