Ithaca and the latest on Greek books
Ithaca, a bimonthly magazine produced by the National Book Center (EKEBI), suffered a heavy blow last year through the sudden death of one of its editors, Heracles Papalexis. The November-December issue of Ithaca pays tribute to Papalexis, a journalist who promoted books and writing through his work on various magazines, television programs and newspapers. He was also instrumental in establishing the influential Diavazo literary prizes. Though this issue is understandably slimmer than usual, it still offers plenty to read. In the Personalities section, Philippos Philippou introduces Yiannis Maris, the pioneer of detective fiction. A special feature covers the life and work of Alki Zei, a Greek writer who has managed to appeal to readers of all ages at home and abroad. Angeliki Spyropoulou looks at personal and collective identity in the work of Jeffrey Eugenides and Panos Karnezis; Dimitra Kolliakou presents her Jerusalem; and an array of contributors review new titles in fiction, poetry, children’s literature and gastronomy.
