10 Greek books everyone should read and whether it’s poetry or a novel, Greek literature has created a wealth of fascinating content while also provides a source of inspiration for a wide range of readers. An excellent Greek book is definitely what you need as a source of inspiration since reading literature unlock your creativity. So, whether you are familiar with studying the Greek language or you are just taking your first steps to a new linguistic journey, the list below is everything you need to start with!
Sounds great? Let’s start right now!
Reading Greek Books
Reading Greek books is a great way to improve your Greek vocabulary and fluency. There are many different Greek books available, so you can find the right one for your needs. Some Greek books are designed to help you learn vocabulary and grammar, while others are written specifically for reading practice. Whichever book you choose, be sure to regularly practice reading it aloud to improve your fluency.
Reading Greek books can also help you learn about the history and culture of Greece. You’ll learn about famous Greeks and the myths and legends that are associated with them and many more.
1. Askitiki – The Saviors of God – Nikos Kazantzakis
This book became famous for many reasons, but mainly for the phrase “I hope for nothing, I am not afraid of anything, I am free”. It is a philosophical text with obvious influences from texts by Nietzsche and Hegel and according to which humanity lies in the personal discovery of God within us. It is one of the most engaging Greek books you will ever read.
2.The Great Chimera – M. Karagatsis
A novel that deals with female psychology, that of Marina, a woman who falls in love, gets married and moves to Syros, a Greek island, where she lives with her husband and her mother-in-law. There, her tumultuous relationship with her mother-in-law, married life, and all that it entails, her daughter and her mysterious relationship with Minas, her husband’s brother, open up paths of emotions and desires she never knew she had.
3. Farewell Anatolia – Dido Sotiriou
An emblematic work of modern Greek literature that revolves around the life of the Greeks of Asia Minor and specifically Manolis Axiotis, who lived through the Asia Minor Catastrophe and its consequences.
4. A Child Counting the Stars – Menelaos Lountemis
The story of an orphan boy’s growth, who is called upon to survive in a world of injustice and justice, evil and goodness, rivalry, and friendship, in one of Menelaus Loudemis’ most important works. His only guiding star is his unquenchable love of knowledge and one of the most insightful Greek books.
5. Drifting cities – Stratis Tsirkas
Through a series of three books, Stratis Tsirkas, with the special and delirious discourse that characterized him, tells us about the period of the anti-fascist struggle in Greece in the Middle East in three different cities: in Jerusalem (“The Club”), Cairo (“Ariagne”) and Alexandria (“The Bat”).
6. Kassandra and the Wolf – Margarita Karapanou
One of the rarest and most enigmatic creations of modern Greek literature, describing the childhood of four-year-old Cassandra, through the mysterious and nervous writing of Margarita Karapanou.
7. Stella with the red gloves – Iakovos Kambanellis
One of the most important theatre plays by Iakovos Campanellis set in post-war Greece. In the book we meet Stella, a singer in a nightclub. There she meets Miltos, an acquaintance that changes her life, redefining the limits of her freedom.
8. The Flaw – Antonis Samarakis
Perhaps Antonis Samarakis’ best-known novel with Orwellian and Kafkaesque overtones, dealing with the theme of humanity and how it takes root even through an unexpected mistake.
9. The Book of Katerina – Auguste Corteau
A best-seller book by the author Auguste Corteau, which deals with the issues of mental disorder through the story of Katerina with a sensitivity that captivates and liberates. A unique and modern approach to mental health issues.
10. Smile, what are they asking you for? – Chronis Missios
A text – a monologue from the almost automatic writing of Chronis Missios, who, in recounting his experience of the occupation and the torture he endured, glorifies life as a miracle and invites readers to face it as such.
Conclusion
These 10 gems of Greek literature, both classic and contemporary, so that through your journey in the Greek language, you can immerse yourself in Greek culture at the same time! If you have any questions on this subject, you may always get in touch with me and ask me whatever you need to know.
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