As summer’s embrace beckons and the spirit of Christmas looms, immerse yourself in storytelling with the gift of books—a treasure that transcends seasons.
Neos Kosmos presents a curated selection of captivating works by Greek Australians and Philhellene writers, each a vivid tapestry of Hellenic themes and the experiences of the Greek Australian community.
From novels to historical epics, biographies, art volumes, and poetry, this collection unveiled at the recent Book Fair hosted by the Greek Community of Melbourne offers a tantalizing glimpse into a rich literary landscape.
These literary gems only scratch the surface of a trove awaiting exploration—an invitation to indulge in the narratives woven by Greek Australian authors, promising to adorn your library with captivating tales and resonant voices throughout the summer.
For more on Greek Australian authors go to: www.greekcommunity.com.au/events/series/bookfair2023
The In-Between by Christos Tsiolkas
Christos Tsiolkas, one of Australia’s leading and award-winning authors, who brought us, Dead Europe, The Slap and Damascus, unveils a tender and moving contemporary love story between two middle-aged men. Exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships, the novel captures the fears and desires of individuals scarred by past experiences, yet still yearning for connection.
Many will recall Tsiolkas’ Loaded, which was made into the feature film Head-On, and Dead Europe, which won the 2006 Age Fiction Prize and the 2006 Melbourne Best Writing Award, as well as also being made into a feature film. The Slap, won Overall Best Book in the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize 2009, was shortlisted for the 2009 Miles Franklin Literary Award, longlisted for the 2010 Man Booker Prize and won the Australian Literary Society Gold, and was also named Book of the Year for 2009 by the Australian Booksellers Association and the Australian Book Industry Awards. Christos’s fifth novel, Barracuda, was shortlisted for the ALS Gold Medal and the inaugural Voss Literary Prize.
Aphrodite’s Breath by Susan Johnson
‘Aphrodite’s Breath is one of those sublime books that both pleases and pursues you with its imagery and thoughts, long after you’ve put the book down.’ writes Jane Messer, The Conversation. In life, as in myth, women are the ones who are supposed to stay home like Penelope, weaving at their looms, rather than leaving home like Odysseus. Meet eighty-five-year-old Barbara and her sixty-two-year-old writer-daughter Susan, who asked her mother-on a whim-if she wanted to accompany her to live on the Greek island of Kythera. What follows is a moving unravelling of the mother-daughter relationship told in irresistible prose. Aphrodite’s Breath is a strikingly original, funny and forensic examination of love and finding home, amid the stories of the people, olives and wonders of the birthplace of Aphrodite.
From Imbros Over The Sea: Imbros & Gallipoli Revealed by Jim Claven
Jim Claven, a historian, delves into the Hellenic connection within Australia’s Anzac narrative in his latest book. From Imbros Over The Sea: Imbros & Gallipoli Revealed unveils the pivotal role during the Gallipoli campaign of 1915-16 played by Imbros Island. Imbros served as a base for hundreds of ships and thousands of Allied soldiers and sailors, including Australians. This book illuminates the previously untold story of the link between Imbros and Gallipoli, drawing from records and photographs housed in archives worldwide.
Olympia: The Birth of the Games by Dr. John A. Martino
Dr. John A. Martino, a disabled veteran honorably discharged from the Australian Defence Force, earned his PhD in Classical History with a focus on martial violence across ancient and modern civilizations. His debut novel, “Olympia: The Birth of the Games,” has been awarded First Place in the ‘CIBA Chanticleer International Book Awards’ – ‘Chaucer’ historical fiction division. Martino, an enthusiast of archery and Alfa Romeo, a voracious reader, keen traveler, animal lover, and a connoisseur of the Arts, enjoys engaging in Socratic discussions and embracing a touch of Dionysian revelry over a good bottle of red wine with friends.
Beneath the Fig Leaves by Olympia Panagiotopoulos
Olympia Panagiotopoulos, born in Melbourne to Greek parents, hails from a lineage of storytellers who instilled in her a passion for folklore, myths, and legends. Her debut memoir, “Beneath the Fig Leaves,” serves as a vibrant tribute to her heritage and her parents’ journey. Her writing revolves around themes of identity, belonging, and the celebration of strong female characters, both in narrative and real life.
She’s not normal by Koraly Dimitriadis
Koraly Dimitriadis, a Cypriot-Australian poet, presents an empowering collection of poetry that explores cultural and religious repression, divorce, single parenting, and feminism. Known for her poetry books like Just Give Me The Pills and Love and F–k Poems, Dimitriadis has been recognized for her work, with her digital poem ‘Mediterranean Madness’ shortlisted for various prestigious festivals. She has toured her poetry internationally across Europe and the USA.
Jack Linou: The Art of an Outsider by Christos Linou
Christos Linou pays homage to his late brother Jack in this book, detailing Jack’s journey through struggles with drug use, living with HIV/AIDS, and depression. Highlighting Jack’s remarkable artwork, the book incorporates short stories and theoretical inquiries into art and addiction. Christos Linou, a cross-disciplinary artist with extensive experience in dance, choreography, and filmmaking, expands his artistic domain into the realm of publishing with this publication.
Her Voice: Greek Women and their Friends by Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou
Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou, an educator, community leader, and accomplished author, presents “Her Voice,” a collection of personal reflections from Greek women and non-Greek women of diverse backgrounds. Through these narratives, the book celebrates resilience, endurance, and courage, fostering a dialogue and sisterhood among women from varied walks of life and cultures.
Metamorphosis by Stavros Messinis
Stavros Messinis fearlessly experiments with various techniques, including boiling water film development and the re-photographing of burned selfies taken across Europe, Asia, and Australia. Metamorphosis an experimental photographic journey that delves deep into the intricacies of multiculturalism, identity transformation, and assimilation in an increasingly globalised context.
This visually stunning collection is a work of art, it is a limited edition of 30 numbered and signed copies, all handcrafted and inkjet printed on specialty papers.
