Notes & Thoughts

My initial thoughts on the book were a little harsh: the writing style is a little basic and uninteresting. I don’t think he really succeeds in bringing the characters alive. So it just feels like something written for personal or family documentation. I bought this book because of the interview on Novara. I think Yanis has a great soul and this comes across more when he speaks. Not so much when he writes.

I am learning things I did not know about the history of Greece, the Greek diaspora and Egypt. The book is a reminder of the horror of fascism as Yanis’ family witness it during the 30s and 40s take hold in many countries. It’s a reminder too that some rights we take for granted these days are fairly recent.

“One day, after having prevented serious damage to the factory by detecting early the rapid accumulation of methane in one of the boilers, Eleni coyly suggested to her boss that, perhaps, a pay rise was in order. He smiled, reached for his wallet and gave her a smudged banknote, adding: 'That should keep you in lipstick for at least a fortnight' She did not take it. She did not quit either. She just made a mental note never to forget it.” Page 126. This is in 1954.

Sometimes, I don't really feel like taking notes. I wasn't initially impressed with this book, as I've said, but that began to change. The did start to feel for the characters and the story drew me in. I began to read it avidly and in the end quite quickly. It weakened a bit towards the end I thought. Overall I think I get more from hearing Yanis speak, and tell his stories than I do from this book. That said, I don't regret reading it. (Wow, that's weak praise. Sorry.)