The Quarantine Diaries

In “The Quarantine Diaries” published in The New York Times, Amelia Nierenberg presents a collection of diary entries and drawings capturing the initial experiences of lockdown in early March 2020 until the end of the month, showcasing the personal narratives that shape the history of the present moment. These records reflect the anxieties and confinement experienced globally, portraying a world on pause. Nierenberg emphasizes the ordinary individuals’ stories as representative of this historic event, highlighting the diary’s power to document a collective experience. The pandemic’s significance lies in its ability to elevate the interiority and everyday experiences of ordinary people, emphasizing their role in shaping history.