Cristina Peligra is Senior Library Assistant at The Kittiwake Trust’s Multilingual Library in Newcastle upon Tyne. Originally from Italy, where she graduated in Dutch and German languages and literatures, she moved to the North East in 2015 to pursue a doctoral degree in Translation Studies. She joined the Multilingual Library volunteers team in 2016 and since then she has catalogued and shelved many of the library’s 11,000 books. She also trains new volunteers, helps with general management, and particularly enjoys organising events.
The Kittiwake Trust Multilingual Library is an initiative run by LBF’s 2018 Charity of the Year.
What was the last book you read?
Verga’s I Malavoglia (The House by the Medlar Tree). A classic I have read many times. I love to reread classics because they are a guide to understanding modern society.
How did you buy it?
I borrowed it from the Multilingual Library, of course!
And what did you read it on?
My couch.
What’s next on your reading list?
The list is very (very) long. I actually have a shelf of books to read…. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick. has been there for months, so probably the next one I will pick up.
You’re stranded on a desert island. What three books would you want with you?
Buzzati’s The Tartar Steppe – perfect to reflect on how you use your time. Lem’s Solaris (yes, I am into sci-fi). And Svevo’s Zeno’s Conscience. Among my favourites.
Go on, let us know your musical guilty pleasure.
80’s disco (fashion included!).
And your one from the world of fiction?
Dystopian literature. And I am a Harry Potter fan!
What would be the title of your autobiography?
I am not sure about the title, but I already have the perfect opening: a quote from Mann’s Tonio Kröger about being lost for a reason (or at least that’s my interpretation).
What is the one essential item you bring to the Fair?
A notebook to write down thoughts and ideas (and list contacts). I always carry one.
Nominations for LBF’s 2019 Charity of the Year will open shortly.