Looking for the perfect holiday gift? There’s nothing more timeless or thoughtful than a book. At Neos Kosmos, we proudly showcase Greek writers and books inspired by Greek themes, offering a rich selection that’s perfect for this festive season.
Our handpicked holiday reading list includes something for everyone.
Experience the poignant reflections of ‘John Berger and Me’ by Nikos Papastergiadis or the compelling poetry of survival in Luke Icarus Simon’s ‘Swimming in Words’.
History buffs will be captivated by ‘Olympia: The Birth of the Games’ by John A. Martino and Jim Claven’s masterful ‘From Imbros Over the Sea: Imbros & Gallipoli Revealed’.
For those seeking bold storytelling, Koraly Dimitriadis’ ‘The Mother Must Die’ delivers raw, unflinching prose, while Sally Smith’s ‘Unpacking for Greece’ offers a heartfelt journey of self-discovery.
These books aren’t just stories—they’re experiences.
John Berger and Me – Nikos Papastergiadis (Biography/Social)
One of Australia’s leading intellectuals Nikos Papastergiadis has written an important book which looks at cultural politics of the arts, and his relationship with the late-John Berger, one of the 20th Century’s great thinkers. The parallels Papastergiadis draws between his own experiences of migration and that of Berger in this book are beautifully portrayed and deeply insightful. The stories the book tells of the richness and challenges of migrant experiences are seldom found in books of non-fiction.
Εικονοκλάσματα – Dean Kalimniou (Social/Philosophy)
Our own Neos Kosmos regular, polymath, author, poet and lawyer Melbourne’s Greek community, lawyer published ‘Εικονοκλάσματα’ – a ground-breaking path in poetic discourse, Kalymnios gathers in this volume his most characteristic prose, the fruit of a deep and complex relationship with the Greek language. The short stories, the iconoclasmata as he describes them, push his narrative talent further than ever before.
Matia – Emily Tsokos Purtill
In her debut novel, Emily Tsokos Purtill weaves a captivating tale of four women spanning continents and generations, bound by the legacies of their Greek ancestry and the enduring symbol of the ‘mati’. A blue bead resembling an eye, often worn on a necklace or bracelet, in Greek and Middle Eastern cultures, is mean to ward off the evil eye.
Tsokos Purtill’s debut novel, MATIA (meaning “eyes” in Greek), explores the lives of four generations of women as they adapt to new countries while holding on to their heritage.
Unpacking for Greece – Sally Smith
Smith’s journey to Greece began with her mother’s 1978 travel diary in her pocket, seeking to rekindle the wanderlust lost after a devastating overseas road accident. As she ventures into the heart of the Mediterranean – wandering volatile landscapes, exploring historical sites, pairing books with places and savouring the tastes of Greece – she finds it is possible for a clumsy, out-of-shape woman on a budget to experience a life-changing journey.
In a story told with warmth, humour and a fascination with Greece’s natural and cultural heritage, Sally connects with her past, overcomes her fears and falls in love with life again, one olive at a time.
My Mediterranean Life Sarah Di Lorenzo (Cooking)
Sarah Di Lorenzo opens on her pappou’s influence on her cooking. Featuring over 200 recipes and family stories, the clinical nutritionist’s latest work reflects the profound influence of her Greek upbringing on her culinary journey. Di Lorenzo has unloaded a treasure trove of recipes that celebrate her Hellenic background in her latest cookbook My Mediterranean Life, delving deep into the influence her heritage and upbringing had on her cooking.
The Mother Must Die – Koraly Dimitriadis (Fiction)
Poet, writer, and performer Koraly Dimitriadis released, The Mother Must Die, a powerful short story collection. The book, offers a raw and compelling look at themes of motherhood, identity, and rebellion, further cementing Dimitriadis’ reputation as an unflinching voice in Australian literature.
We Could Be Something – Will Kostakis (Young Adult Fiction)
We Could Be Something by Kostakis won the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards for young adult fiction. The novel follows two 17-year-old Greek Australians, Harvey, an aspiring dropout whose fathers are getting divorced, and Sotiris, an overachiever who has just released his first novel, with the pair’s stories intersecting on a street in Darlinghurst.
Art on the Wall – Eirini Alligiannis (Street Art/Pop)
Eirini Alligiannis’ photography book Art on the Wall is a visual narrative of graffiti art in NYC. The Sydneysider, filmmaker and photographer melds storytelling with deep visual insight, and her work has been presented in exhibitions across Sydney, New York City, and Paris. Her work has even illuminated the towering billboards of Times Square.
Swimming In Words – Luke Icarus Simon (Poetry)
Greek Cypriot Australian writer Luke Icarus Simon latest work is Swimming in Words a 4,000-word prose poem reflecting on many personal elements among which being his heritage and surviving Stage 4 cancer. He explores the human condition, how we relate to family and partners and the shaping of our identity through the shifting currents of love, friendship, and grave illness.
Young Conquerors – Christopher Cosmos (Young Adult Fiction)
Christopher Cosmos, a Greek American author, delves into Alexander the Great’s early years through the eyes of his closest companion, Hephaestion. Cosmos’ novel follows the pair from their early years together and explores Alexander the Great’s journey from an undersized, middle-child of a northern Greek kingdom to the legendary conqueror he came to be.
Olympia: The Birth of the Games (illustrated )- John A. Martino (History/Narrative)
The new Illustrated edition of Olympia: The Birth of the Games is the brainchild of Dr. Michael O’Kane is a published academic and Dr. John A. Martino is a disabled veteran, honourably discharged from the Australian Defence Force.
The book melds history, legend and myth from ancient Greece, that traces the birth of the Olympic Games. It is an expansive story across the Mediterranean, where kingdoms strive for dominance. The illustrations are superb, and this is ideal for young and older readers.
From Imbros Over the Sea: Imbros & Gallipoli Revealed – Jim Claven (History)
Jim Claven the historian has unearthed the impact of Greece in the ANZAC Gallipoli campaign and significant role the island of Imbros played in the Gallipoli campaign (1915-16) at a time when Greece was neutral. Imbros hosted hundreds of ships and thousands of Allied soldiers/sailors including many Australians. The book comprises important photographs relating to the Imbros-Gallipoli story, a reminder that until 1923 (technically), this was a Greek island.
The Embodiment of a Distant Homeland (English) – Georgia (Juliana) Charpantidou (History)
The 2024 English translation of Georgia (Juliana) Charpantidou’s historical account of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) is a must have for all Greek Australians. It is a thoroughly and detailed account of the establishment of the GCM.
