Speaking all things books, Literature Society and our shared love for Little Women with Iga Suszynska (social secretary for Lit Soc) on a drizzly Edinburgh afternoon over coffee, I was captivated by the story of the re-founding of Lit Soc. A group which had seemingly fallen into the murky graveyard of forgotten societies. Iga detailed the trials and tribulations of “adopting” a society; from budgets to tackling literary stereotypes, Iga and the wider committee’s story from friends to adoptees of LitSoc rivals that of the novels to which it cleaves.
The beginning of our story starts, like many do, with our heroines (the Lit Soc committee). While browsing through EUSA’s ‘up for adoption’ societies, Iga and her flatmates were shocked to learn, as was I, that the Literature Society was one up for ‘adoption.’ Iga detailed how she and her friends were in disbelief that a degree as large and successful as Literature did not have a society to represent them. Further still, that this society had faded away without anyone paying it much heed. When asked about what inspired them to petition to adopt Lit Soc, Iga claimed, “We just thought, why wait for someone else to do it? We can do it ourselves”. Lit Soc didn’t need a knight in shining armour, merely a team of fiery and passionate students to breathe life into it. From then on, there was a lot of tedious paperwork and petitions to EUSA. However, our story takes a turn when it appeared that there were rival factions for the adoption of Lit Soc. Iga tells me, while I waited with bated breath, that rather than competing with the other group, they reached out to enquire about joining forces, taking on Lit Soc as a shared project. I could not help but compare the sisterhood of Lit Soc’s re-birth with mine and Iga’s shared favourite novel, Little Women. Like the March sisters, without friendship and sisterhood, Lit Soc may indeed still be waiting on the sidelines for a caring hand to nurse it back to health. Iga implored that the society started “in a place of really great friendship” when I asked what she thought was the reason for their success. It is an age-old tale that there is unity in literature; Lit Soc is merely another testament to that.
Iga went on to detail the society’s passion for diversifying its memberships and discussions. After a light-hearted prod at the humorous Literature student stereotypes, Iga encouraged anyone to come along. “We really want to stress it is not just for Literature students… while I study English, lots of people on the committee and in the society don’t, if you love books, come along… I think people think that just because I am a Literature student, I spend my days off in a dingy café reading Russian writers, I am actually more likely to be found curled up with an Emily Henry.”
Of course, there is room for the stereotypes as well, whether you don your trench coat and wade through Edinburgh’s puddles pretending you are in a Donna Tartt novel, or you like a good romance, or beach read. Literature Society is a safe and inclusive space for you, or perhaps more aptly put by Iga, “you drink your tiny espresso and read Kafka, I will cheer you on. But also come to Lit Soc!” Yes, Lit Soc is committed to breaking that pretentious framework, but also, Iga states, “it is okay to be a bit self-absorbed and pretentious”, so pretend you are in a Dark Academia novel, or don’t, either is fine, as long as you like the occasional book, and fun events, you are in the right place.
Speaking of events, I pressed Iga on what exciting things we have to look forward to in Lit Soc’s future. While much of it is classified and yet to be announced, Iga did tease an upcoming Valentine’s event, as well as a YA 2010s event (think John Green), as well as a collaboration with Tackling Elitism Society. One thing is for certain: if the success of their sold-out Great Gatsby-inspired launch party, featuring music from the Edinburgh University Jazz Orchestra, is anything to go by, then there are many exciting events in the future.
The best way to keep up with Lit Soc’s news is via their Instagram, as well as purchasing memberships on EUSA, which are just £3, and give you exclusive access to their WhatsApp community. To end with the words from Lit Soc’s co-president, Evie, “we are putting the Lit-back in Literature,” so be sure to follow along for news regarding this warm home for book lovers. I, for one, am excited to see where the future takes this pioneering committee and their society, which they have enthused with so much love and time.
Images courtesy of Lit Soc