The 2025 edition of the Salone Internazionale del Libro in Turin, with the theme Le parole tra noi leggere (“The Words Between Us, Lightly”), is set to be a vibrant celebration of words, dialogue, and connection.
As announced, the theme invites us to explore the enduring potential of human interaction through language. It represents “the persistent and joyful attempt to engage with the ‘we’—using words to understand, tell stories, exchange ideas, and offer a space for dialogue on art and literature, but also on everything that happens, everything that concerns the world, and thus concerns us.”
This year’s edition promises to be more than just a book fair; it is a unique opportunity to reflect on the power of language in building connections between individuals, cultures, and ideas in an ever-changing world.
The “We” That Unites Us
The concept of “we,” central to the theme of this year’s Salone, goes beyond just a gathering of readers and writers. Le parole tra noi leggere suggests a more expansive idea of connection—one that transcends cultural, geographical, and generational barriers. It encourages a dialogue that isn’t limited to the sharing of a book, but rather seeks to create moments of true encounter through the power of words. These words are not just vehicles for telling stories, but also for fostering understanding and empathy among people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
The theme reflects a desire to bring individuals closer together through language, offering a space where ideas can be exchanged freely and creatively. The “we” here encompasses anyone who engages with language—whether as a writer, reader, speaker, or listener—and invites us to think collectively and inclusively.
Words: Light, Precise, Precious
The Salone del Libro 2025’s theme also celebrates the unique “material” that words are made of. They are “light, precise, precious,” as stated in the official presentation. This lightness does not imply superficiality; rather, it refers to the ability of words to convey deep meaning and emotion without becoming burdensome. In this sense, lightness is about finding balance—using words that are thoughtful, clear, and able to communicate complex ideas in a way that remains accessible.
Precision, on the other hand, speaks to the importance of choosing the right words to express thoughts, articulate stories, and communicate feelings. Words that are chosen carefully can have profound effects, whether they describe a fleeting moment of beauty or address weighty social issues. The “precious” quality of words highlights their value as tools for creating connections, sparking reflection, and initiating meaningful conversations.
A Space for Dialogue and Reflection
Le parole tra noi leggere invites us to approach language not only as a literary or artistic tool, but as a means of engaging with the world around us. This year’s Salone aims to be a platform for dialogue on a wide range of subjects—not just literature and art, but also politics, science, current events, and the global challenges we face. With numerous events, conferences, and presentations, the Salone provides a rich environment where different disciplines can meet and cross-pollinate, fostering critical thought and creating space for new ideas.
By emphasizing the importance of words in all their forms, this year’s edition of the Salone encourages visitors to explore the many ways in which language shapes our understanding of reality. Whether through fiction, poetry, philosophy, or everyday speech, words play a crucial role in constructing the narratives that define our lives and the world we inhabit.
A Tribute to the Power of Words
This year’s Salone del Libro is also a tribute to the unique power and materiality of words. Words are not just symbols; they are alive, capable of carrying immense weight or being light as a feather, but always with the ability to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and create connections. The theme highlights their incredible potential to both reflect and shape the world around us.
As we face a moment in history when communication is increasingly fragmented, fast-paced, and often superficial, the Salone del Libro offers a timely reminder of the importance of words as a means of building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating communities. By celebrating the art of conversation and the exchange of ideas, the 2025 Salone emphasizes that words can still unite us in profound and meaningful ways.
In a world that is constantly changing, Le parole tra noi leggere invites us to slow down, listen, and engage with language in its most thoughtful and deliberate form. The Salone del Libro 2025 is a celebration of the enduring power of words to bring people together and to inspire dialogue—across cultures, disciplines, and generations. It is a reminder that, in the end, words are the glue that holds us together, helping us make sense of the world and our place within it.