What began as a small reading circle among friends has grown into a meaningful platform connecting the Albanian diaspora in Canada with contemporary intellectual thought.

Founded in 2020, Books & Bordeaux, a book club created by Albanian women in Toronto, has evolved into a close-knit network of professionals who come together not only to read, but to explore deeper questions of identity, memory, history, and belonging. In January, the group reached a new milestone by hosting internationally renowned writer and philosopher Lea Ypi for an intimate dinner conversation in Toronto.

The private gathering took place at The Supper Club, where Ypi joined members of the book club for an in-depth discussion centered on her latest book, Indignity. The event was also attended by Her Excellency Artemis Malo, Ambassador of Albania to Canada, highlighting the broader cultural significance of the evening.

Lea Ypi, a professor at the London School of Economics and recently appointed Ralph Miliband Professor of Politics and Philosophy at LSE Law School, is widely known for her memoir Free: A Child and a Country at the End of History, which gained international acclaim. The relationship between Ypi and the group was not new; in 2023, Books & Bordeaux had hosted her for a virtual discussion of Free. When members learned that Ypi would be visiting Toronto following the publication of Indignity, they extended another invitation — this time in person.

The dinner quickly moved beyond a traditional book club format. Conversations touched on rebuilding family histories shaped by political upheaval, balancing motherhood with demanding international careers, and the complexities that arise when personal narratives become part of global discourse.

Unlike many contemporary book clubs that function primarily as social gatherings, Books & Bordeaux has cultivated a deliberate intellectual space. Its members include women who have known each other for decades, newcomers to Canada, and others connected solely through the group. Their shared commitment to reading has become a way to support one another’s professional growth while remaining deeply engaged with ideas.

“Many of the women in the group are exceptionally accomplished in their respective fields,” said Severina Lutaj, a member of the book club. “Reading is something we genuinely enjoy, but it is also a way for us to continue learning from one another and to remain curious beyond our daily responsibilities.”

News of the event quickly spread beyond the dinner table. The Embassy of Albania in Canada acknowledged the gathering, Albanian media outlets covered it, and members of the global Albanian diaspora followed with interest. For the organizers, the response revealed a clear demand for spaces that merge literature, identity, and community — particularly when led by women.

Participants were especially struck by Ypi’s presence: her ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity, her humility despite international recognition, and her openness to dialogue. As one member described, she felt “like a long-anticipated intellectual figure and a familiar friend at the same time.”

At its core, Books & Bordeaux reflects a broader diaspora experience — one shaped by professional achievement, migration, and a sustained connection to cultural roots. Through literature, the group has created a bridge between past and present, homeland and adopted country.

“When Zamira started the book club, our intention was simply to create a space for connection,” says Anisa Rita, a member of the Books & Bordeaux book club. “Over time, it has grown into something far more meaningful. We’ve seen how shared ideas — often sparked over books and wine — can build lasting community and lead to the most unexpected and beautiful encounters.”

And occasionally, those conversations extend to a dinner table shared with one of the world’s most respected contemporary thinkers.