Sentimental Economy by Edoardo Nesi

(Thank you to Other Press for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

In a warm, perceptive essay that touches on economics, fashion, literature, and politics, the Strega Prize–winning author of Story of My People reflects on the seismic shifts of 2020 and the diverse ways we’re adapting.

Attempting to make sense of the incredible upheaval of 2020—from the devastating impact of COVID-19 to the sudden loss of his father—Edoardo Nesi considers the changing global economy and its effect on our lives. He shares the stories of Alberto Magelli, a small textile entrepreneur; Livia Firth, a prominent advocate for sustainability; Elisa Martelli, a young Sangiovese winemaker; Enrico Giovannini, a leading economist and statistician; Rino Pratesi, a proud butcher from the heart of Tuscany; and more.

From the overworked to the unemployed, we’re all grappling with difficult questions about our current disorienting world: Will we ever feel healthy again, and what will it take to regain “normality?” What does progress mean today? Have science and technology let us down? What will the increased prevalence of remote working mean for our cities, and for our lifestyles generally? Deftly weaving together the personal and the economic, Nesi takes us on a fascinating journey to understanding.

my thoughts:

Wow. Just, wow. Sentimental Economy by Edoardo Nesi is a beautiful read. I absolutely loved it.

Heartbreaking, haunting, and mesmerizing.  Nesi has written a book-length essay that tackles personal and current topics: COVID, Italy, economics, and the loss of his father. He looks at the ways in which the year 2020 has altered the course of the economy and society.  He writes about fashion, an industry in which his family has a personal stake.  He considers what the "potential of progress" means now that the future feels so unknown. And, he talks to his friends about it all - friends who work in a variety of fields: an economist, a screenwriter, and an industrialist. He listens to them as they express their thoughts about the ways in which the world is forced to evolve because of the pandemic and how it will affect their futures. It's fascinating, emotional, thought-provoking, and unputdownable. I found myself gripped by Nesi's words. His wit, his intelligence, and his talent shine through. 

Sentimental Economy is a must-read and I encourage everyone to get their hands on a copy ASAP!

Thank you to Other Press for providing me with a copy of this book!