Modern Greek Literature. Can we share our opinions and offer some food for thought? M. KARAGATSH NO. 4?

Thank you for the wonderful wonderful question!

First of all you have to know that Karagatsis is not the most known writter in Greece, he is just ONE of the writters of the 1930 generation.

I teach Greek literature and in general I have read tones of Greek literature in the past (especially poetry) and this is why I have a clear opinion about Karagatsis. I like his descrpitions very much, though he sometimes overdoes it.

My most favorite book of his is 'The Big Himaira'. I enjoyed it so much! The main character, the young French lady who married a Greek and suddenly were challenged to live in a strange (for her) environment.

One other book of Karagatsis that I liked very much is the 'Blood lost and regained' (Aima hamaino kai kerdismeno). Very nice. It reminds of Emile Zola's style very much.

I mostly prefer more recent authors and from the same generations of authors, I prefer Angelos Terzakis to Karagatsis.

I read his so called trilogy, Liapkin - Chimaira - Yougerman, but a long time ago I must admit.

I love " Sintagmatarhis Liapkin ". Perhaps because it's all about the place I was born and live, Larisa and Thessaly. His descriptions are so familiar to me, and a way to imagine about life in Larisa of the time.

The Agricultural School ( Γεωργική Σχολή ) that is mentioned in the book, is a place where as a child I used to go for small excursions, either with the school (Dimotiko) or family. There is a small forest right next to the School ideal for picnics and playing. The old School buildings are still there, so the set of the book is still alive in a way. I haven't been there for years now, but memory serves me well. And when you are a kid, memories are more vivid.

I like his writing style.

I like the "Generation of the 1930" authors as we call them, like Venezis and Mirivilis.

I so wish that I was able to take part in your literature questions.

I love books and reading, so much so that the whole house has

been overtaken by books, they are everywhere, even in the downstairs loo!

Unfortunately my Greek is just not as good as I would like, to be able to follow a

story through to the end. I would probably be reading it side by side with a dictionary.

The few that have been translated, that I have been able to get hold of, I devour avidly.

Although I don't/can't participate, I am disappointed to see that the response is so

low but please do not give up and thank you for enlightening, if not all, at least me!

@ Zoi,

I love your obvious passion and enthusiasm for literature