Philosophy in the Bookshop is our series of free monthly Philosophy events hosted by Nigel Warburton (A Little History of Philosophy) This month Nigel will be in conversation with Lea Ypi.

The Book

Lea Ypi grew up in one of the most isolated countries on earth, a place where communist ideals had officially replaced religion. Albania, the last Stalinist outpost in Europe, was almost impossible to visit, almost impossible to leave. It was a place of queuing and scarcity, of political executions and secret police. To Lea, it was home. People were equal, neighbours helped each other, and children were expected to build a better world. There was community and hope.

Then, in December 1990, a year after the fall of the Berlin Wall, everything changed. The statues of Stalin and Hoxha were toppled. Almost overnight, people could vote freely, wear what they liked and worship as they wished. There was no longer anything to fear from prying ears. But factories shut, jobs disappeared and thousands fled to Italy on crowded ships, only to be sent back. Predatory pyramid schemes eventually bankrupted the country, leading to violent conflict. As one generation's aspirations became another's disillusionment, and as her own family's secrets were revealed, Lea found herself questioning what freedom really meant.

The Author

Lea Ypi is an Albanian author and academic. She is a professor of political theory at the London School of Economics.

The Event

Lea Ypi will be discussing her memoir with Nigel Warburton before taking a Q&A from the audience and signing copies for guests. This is a free event to attend and will take place in the Philosophy department in the Norrington Room. Please call 01865 792792 with any enquiries.