My Greek Books
Hello there! Hope you’re enjoying summer. This month, come along to New York and the Greek islands. Find out what I’ve been reading!
Buckle your virtual seat belt and let’s go!
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Opposites Do Attract! By MJ Golias
Independently published (May 26, 2023)
About the author
MJ Golias is an author, poet, and mom. She earned an MFA in poetry from the University of Memphis. After, she moved to New York to teach ESL. Her poems have been published in an anthology and in numerous publications, and she’s been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. MJ is also the author of the novella, Greek Snowball Surprise (Christmas Cookies), a steamy romance. She and her family live in Connecticut.
The story
In this spicy romance novella, we get to know Mike and Voula, both mentioned in her previous novella. Voula is finishing her oncology residency in Manhattan. She has big dreams—and they don’t include love. In need of an electrician, she calls a company. When she opens the door for the repairman, she comes face-to-face with Mike, a guy she’d dated a while back. But they were just way too different. He owns the company, but it’s a very busy night and so he took the call. Ever the good guy, Mike sees the opportunity to try to start something with this woman he’s never been able to get out of his mind. They’re both Greek, but don’t have much else in common. Can it work?
My Greek Books review
In this sizzling new romance, Opposites Do Attract, we follow Mike and Voula. They can’t deny the sparks, though they think they’re on two different life paths. Fate has other plans. They find themselves in a steamy affair and fall in love. But if they’re to have a future, they must tackle their own insecurities. MJ Golias adeptly crafted a story that’s fun and reflective, and full of spice. It’s a quick read, perfect for a day at the beach. Looking forward to more from this talented writer.
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A Piano Bar in Crete by Richard Clark
Independently published (May 12, 2023)
About the author
Brit Richard Clark is the author of 12 non-fiction books about Greece. His novels, The Forgotten Song, Return to Turtle Beach, and The Lost Lyra are set on the island of Crete, which is his heart’s home. His work highlights his love for the beautiful, historic island. His love for the island and its influence are evident in his work. He splits his time between the UK and Crete.
The story
On the heels of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, a couple flees to Crete to begin a new life. There, they start a family and open a taverna. When tragedy strikes, they become parents to their grandson. But things are never the same.
Almost 50 years later, a young woman is orphaned when her parents are killed in war-torn Ukraine. A Greek man arrives on a rescue mission and offers to bring her to Greece. He and his family take her in, and ultimately bring her to her new home with the man’s sister on the island of Crete, where she forges a new life. When she meets the Cypriot family—and befriends their grandson—a bond forms from their shared experience. Can they help each other heal the wounds of their shattered lives?
My Greek Books review
Richard Clark weaves the parallel stories of war refugees from different parts of the world into a poignant and compelling work that will tug at your heart strings. As in his other novels, he captures the beauty and spirit of the island and transports us there. This summer, escape to a Piano Bar in Crete.
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The Murderess by Alexandros Papadiamantis, translated by Peter Levi
NYRB Classics; Main edition (June 15, 2010); originally published in 1903
About the author
The Greek poet, short story writer, and novelist was born in 1851 on the island of Skiathos and died in 1911. His stories take place in Greece, predominantly on his native island. Some of his poetry has been set to music, and this served as my introduction to his work. His writings are influential in Modern Greek literature. According to Wikipedia, “he is for Greek prose what Dionysios Solomos is for poetry.” Odysseas Elytis once wrote: “commemorate Dionysios Solomos, commemorate Alexander Papadiamantis”. His works have proved difficult to translate, as he mixed Katherevousa with local dialect. His home in Skiathos is now a museum.
Peter Levi, a professor of poetry, was also a Jesuit priest, poet, archaeologist, scholar, biographer, critic, and prolific reviewer. The author of 60 books, including fiction, travel writing, poetry, and biography, he also traveled with Patrick Leigh Fermor. He adored Greece and had great affection for her literature and archaeology.
The story
On poor Skiathos, Hadoula is skilled in the healing properties of herbs, and women come to her for help. They often divulge their secrets to her, even though—or perhaps because—she is not well-respected and lives on the fringes. As we enter her world, she is staying with her daughter, who’s just had another child. Hadoula tries to quiet the baby so the mother can get some rest. As she attempts to soothe the baby, she has a startling revelation: it’s a curse to be a woman—but she can do something about that.
My Greek Books review
I recently learned of this translation and couldn’t wait to read it. In this chilling story, Papadiamantis immerses us in a dark world where a woman takes matters into her own hands. In Hadoula’s delusions, we see the reality and consequences of those dreadful what-if thoughts that may sometimes jump into our minds, but we quickly push away. The translation may leave questions in your mind, but this is due to the great difficulty of translating Papadiamantis’ “diglossa” approach. Now I want to read the original, to see the story in its original glory. And read more of his work. A haunting tale expertly designed, The Murderess is a story you won’t be able to shake.
My Greek Books—July 2023 Edition
Thanks for taking a virtual journey with me. Check out these books, and meet me here next month, to find out what I’ve been reading.
Read more:
10 Greek-American Women Authors to Read this Women’s History Month
My Greek Books—February 2021 Reads
