The Rome Plague Diaries Summary

Summary of The Rome Plague Diaries Book by Matthew Kneale

Name: The Rome Plague Diaries
Rating: 3.7 (9 reviews)
Author: Matthew Kneale

3.7 . 9 reviews

Short summary

When COVID-19 first reared its head in early 2020, nobody really paid it much attention. It was considered a small problem, probably one restricted to China, and would clear up quickly. However, as many experts predicted, the virus started its move into Europe, beginning with Italy. From there, it took hold, and didn’t seem to want to let go. Matthew Kneale, a bestselling author and the Booker Prize finalist, has lived in Rome for almost two decades. Originally from London, he decided to create a diary of his experiences during Europe’s first lockdown. Throughout this time, he saw the good and bad of human nature, along with plenty of deep thinking. Nobody could have predicted how the pandemic would turn life completely upside down. Some of it was surprising, some of it wasn’t, but when we look back after a decade, what will we remember the most? "A time of plague brings out the worst in people and the best. I have to say that when it came to the Romans — a people for whom I have great affection but few illusions — it brought out the best." ~ Matthew Kneale

12 min

7 key points

11 insights

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Table of content

Summary of The Rome Plague Diaries
About the author
What is The Rome Plague Diaries about?
Who should read The Rome Plague Diaries
Topics in The Rome Plague Diaries

first key point

Difficult situations call for social measures

Listen the first key point

00:00

The coronavirus first came to human attention in Wuhan, China. However, it spread rapidly as people moved around from country to country. After two Wuhan residents took a vacation in northern Italy, the virus was planted in the country and quickly spread from north to south.

When Rome’s first lockdown day arrived, Kneale felt a need to reconnect with those he had lost contact with over the years, as well as reach out to those close by. He was supposed to be writing a script, but the news had distracted him to the point of not being able to think of anything other than the virus that was all over the news.

Coronavirus is the first pandemic this generation has experienced. Troubling times make concentrating on work very difficult.

Upon visiting a coffee shop with his son, he opened his laptop and began to write emails to his contacts. He wanted to share the news of what was happening in Rome and explain what it felt like to be locked down and unable to move around in the same way as before. He pressed ‘send’ to all his contacts, and responses flooded in. From that moment, his script was forgotten, his time taken up with replying to the many emails sent.

Originally from the U.K., Kneale kept a close eye on the news back home. Italy was a short distance ahead of the virus’ journey compared to the U.K., even though the peak hadn’t yet arrived. He was concerned at how little action the U.K. government was taking, and he was pleased with the Sunday Times asking if they could publish some of the emails he’d been sending out about life in lockdown.

Rather than learning from the information Italy had, many other countries took a ‘hands off’ approach.

Taking it all a step further, he decided to keep a diary, which eventually went on to be published. Documenting the earliest days of coronavirus in Europe, Italy saw just how quickly this troubling virus could spread. Seemingly within a few short weeks, life went from normal to completely turned on its head. Families were separated, fear of going outside crept in, and we all became extremely annoyed about wearing masks. Kneale realized quickly that this diary would become an epic look back on a time that was indeed one for the history books.

Did you know? There are many theories about where coronavirus originated. However, a wet market in Wuhan is thought to be the most likely source. In some wet markets, live animals are often killed on the spot to sell the freshest meat.

second key point

Rules mean you know exactly what you need to do

On March 10, 2020, Rome officially entered a state of lockdown, and rules were enforced. While masks weren’t yet mandatory, many people began wearing them, and people were often seen wearing surgical gloves to avoid touching surfaces directly.

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third key point

Pulling together in the face of adversity

fourth key point

Underestimating a virus never leads to a good outcome

fifth key point

Scammers will always take advantage of negative situations

sixth key point

What will the world be like when lockdown finally ends?

seventh key point

Conclusion

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What is The Rome Plague Diaries about?

"The Rome Plague Diaries: Lockdown Life in The Eternal City" by Matthew Kneale offers a captivating and intimate account of life in Rome during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through personal reflections and vivid descriptions, the author takes readers on a journey through deserted streets, empty piazzas, and the resilience of its inhabitants. This poignant and timely book captures the essence of a city grappling with fear, uncertainty, and the enduring spirit of its people in the face of a global crisis.

Who should read The Rome Plague Diaries

History enthusiasts interested in the impact of pandemics on ancient civilizations.
Travelers planning a trip to Rome and seeking a unique perspective on the city's history.
Individuals curious about personal experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown in Rome.

Topics in The Rome Plague Diaries

History Pandemics Memoir Travel Nonfiction European History Public Health Social History Crisis Management Sociology Cultural History the Middle Ages

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