The powerful and stylistically brilliant saga of a family by one of contemporary Greece's literary masters

 

Zyranna Zateli's ambitious multigenerational saga is the story of Christoforos--husband to Petroula, Eftha, and finally Persa; of his promiscuous son Hesychios and the many children left behind following the untimely demise of so many would-be daughters-in-law; and of the sisters, brothers, children, and grandchildren who inhabit a household and a history expanding to near-bursting.

 

Rich in symbolism and magical realism, this complex and wondrous story unfolds in ten interrelated "tales" in David Connolly's magnificent translation. Unique in structure, style, and narrative voice, Zateli's novel, considered her masterpiece, is an ingenious combination of classical mythology, ethnic folklore, and historical events. It is a touchstone of contemporary Greek literature, awarded the Greek State Prize for Best Novel in 1994, and is an essential introduction to this celebrated author.