So I just got a copy of the book a few days ago and I’ve been really interested in learning more contemporary/post civil war Greek history. I know the book is inspired by the real life of Grigoris Lambrakis (specifically his assassination) and is a landmark piece of literature even during the "Regime of the Colonels"but I want to know folks here think of the book and if there is still significant impact felt by people today from Lambrakis’ murder and the junta. I’m still learning more about modern Greece as an American (cuz everyone on the internet/education only ever talks about Classical Period or the Byzantine era) and wish to know more. I also apologize for my ignorance on tbe subject and the fact that this post is in English 😅.
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Posted by Formal_Contribution7
4 Comments
It is a very good book.
Unfortunately many people have mostly forgotten, or don’t feel the need to know about those years.
Some are actively trying to change the narrative…
Just like with WW2 at a western global scale…
ZEI
The film adaptation is my favorite film, and the music by Theodorakis is probably my favorite film soundtrack. I’ve pestered several internet friends (non-Greeks) to watch it and the ones who did liked it as well.
I just want to add that I find you taking an interest in modern Greek history really commendable.
The book is brilliant.
Not only the actual story itself is captivating but the author’s skill of presenting so realistic characters, dialogues and moments is top tier.
No carricatures, no pompous writing, no black and white mentality of heroes and villains but pure realism that happens to be interesting by simply changing the pace when needed.
You forget that this is literature at times. Which it is. This is not academic work or a history book.
The characters are not just words. They breathe and feel real.
This is real Greece.
Other books that the world in them feel so real of those past times due to spot on dialogue and breathing characters are by Kostas Tachtsis and M. Karagachi.
What you read in these books is the real unfiltered complicated side of Greece when it comes to its everyday people’s mentality.