Yorgos Pratanos

Germany 1957 and the writer Nikos Kazantzakis is dying in self-imposed exile , beside him his second wife and constant companion Helen dreads what is to come. Loved and lauded throughout the world save in his own home of Greece she is only too aware of the problems that will confront her in her quest to fulfil his wish to be buried in Crete.

Pratanos has undertaken some very detailed research to compile this story of Kazantzakis's life and final journey which is told through Helen's memories and the researches of a young Greek reporter.

The aftermath of his death and his final journey back to Crete form the spine of the present tense narrative throwing shame on the Greek government, the Greek Orthodox church and the machinations of para-religious groups that mirror the shameful treatment they subjected him to in his long and illustrious life.

I was surprised to find this a real page turner and a source of fascinating facts. I would often find myself spending hours researching incidents and relationships that the text threw my way and was genuinely sad to reach the end. At root though, it is a warm and generous homage to one of the truly great modern Greek novelists and philosophers who managed to live a life marked by integrity, generosity and adventure and as a Brit living in Crete I am indebted to Pratanos. By the way the Cretan people and even the Cretan church come out of the whole farrago well.

I have read that Pratanos is very pleased with the translation and although I have some misgivings myself the finished text is eminently readable and enjoyable.… (altro)